Clever Savings Tips for Shopping at Costco: How to Maximize Your Savings in September

Many people join Costco to reduce their grocery bills and save on household items like tissues and cleaning supplies. However, with a strategic approach, you can get even more out of your membership. Here are three tactics you can implement in September to achieve significant savings. The advantage of buying groceries in bulk at Costco is that you can save money per ounce or unit. The disadvantage is that fresh foods might spoil before you consume them all. To avoid this, it is advisable to plan your meals in advance. Determine which recipes you will prepare to decide whether it makes sense to buy a particular item in bulk or if it would be better to purchase smaller quantities at the regular supermarket. Non-perishable foods like grains and oils should also be included in your planning. While these items last longer than fresh foods, they also have an expiration date. Create a cooking plan to ensure that nothing goes to waste. Costco is notoriously a well-frequented store, regardless of the time of day. However, the later you go shopping, the more crowded it becomes. Under stress, you might make poorer shopping decisions as you try to quickly get to the checkout. A better option might be to shop right at the store’s opening. It is often quieter then, and you have the opportunity to think about your purchases calmly. Costco recently increased its membership fees. A Gold Star membership now costs $65 per year, while the Executive membership costs double, at $130 per year. However, the Executive membership offers a significant advantage: 2% cashback on your Costco purchases. While upgrading your membership costs more initially, you could easily recoup these additional costs over the course of the year. To break even on the additional $65 for an Executive membership, you would need to spend $3,250 annually at Costco. However, if you shop at Costco three times a month and spend $150 each time, that amounts to $5,400 per year. 2% of that is $108. Subtracting the $65 for the Executive membership upgrade, you are left with $43. Another lesser-known advantage of the Executive membership is the option to revert to a basic membership if you find it is not worthwhile. Should your cashback amount not reach $65, Costco will refund the difference - a risk-free offer. With the right approach, you can save significantly at Costco this month. Make good use of your purchases, shop early, and consider an Executive membership to benefit from cashback.