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.
Getting the most bang for your buck is a skill that many of us take pride in. With so much on offer at bargain prices, Costco definitely knows how to deliver — and there’s no shortage of items you can pick up for less than $10. Whether you’re looking to stock up on everyday essentials or need something special, we’ve rounded up seven incredible purchases that won’t break the bank.1. Heinz Tomato Ketchup, 44 oz., 3-count — $9.59 after $2.40 offHeinz Tomato Ketchup has become a staple in households all over the world. Not only is it a tasty accompaniment to fries, burgers, and hot dogs, but it is also versatile enough to be used in a variety of recipes. In comparison, Walmart is selling the same three-count pack at $11.96, almost 25% more than Costco’s price.2. WildRoot’s Coastal Berry Trail Mix, 26 oz. — $9.79 after $3.20 offThis trail mix is the perfect snack for any outdoor adventurer or health-conscious individual. Made with a blend of tasty nuts, sweet dried berries, and wholesome seeds, this 26-ounce bag of trail mix provides a satisfying combination of flavor and nutrition. Plus, it’s free of preservatives and added sugars, making it a healthy snack option you can feel good about. Other retailers sell the same bag for $14.99.3. Nutty & Fruity Chili Mango, 30 oz. — $7.99 after $2 offNutty & Fruity Chili Mango is a perfect blend of spicy and sweet flavors that bring a unique twist to your taste buds. The nutty and fruity flavors perfectly complement the mango’s tangy sweetness, making it an ideal snack for any occasion. Plus, it’s a healthier alternative to processed snacks. Other retailers sell the same 30 oz. bag for $13.99, about 75% higher.4. Skippy Creamy Peanut Butter Squeeze Packets, 1.15 oz., 32-count — $9.99Skippy Creamy Peanut Butter Squeeze Packets are a convenient and practical way to take your favorite spread on the go. Whether you’re packing a lunch for work or school, planning a hike, or simply need a quick snack, with these innovative squeeze packets, you won’t have to deal with the hassle of carrying around bulky jars or spreading utensils. Other retailers sell the same 32-count box for $13.99, about 40% higher.5. Planters Dry Roasted Peanuts, 52 oz. — $6.59 after $1.90 offFor those seeking a snack that is both delicious and nutritious, these peanuts are roasted to perfection, providing just the right amount of crunch and flavor. Not only are they tasty, but they also offer several health benefits. Sam’s Club sells the same product for $8.58, about 30% higher.6. Costco food court and rotisserie chickenThe Costco food court is a haven for budget-friendly meals that will keep you satisfied and energized. From its famous $1.50 hot dog combo — which includes a 20 oz. drink — to its hand-tossed pizza slices, these treats are sure to curb your hunger without draining your wallet.You also can’t go wrong with Costco’s rotisserie chickens. These chickens are sold at a heavy discount. The price has stayed the same at $4.99 since 2009! Why are the prices for both the chicken and food court so low? It is all about customer satisfaction. The store has refused to raise prices on this staple item and other products, preferring to entice shoppers through low prices and value offerings.7. ClothesWhen people think of Costco, usually clothes aren’t the first thing that comes to mind. Costco actually has some great finds for all members of the family. Here are some great deals on high-quality clothing items for men, women, and kids, all for under $10.Anne Klein Ladies’ Ponte Pant $9.99 after $8 offVigoss Youth Short $9.99 after $2 offGerry Men’s Swim Trunk $9.99 after $7 offLucky Brand Ladies’ Flutter Sleeve Top $9.99 after $5 offPacific Trail Men’s Long Sleeve Woven Shirt $9.99 after $11 offMembers-only savings bookletIn addition to its already low prices, Costco sends out a monthly members-only savings book offering great deals available online and in store. You can find even more great deals under $10.Costco members can save even more using the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi, which allows cardholders to earn Costco cash rewards. Cardholders can earn:4% on eligible gas and EV charging for the first $7,000 in charges per year (1% thereafter)3% on restaurants and eligible travel2% on purchases from Costco and Costco.com1% on all other purchasesThis credit card also doubles as a Costco membership card.Saving money while shopping can be a challenge, especially when you’re looking for quality products. That’s why it’s so great to shop at Costco, with its wide range of items that are all available for less than $10. From healthy snacks to clothes and delicious food court treats, Costco sells plenty of items that allow you to keep more cash in your savings account.
By: Maurie Backman |
Updated
– First published on June 8, 2023
Shopping at Costco is a great way to save money on everything from groceries to apparel to household products. And if you upgrade to an executive membership at Costco, you may find you’re able to save even more.A Costco executive membership costs $120 a year, which is double the cost of a basic membership. In exchange, you get 2% cash back at Costco, which is a pretty sweet deal. In fact, your cash back could be enough to pay for your upgraded membership and then some.But if you’re thinking about upgrading your membership at Costco, it’s important to know how the program works. Here are a few things you may not have known about a Costco executive membership.1. You’re limited to a $1,000 reward each yearIf you shop at Costco frequently enough, you might manage to rack up a lot of cash back from your executive membership. But you should know that once you’ve accumulated $1,000 via executive membership cash back, you’re done for the year.That said, to even get to the point of being eligible for a $1,000 cash back reward from your executive membership, you’d need to spend $50,000 a year at Costco. That’s probably way more than you can imagine yourself spending, even if you have a year when you use Costco to do things like book travel and update your furniture.2. Online purchases countAlthough Costco carries an impressive selection of inventory in its warehouse club stores, you might find even more items to choose from online. The good news is that online purchases are generally eligible for 2% back if you have an executive membership, so don’t be concerned that those orders won’t count.3. Car purchases aren’t eligible for cash backIn some cases, it could pay to purchase your next vehicle via Costco. But unfortunately, your car purchase will not be eligible for the cash back rewards that are part of an executive membership. (If they were, then hitting that $1,000 limit would probably be easier.) However, there are still many perks to buying a car through Costco, such as saving money on your purchase price, so it pays to see what models are available through this program.Should you get a Costco executive membership?A Costco executive membership certainly isn’t right for everyone. If you don’t do a lot of shopping at Costco, then it may not be worth it to pay the extra $60 a year. But either way, read up on how the upgraded membership works and the benefits it offers before making your decision.Remember, too, that Costco wants you to be happy with your executive membership. If you do the upgrade and find that it isn’t worth it, you can always downgrade your membership to a basic one and ask for a refund. It’s not as though you’re stuck with the costlier membership once you decide to make that upgrade, so it’s really a pretty risk-free proposition if you want to give it a try.
By: Christy Bieber |
Updated
– First published on June 8, 2023
Costco is well known for its affordable grocery and personal care products, as well as for good prices on household items. The warehouse club offers great deals that let you spend less on your credit cards, as well as many Kirkland brand products you can’t find elsewhere.But there are some other Costco benefits you may not be aware of that could help you keep more money in your checking account, too. Here are eight of them to look into.1. Cheap drugs for yourself and your petsCostco’s pharmacy offers great deals on human medications, with some drugs coming in as much as 40% cheaper at Costco than at other pharmacies. But it’s not just human drugs you can save on.Costco also offers a wide variety of pet medications, including heartworm and flea preventives as well as more specialized meds. When my dog was on heart medication, I was consistently able to pay less than half of what the vet would have charged by buying the drugs at Costco.2. Affordable hearing aidsCostco offers several models of prescription hearing aids, with prices starting as low as $1,599. With the average price of a hearing aid coming in at around $2,000 or higher, this can be a pretty significant savings.You can even get your hearing test done right at Costco as well, and enjoy free remote follow-up services from home.3. Low-cost eyeglasses and contactsCostco also provides both contact lenses and eyeglasses at discount prices for members, including specialty products like prescription sunglasses and high-definition, high-index lenses. Costco Optical accepts vision insurance, and surveys have shown Costco’s prices on glasses are around 54% cheaper than other retail chains.4. Gas that comes at a great cost and cleans your engineCostco’s Kirkland Signature Gasoline is advertised as having five times the detergent the EPA requires and, according to Costco, it’s “formulated to clean your engine and help your vehicle run like new.”Research has also shown Costco gas prices are significantly cheaper than what most competitors offer — sometimes, as much as $0.30 less per gallon. Being able to get high-quality gas for less money is a major win.5. Cheaper insuranceSurprisingly, it’s possible to buy both home and auto insurance through Costco. Policies come from CONNECT, which is powered by American Family Insurance. Costco members who switched their coverage reported they saved close to $600 on premiums in their first year after taking advantage of this Costco perk.6. Shutterfly discountsIf you’re interested in buying photo prints or products created with your photos, you’ll be excited to discover the Costco Shutterfly partnership. Through this partnership, Costco members save 51% off Shutterfly’s regular price and qualify for free shipping for any orders of $49 or more. You’ll just have to add your Costco membership number to your Shutterfly account to get these price breaks.7. Cars at lower pricesWhile you may not necessarily think of Costo as the first place to buy a car, the warehouse club’s auto program can actually save you quite a lot on both new and pre-owned vehicles.Costco works with pre-approved dealers through its Costco Auto Program so members can get special pre-arranged pricing at more than 3,000 dealerships nationwide. Members-only incentives are also available on some vehicles, such as a current deal providing between $1,000 and $2,500 off certain Volvo vehicles.8. Discounts on home improvement installationsFinally, Costco works with a partner network of trusted service professionals who can install various products, ranging from carpet to HVAC systems to countertops.When you work with a service professional you find through Costco, you’ll often get special incentives to help bring the price down. For example, if you have certain hardwood, carpet, or laminate flooring installed now, you can qualify for a 10% Costco Shop Card.These eight perks can all help you save money on various purchases you may need to make. If you’re passing them up, you’re missing out.
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