Clear Internet history & cache etc - good idea?

I used to never clean those out, but I am now of another opinion. Today’s internet connections are fast enough to produce websites on the fly, so I can no longer see the advantage. I clean out my browser history and cache when I am done for the day. I am more selective with cookies because there are a couple of financial sites which require all sorts of verifications if the cookie gets deleted. So, I clean out my cookies manually about once a week as it is nobody's business if I’ve been to their site before or not just so they can plaster “personalized” all over the page. I find that my browser is much snappier when it is unencumbered by thousands of remembered settings.

If it ain't broke don't fix it.

I never would suggest this unless you are having issues.

Cache and cookies are to make your browser more efficient.

Related articles from Apple Support

https://support.apple.com/guide/safari/clear-your-browsing-history-sfri47acf5d6/mac

https://support.apple.com/guide/safari/manage-cookies-and-website-data-sfri11471/mac

Empty Caches: https://support.apple.com/guide/safari/use-the-developer-tools-in-the-develop-menu-sfri20948/mac

I'm also of the 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it' frame of mind.

Every time that I launch Safari 12.1, I press the shift-key, and then Clear all history, cookies, and cache (with the keyboard shortcut). I take this approach, because attempting to Clear history when still on a website, will not clear its set cookie.

This is just muscle memory, like a 24 character password, it becomes routine and always ensures that I start with a clean browsing experience.

I also do this immediately before and after any online banking activity.