Mr. Thrifty lives in an area where there is a Tom Thumb within a couple of blocks of his house.  While Tom Thumb is not the cheapest grocery store out there, sometimes Mr. Thrifty shops there because it is handy.  In order to make their high prices palatable, Tom Thumb has started a “Remarkable Card” program where you get discounts on items if you join their free club.  In exchange, they get your personal information and are able to track exactly what you buy every time you check out.  Again they sell that information to other companies that may want to send junk mail to you. 

However, Tom Thumb also has a program where they give you .5 or a frequent flyer mile for every $1 you spend on groceries.  This is where fear vs. greed comes into play: Mr. Thrifty likes frequent flyer miles but does NOT like junk mail.  Right now greed for miles is winning over junk mail for Mr. Thrifty.  However it is up for you to decide.  If you want as little junk mail as possible, don’t use the savings club cards.  If you want miles then it may be worth a little junk mail.