By: Brittney Myers |
Updated
– First published on May 27, 2023
In my house, we’re always looking for ways to save money on groceries without sacrificing the quality of our meals. So for us, one of the main personal finance appeals of Costco is the ability to get quality store-brand items at a good price.At the same time, Costco’s deals are only deals if they’re for things we can use up before it goes bad. Here are some of the best deals under $20 worth picking up on your next Costco grocery run.1. Kirkland Signature butter: $10.99 to $11.99Whether you’re smearing it on bread or adding it to baked goods, the quality of your butter can make a big difference. Costco offers several varieties of Kirkland Signature butter, including organic and grass-fed options:Grass fed: $10.99 for four 8 oz. packagesSalted butter quarters: $11.79 for four 1 lb. packagesUnsalted butter quarters: $11.79 for four 1 lb. packagesOrganic salted butter quarters: $11.99 for two 1 lb. packages2. Kirkland Signature Colombian Supremo coffee: $19.99A lot of coffee drinkers would rather pay more than drink bad coffee. Thankfully, the Costco house brand is known for its quality products — coffee included. A 3-pound package of the popular Colombian Supremo comes in just under $20. If you assume an average of 30 cups of coffee per pound, then you’re looking at 90 cups of coffee per package at about $0.22 per cup. Compare that to, say, a $3 cup at a coffee shop — or even a $1 cup at a fast food joint — and you can add a few hundred bucks a year to your bank account.3. Kirkland Signature sharp cheddar cheese: $16.99In my family, cheese goes on just about everything, so we go through it at a good clip. Costco’s Kirkland Signature shredded sharp cheddar cheese comes in 2.5-pound bags, and you can get two of them for $16.99. That’ll get you through a lot of taco nights.4. Kirkland Signature frozen chicken tenderloins: $17.99Boneless, skinless chicken tenders are a great choice for all kinds of dishes, from battered and fried to grilled and chucked in a salad. A 6-pound bag of Kirkland Signature frozen chicken tenders will cost you just $17.99, or around $3 a pound. They can even be cooked from frozen, with no need to thaw.5. Kirkland Signature plant-based milks: $8.59 to $16.89Despite the “controversy” about the milk moniker, plant-based milks are more popular than ever. Costco’s Kirkland Signature line has a few different kinds, all at a pretty good price:Vanilla Soy: $16.89 for twelve 32 oz. cartonsOrganic oat: $11.99 for six 32 oz. cartonsUnsweetened almond: $12.99 for twelve 32 oz. cartonsOrganic unsweetened vanilla almond: $8.59 for six 32 oz. cartons6. Kirkland Signature organic maple syrup: $12.99Real maple syrup kicks that synthetic stuff’s rear end. But it’s a lot more expensive at the regular grocery store. Costco’s Kirkland Signature organic 100% Pure Grade A Amber Rich maple syrup can be found for just $12.99 per liter in store. While you’ll probably want to put this stuff on everything, you don’t have to hurry to get through it. Properly stored, maple syrup has a more or less indefinite shelf life.7. Kirkland Signature honey: $15.99 to $16.99 Few things compare to quality honey on your biscuits or in your tea. The specific types of honey in your local club may vary, but in general, you can find:Kirkland Signature Wild Flower Honey: $16.99 for one 5 lb. containerKirkland Signature organic raw honey: $15.99 for three 24 oz. bear-shaped containersEven if you don’t go through honey very quickly, it’s worth a buy from Costco. It essentially never goes bad (when stored properly), so your honey will keep as long as it takes.Don’t forget your rewards cardWhile Costco is already full of deals, you can boost your savings by making sure to grab your favorite rewards credit card. Just don’t forget that Costco only accepts Visa credit cards!Writer’s Note: These prices were accurate for my local club at the time of writing, but prices may vary depending on your region or time of year. Some of these items may be available online for delivery, but Costco charges a significant upcharge — on top of the delivery fee — for online orders, so those prices will be much higher.
By: Natasha Etzel |
Updated
– First published on May 27, 2023
For some households, investing in a Costco membership is worthwhile. The famous warehouse club sells most of its grocery and household items in bulk, which can result in significant savings for shoppers on a budget. If you’ve never shopped at Costco, you may be surprised at the variety of available products. Some items sold here aren’t sold at other retailers, so make sure you don’t miss out on these winning finds at your local Costco club.1. $1.50 hot dog and soda comboIs there anything better than a satisfying snack after a busy afternoon filling your shopping cart? Costco is well-known for its affordable food court finds. One popular treat that makes for an easy and cheap lunch is Costco’s $1.50 hot dog and soda combo. You won’t find a deal this good at your local grocery store, but you can enjoy this cheap lunch at your local Costco.2. Kirkland Signature organic extra virgin olive oilWhile you can find olive oil at most grocery stores, not all olive oil available is high-quality or sold at a price that won’t drain your checking account. But Costco’s Kirkland Signature organic extra virgin olive oil is a favorite among Costco shoppers. Celebrity chef Samin Nosrat, host of Netflix’s Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat, recommends this essential kitchen staple. You can get a 2-liter bottle at your local Costco for less than $20.3. Pumpkin pieCostco is known for this favorite seasonal find: pumpkin pie. This tasty treat is available in the bakery section beginning in the fall and through the winter holidays. The ready-to-enjoy pie consists of more than three pounds of goodness for $5.99. In a fall 2022 post in the r/Costco subreddit, user ouchmytounge shared a photo of a line going out the door at their local club. The crowd of shoppers were waiting for this fan favorite! You won’t find this exact creation elsewhere, so it’s the perfect item to bring to this year’s Thanksgiving potluck.4. Rotisserie chickenAnother deal that Costco is known for is its rotisserie chicken. The warehouse club sells an entire rotisserie chicken for $4.99. Whether you plan to make chicken salad, shredded chicken tacos, or add the meat to soup for a more hearty, filling meal, this is a great price to pay for an easy meal. Finding a rotisserie chicken this cheap at your local grocery stores will be difficult.5. Kirkland Signature organic pure maple syrupCalling all breakfast lovers! Another Costco favorite you won’t find at other stores is the Kirkland Signature organic pure maple syrup. Whether you’re a fan of brunch, add maple syrup to your morning bowl of oatmeal, or use maple syrup as a sugar substitute, this high-quality, 100% pure maple syrup won’t break your budget. A 33.8-ounce bottle costs less than $15.A warehouse club membership could save you moneyIf you want to reduce your grocery spending, consider investing in a warehouse club membership. Joining a club like Costco may help you stay on budget as you shop. Plus, you can try some of the finds mentioned above. Costco membership prices range from $60 to $120 annually. For additional ways to save money, check out our personal finance resources.
By: Brittney Myers |
Updated
– First published on June 4, 2023
We all love the shock and awe of huge discounts, such as when you can save hundreds on living room furniture or get a half-priced gazebo. But it’s not those outsized deals that make warehouse stores like Sam’s Club such a great personal finance choice for so many families.No, that comes down to the solid savings on all our everyday necessities. Because, in the long run, shaving a few bucks off dinner each night will add up to way more money in your bank account than the occasional big score on furniture.With that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the best deals you can find under $10 at your local Sam’s Club.1. Member’s Mark spices: $3.68 to $9.98There are a lot of low-cost ways to improve your home cooking, not the least of which is making sure it’s spiced and seasoned properly. Sam’s Club offers a great range of popular spices, all of which have great reviews online. Prices depend on the particular spice, but they start at just $3.68. While the containers are fairly large, most spices have a shelf life of one to two years so you should have plenty of time to use them up.2. Member’s Mark over-the-counter medicines: $4.48 to $9.87Keeping the medicine cabinet stocked can get pricey, especially if you have family members who regularly go through items like allergy or heartburn medications. You can find Member’s Mark versions of many popular over-the-counter drugs, all for much less than you’d typically spend at the grocery store or drugstore. Prices vary, but start at just $4.48.3. Member’s Mark agave nectar: $7.98 Made from the agave plant, this sweet syrup has become a popular alternative to sugar and honey, especially in the vegan community as it is entirely plant-based. But while its growing popularity has helped it become more affordable, few places offer as good a price as Sam’s Club. Member’s Mark Organic Agave Nectar costs just $7.78 for a two-pack of 29-ounce bottles. While this may seem like a lot, agave nectar can last for years when stored properly.4. Member’s Mark walnuts: $7.98Not only are walnuts considered to have a wide range of health benefits, but they’re darn tasty, too. Of course, getting them out of their tough shells can be a serious workout. You can skip the hassle while also saving money by picking up Member’s Mark Natural Shelled Walnuts. A giant 3-pound bag will run you less than $8 at Sam’s Club.5. Member’s Mark broth: $8.48Alright, so the absolute best broth is always going to be one you make yourself. But who really has time to simmer chicken bones for hours? Sam’s Club offers two different Member’s Mark broths — chicken broth and beef broth — that are well-reviewed for taste and value. Get a 6-pack of 32-ounce cartons of either flavor for just $8.48.6. Member’s Mark loungewear: $8.98 to $9.98Thanks in large part to the work-from-home movement, a lot of folks have switched from business casual to business comfy (and I, for one, am happy for the change). If your new work uniform could use a few new pieces, scope out the deals at Sam’s Club. You can find a ton of different options — from knit pants to slouchy tees — for less than $10, making it easy to refresh your work-from-home wardrobe.7. Member’s Mark canned tomatoes: $9.48Canned tomato products are some of the most versatile items you can have in your pantry. You can use them for everything from a homemade pasta sauce to a hearty chili. And Sam’s Club makes it easy to keep them in stock. For just $9.48, you can get a 12-pack of 14.5-ounce cans of Member’s Mark Diced Tomatoes in Tomato Juice or a 12-pack of 15-ounce cans of Member’s Mark Tomato Sauce.Stack the savings with the right cardOn top of all of the other ways Sam’s Club can help you save, don’t forget to use a good rewards credit card when you shop. Purchase rewards from credit cards stack on top of any other type of deal or discount.
By: Dana George |
Updated
– First published on June 13, 2023
It’s easy to go wild while shopping at Sam’s Club. After all, there are new things to see and buy every time you walk into the warehouse store. And while many purchases are spot-on, some only make sense if you go in with a plan. Here are five things it rarely makes sense to buy at Sam’s Club. 1. Huge containers of anythingIf you’re excited by the idea of purchasing a one-gallon container of mayonnaise, you’re my kind of person. However, it may not be the best idea, particularly if you’re unsure how long it will take to consume a container of mayonnaise as large as a newborn baby.While there are dueling expert opinions on the matter, Dr. Karen Latimer is quoted in EatDelights as saying that a jar of mayonnaise can last for months if left unopened and stored away from sunlight. However, once that jar is opened and refrigerated, you have between two and three months to ensure it’s consumed. And if you accidentally leave it out for eight hours? Prepare to toss it. In short, unless you’re running a school cafeteria, a massive quantity of mayo may not be a good buy. It’s easier to save money on groceries if you’re willing to give up mega-sized products. 2. Fresh produceEvery time I walk into a warehouse store, I rack my brain to figure out who would benefit from purchasing the fresh produce. It’s colorful and looks supremely healthy, but you can’t just pick up two or three tomatoes or apples. So, unless you’re throwing a huge party and need enough avocados to put a bowl of guacamole on every table, or you’re a summer camp director and know the kids will tear through 10 pounds of onions with their burgers, you’ll probably save money by picking up the actual quantity of produce you need at your local farmer’s market or grocery store. Given that an estimated 20% of the food we buy goes to waste, making an extra stop could be worth the money. 3. SunscreenSummer is upon us, and we all know better than to allow our skin to burn in the midday sun. Sunscreen is essential, but unfortunately, it does expire. According to Mayo Clinic, we have 36 months to use sunscreen from the time it’s manufactured. The active ingredients will break down faster if exposed to excessive heat or direct sun. Picking up a three-pack of sunscreen as you browse your local Sam’s Club may seem like you’re saving money.. However, if you still find yourself squeezing sunscreen from one of those bottles three years later, you’re essentially putting lotion on your body and expecting it to protect you from the elements. 4. Vitamins and over-the-counter medicines One of the things that make vitamins and over-the-counter medicines so attractive at Sam’s Club is how much less you have to pay per unit. After all, the less you spend, the more money you’ll have to put away in a savings account, right? It’s not quite that simple.Let’s say you need to pick up Bayer Low Dose Aspirin. At Target, you’ll pay between $0.05 and $0.06 per tablet. But at Sam’s Club, you’ll pay only $0.03 per tablet. In this situation, there’s no doubt that Sam’s offers the best bargain. According to Bayer, aspirin remains 100% effective for up to four years, and you’ll probably use an entire bottle of aspirin in that time. However, it can be tough to determine when other products in the pharmacy department are due to expire. The Food & Drug Administration does not require vitamin manufacturers to put expiration dates on their products. While some manufacturers do so willingly, it’s not something you can count on. For example, if you were to pick up a 400 count bottle of Vitamin C + Zinc 500 mg at Sam’s Club today, you’d pay $0.04 per capsule. Here’s the problem: A Brazilian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences study found that 92% of vitamin C supplements lose efficacy after 12 months of storage. But unless you know that in advance, you don’t know if you’re getting an actual bargain. 5. Diapers and toilet paperGoing out of your way to purchase either diapers or toilet paper at Sam’s Club may cost you more than it’s worth. We all use toilet paper. Retailers know that, so they frequently discount toilet paper to lure shoppers into their stores. Chances are, you’ll score a deeper discount by purchasing TP when it’s on sale at your local market. You can compound the savings by using a coupon. The same is true of diapers. Today, the cost of Member’s Mark Newborn Diapers comes out to $0.16 per diaper. At the same time, Target’s Up & Up Newborn Diapers sell for a little less than $0.14 per diaper. It’s not a huge difference, but the savings add up when you consider how many of those things you go through while a child is young. By determining what constitutes a good buy and which products you want to avoid before walking into a Sam’s Club, you can spend less and keep more in your bank account.
By: Brittney Myers |
Updated
– First published on June 16, 2023
Sure, a lot of what makes warehouse stores, like Sam’s Club, good personal finance choices for many families is the quantity discounts. Everything you buy is huge, so your price-per-unit goes down.But bulk buys aren’t the only way families save — nor are they the only thing behind the dedicated fan bases warehouse stores maintain. No, a good chunk of both of those can also be attributed to a popular, high-quality store brand. For Sam’s Club, that house brand is Member’s Mark. And it offers a huge range of everyday goods and groceries under that brand. In addition to generally being very well-priced, Member’s Mark items tend to be highly rated. Here are some of my favorite picks.1. Member’s Mark spices: $3.68 to $9.98Properly seasoning your foods is a cheap way to make everything you cook taste better. You can find a wide range of common spices under the Member’s Mark label, from salt to cumin to granulated garlic. They’re pretty much all reviewed at 4.5 stars or higher, with lots of remarks on the quality. The containers are modestly sized by Sam’s Club standards, but they’re much larger than those little jars on the spice racks, so stick with seasonings you use the most often to avoid waste.2. Member’s Mark nuts: $4.48 to $25.98 Nuts are nature’s perfect snack, not only packed with vitamins and healthy fats, but also providing that satisfying crunch. The Member’s Mark brand offers a ton of different options, including dry-roasted peanuts, shelled pistachios, and even organic pine nuts (ideal for pesto). Prices obviously vary a ton depending on the kind of nut, and you’ll be buying them in bulk, but there’s potential for good per-nut value.3. Member’s Mark broth: $8.48Broth is one of those pantry staples that I always keep on hand — and in large quantities (because you never need a tablespoon of it, it always seems to be measured in cups). Sam’s Club’s Member’s Mark chicken and beef broths both get 4.8 stars from thousands of reviewers, which speaks well of its quality. It’s also less than $9 for a six-pack of 32-ounce containers, which is a solid value.4. Member’s Mark canned tomatoes: $9.48Tomatoes are one of the most universal ingredients, showing up in all manner of cuisines from around the globe. They also happen to keep very well in cans and make a great bulk-buy choice. The Member’s Mark brand offers both diced tomatoes and tomato sauce, and you can get a 12-pack of cans of either for less than $10.5. Member’s Mark garbage bags: $10.58 to $24.98You interact with your garbage bags all the time, and a bad-quality bag makes all those interactions significantly less pleasant. Member’s Mark makes a variety of trash bags with nearly five-star ratings, from kitchen bags to yard bags to contractor-quality clean-up bags. Prices vary, but the value is good, and one Sam’s Club-sized box of bags will likely last you the better part of a year.6. Member’s Mark coffee: $11.98 to $27.98When coffee lovers get bad coffee, they’ll tell you about it. So when every Member’s Mark-made coffee has at least 4.6 stars — even the instant stuff gets 4.7 stars — then you have to reason it’s a decent brew. You can find a huge array of coffee options, from Kureg-friendly cups to, yes, instant, though arguably the most popular is the Organic Fair Trade Whole Bean coffee, which has well over 1,000 five-star reviews.7. Member’s Mark toilet paper: $22.98 to $25.97For something we buy just to literally flush down the toilet, the quality of your toilet paper is surprisingly important. Member’s Mark’s toilet paper gets a very high rating — 4.8 stars — from more than 10,000 satisfied users. There are large rolls and mega rolls (if you like the convenience of a mega roll, I suggest a roll extender!) in huge packages for just $0.02 per square foot.Stacking deals with rewardsYou can outfit most of your pantry (and fridge, and freezer) with nothing but Member’s Mark products, and you’ll likely be happy with the lot of them if the reviews are to be believed. Even better, the potential value is easy to see. But you can make it even better by making sure you take along your handy-dandy rewards credit card. Choose one with bonus rewards for warehouse stores to really get your savings on.
