I’m not affiliated with Costco, I just LOVE shopping there. We’ve been members of lots of wholesale stores, and it’s by far my favorite. (Anyone else as obsessed with the Kirkland brand as me?) You have to be careful, though. Shopping wholesale can lead to over-buying and under-using. Statistically, the average family of four wastes about $1,500 a year in UN-used food. (Today.com) So, to actually save at Costco, here’s what we do to maximize our dollar and making sure we always come out ahead.
*COSTCO POWER-SAVER TIPS*
- Shop 1x a month— I find weekly trips lead to over-buying. I shop primarily at our grocery store, and I do a stock-up of the items below when we are running low, because they are rock bottom prices.
- Split big purchases! Find a friend that needs toilet paper or paper towels, too and split up your purchase. You both win in then end.
- Have a deep freezer for extra storage. You can freeze ANYTHING! No lie.
- CLICK HERE TO SEE HOW TO FREEZE EVERYTHING (AND HOW TO DO IT)!
- Use a freezer inventory. Forget not knowing what is in your freezer. This leads to food waste.
- Print my FREEZER INVENTORY FREE PRINTABLE, laminate (or just put in a sheet protector) and attach to your freezer. Know what is coming in and out, what you should be eating first, and never let food go to waste again.
- Shop with a plan. Use the mailer. Create a list. Don’t be distracted by things you don’t need! Like those giant teddy bears? Yeah. Steer clear of JUNK!
- BEST PRICES:
- Meats (VERY well-priced, lots of gourmet selection, too!)
- Dried fruit
- Nuts
- Olive oil
- Milk
- Sheet Cake
- Organic Foods (frozen and fresh)
- Vitamins
- Bread
- Ready-made appetizers
- Spices
- USE IBOTTA to save additionally on top of what you are already buying when you find a good deal (cash out with PayPal and gift cards)
- Price Match everything! Especially housewares and big ticket items. Seriously. There are a million and one apps you can download to do this!
- HOW TO READ THE SIGNS AT COSTCO:
- .99 REGULAR PRICE
- .97 REDUCED
- .88 OR .00 STORE MARKDOWN
- AN * MEANS THIS ITEM IS BEING DISCONTINUED
- Printer ink is the best DEAL EVER! You can fill up a cartridge for under $8. This is awesome!
- Big home purchases. We have had great luck with…
- sheets
- storage/organizing solutions
- outdoor toys and playsets
- clothes
- THINGS TO SKIP:
- Canned goods
- Sauces / pasta
- Boxed goods (in general, unless there is a rebate on select items)
- Feminine Products
- Personal Hygiene
- razors, body wash, etc.
FREE PRINTABLES AND RESOURCES IN THIS VIDEO:
- DOWNLOAD IBOTTA FOR CASH BACK (IT’S FREE!)
- FREEZE EVERYTHING (AND HOW TO DO IT)
- FREEZER INVENTORY FREE PRINTABLE
*YouTube has been such a blessing, and I am fortunate to get to work with many brands that I love and use daily! I have been using Ibotta since 2013 and have saved hundreds using this app. Thanks to Ibotta for sponsoring this video. I am not affiliated with Costco. As always, all opinions are 100% my own.*
This information is a little dated, but PBS Newshour found that Costco also has the best prices on prescription drugs.
http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/health-july-dec13-costlygenrics_11-02/
I love the Kirkland brand!! Especially the plastic wrap!