How do you????
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How do you????
| Wed, 01-04-2006 - 12:07am |
I'm on a roll with questions tonite!!!
How do you budget a Costco trip into the month? I can not get out of that store without spending $300---every 2 weeks. That is just for big things. I like to buy in bulk. I consider things like laundry soap/softener, T.P., and paper towels---"staple " item. I can not run out of those things!! It is always an inconsistent amount of money spent at Costco. Some times--it's only eggs, milk, cheese, fruit (and then of course--some toy or book that the kids are nagging me to get!!) Should I not go to Costco to buy those "little" things? Those items are so expensive at the grocery store. But then...it also costs me money to drive to Costco---20 miles away.
What do you guys do?
Holly

If you go to Costco every 2 weeks for $300 each trip, then your budget should definitely include $600/month for Costco runs.
All my best,
Danni
We don't have a Costco, but we do have a BJ's Wholesale Club. I love it for things like new tires for the car, and definitely for cheap gas, but I rarely shop there for food unless it's for something I need in bulk that will last in our big freezer. I buy large packs of bacon there because my husband actually thinks this is a good even snack (yes, I know, his poor arteries must be choking....), and I get boxes of my Vegan Boca Burgers there because I know it's cheaper than the grocery store. For all other items, I've found I can catch a sale with a coupon at my normal grocery store than buying it at BJ's. My son loves the children's books there also, and I used to buy my husband his paperbacks there, but then I got to thinking that my son lost interest in the new book after a few weeks....and the library allows me to check out books for three weeks for free. So now I just get our books at the library. No more purchasing of books. The grandparents buy our son books at Christmas time to add to his at-home library, but other than that, it's always borrowed books now.
Maybe watch your sales and see if you can get better prices buying at your local store. If you have a Super Walmart, try there. They are usually good on prices. :-D
Pat :-D
Hello,
It sounds like you need to plan what you'll buy ahead of time. I had a Sam's membership for a year. I found that if I went in without a list or shopped with my husband, we would always overspend. I also kept a list of prices. You can carry a small notepad with you and note the price per ounce for your "staples". This will help you determine whether you are getting a better deal at Costco or at the grocery store. If you can, have someone watch your children while you shop. When shopping alone, you won't have to deal with someone else's "impulse buys". If I shop alone, I spend less. If my husband shops alone, he spends less. If we shop together, we spend more!
Sincerely,
Lindsey Schocke
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Sincerely,
Lindsey Schocke
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