Costco

[peggyfromwastate]

We save a lot at Costco-- and we spend a lot too. I save a lot on fruits and vegetables, but we are a large family and so we can eat large amounts of fruit and vegetables.

I've found the prices on some things are not any cheaper at costco, though- like the DVDs.

Usually I buy meat at costco but I think you can get it for as cheap or cheaper on special sales at the store.

We're a Costco family, and we shop there enough that our membership fee is basically free b/c of the *percent back* deal.

[HouseofWool]

Just went tonight (looking at patio sets, but didn't buy).

Did buy:

new socks for dh
coffee (they sell the local brand that I ADORE)
kefir
and a superfluous cheesecake (but that was dh's impulse buy, not mine)

What is superfluous about cheesecake? Doesn't everybody need one?

What is superfluous about cheesecake? Doesn't everybody need one?

Exactly. Please explain.

[alison]

Exactly. Please explain.

Yeah! You've got a little explaining to do!!!

I can't recall a time when my family hasn't had a Costco membership.

Dh and I buy staples there like milk, rice, pasta noodles, Perrier (a staple in our house). We also buy fruit there.

Oh, and I also buy books at Costco. They're much cheaper!

You guys are funny.

[peggyfromwastate]

We just did a Costco run yesterday-- I had all 5 kids with me. I told Kate to watch out for judgmental stares-- it's good entertainment.

We got paper towels, toilet paper, lots of fruit (seriously, fruit is so much cheaper at Costco), some bread (again, cheaper), Sushi (not the greatest, but OK), salmon, salad...

I felt lucky b/c the bill was only $220...

[MDPhDWife]

I felt lucky b/c the bill was only $220...

The last time I had a grocery bill that high I was stocking up to the high heavens and hadn't been shopping for a month!!! I usually make a once a week grocery trip. The other thing about Costco, is I don't have a lot of storage space in my kitchen so buying in bulk presents a problem there. I can't wait until we buy a house that the builder took storage into consideration.

[Vishenka69]

I decided to go for BJ's vs Costco. It's much closer and they have coupons (and take regular ones too). Plus there's a gas station, so if I fill up a whole tank when I go that saves a few bucks too. I've only been there once but I liked the brands they had and plan on sharing some of the large packaging with our parents.

Costco's here have gas stations, too. Great deals on tires as well.

[peggyfromwastate]

The last time I had a grocery bill that high I was stocking up to the high heavens and hadn't been shopping for a month!!! I usually make a once a week grocery trip. The other thing about Costco, is I don't have a lot of storage space in my kitchen so buying in bulk presents a problem there. I can't wait until we buy a house that the builder took storage into consideration.

I know... It's pretty depressing... Every time I go to Costco I have to stock up on something, though. Diapers, TP, deodorant, etc., etc... I don't even splurge on things at Costco and I've been following the advice I read here to avoid the center of the store, and just get essentials!

Pure groceries (food items) usually account for about 1/2 of my bill at Costco. And I try to go there only 2 or 3 times a month. I go to the regular store with the coupons the other times... I stock up on canned foods at the military commissary where it is way cheap. Sigh...

We do get a really good deal on contacts and glasses at Costco. Plus, when Kate first got glasses she broke like 3 pairs in a row. Costco replaced each one for free- even though SHE broke the glasses. That's just their policy!

Ditto the tires. We also get the car batteries there.

[DCJenn]

Peggy-

Have you ever been to the commissary? I know it's a haul but it's SOOO much cheaper and they have a ton of stuff in bulk. (you know, the military family is not a small one, usually!). and at least once a quarter they have truck sales where they bring in tractor trailors full of CASES of stuff- cereal, laundry detergent, etc. I don't ever get the bulk stuff- the last liquid dish detergent I bought at Costco lasted me for two years!

Jenn

[v-girl]

Costco = giant jars of Jelly Belly jelly beans

We use their coupons (got two coupon books last month so we got two jars of jelly beans).

Great prices on canned tuna, canned chicken, soup, Diet Coke (a staple in our house), Dr Pepper (DH's staple), whole wheat bread, eggs, chicken nuggets (they have some shaped like Mickey's head), Goldfish, NutriGrain bars (the boy loves these), Pirate's Booty (two bags for $7 or $7.50) and gas.

Pirate Booty! I was happy to see that. I like their bread too. Not their brand but one of the whole wheat brands they have. Ditto the peanut butter and the gallons Odwalla OJ. It probably isn't the least expensive OJ you can find but it is the best price on a gallon of Odwalla by $3-4.

[JaneDoe]

Costco = giant jars of Jelly Belly jelly beans

We use their coupons (got two coupon books last month so we got two jars of jelly beans).

We use their coupons too. I've found that even with the coupons, the same product in the Kirkland brand is cheaper than the name brand with a coupon. I've specifically noticed this with the tp, paper towels, and laundry detergent. It's the same with the diapers, but I prefer Huggies over the Kirkland brand.

[peggyfromwastate]

Peggy-

Have you ever been to the commissary? I know it's a haul but it's SOOO much cheaper and they have a ton of stuff in bulk. (you know, the military family is not a small one, usually!). and at least once a quarter they have truck sales where they bring in tractor trailors full of CASES of stuff- cereal, laundry detergent, etc. I don't ever get the bulk stuff- the last liquid dish detergent I bought at Costco lasted me for two years!

Jenn

I have a love/hate (mostly hate) relationship with the commissary. Hate that it's so run down. Hate the tax they have on everything. Love the cheap prices on canned goods. I only go about once every 2 or 3 months, with enough coupons to cover bagger tip and the tax so that I don't feel as abused...

Now mostly I send DH to the commissary b/c sometimes they have insane coupons for diapers that are so much cheaper than anything Costco can offer, like $5 off a pack at already wholesale prices, and their baby food is half price of the store...

I usually buy something like 300 items at the commissary for around $200!