Warehouse shopping

Shopping at warehouse stores can be a great way to save money. It can also be a great way to spend a lot of money without really realizing it. You go in to one of those warehouse stores without a list or a clear plan and you will spend at least $50 more then you meant too. There are some great deals to be had and there are some not so great deals, just like any other store but it is easy to become overwhelmed. When I first went in to one of these stores to just “see what they have” and came out having spent about $100 for this little tiny pile of stuff I was shocked. The next time in went in, I vowed to do better. This time I got caught up in the frozen foods. You can really spend a bundle on frozen foods at those places. I said to myself “Wow that will keep in my freezer, my husband will love that in his lunch and so on.” So I came out and once again I have spent $100 on this tiny pile of food. Now keep in mind that I am just trying to feed two adults here, not an army. If you need to feed a large family, expect to spend some money at one of these places. It will save you money in the long run but, if like me at the time, you are feeding two adults and have to store all of this in a 500 sq. foot apartment, you should not need to spend more then $50 a month.

It took a long time to get a good system for warehouse shopping. First of all, not all of the food in those places is a deal. Compare with the normal grocery stores; don’t just assume that because you are getting 20 of the item, you are getting a deal. The warehouse stores don’t have the best sales either. The grocery stores beat them in that category. A good rule of thumb is that really basic items are almost always a good deal. Items like flour, sugar, peanut butter and such are cheaper in bulk. Look at what you use all the time that will not go bad before you can use it all. For me that is flour, sugar, granola bars, peanut butter, canned tomatoes, toilet paper and vitamins. Another good rule is to make a list and stick to it. It is way too easy to get side tracked. If you make a list then you can plan for how much you are going to spend. If you don’t, you will regret it. Don’t take your spouse along if (like mine) he or she will try to talk you in to buying things that are not on your list. Buying a 20 pack of ice cream bars was sooo not on my list. I go to Costco because I get a free membership through my mom. When you pay for a membership, you get a second one free to go to any family member over 18. If you can’t get this kind of deal, then try to find a Cash n Carry or other warehouse store that does not require a paid membership.