January 1, Costco Hacks To Maximize Savings and Benefits with Shopping

With ballooning living expenses, penny-pinching has become a norm for many Americans, and one such technique to fatten up your wallet involves smart shopping at Costco. With a well-thought-out shopping plan and understanding your household needs, maximizing your savings at Costco can become second nature. Shrewd consumers are already reaping the benefits of Costco’s Kirkland Signature label, but there’s more to the story. Our financial experts have spilled the beans on how to get the most bang for your buck at Costco.

Gift cards can be a blessing, particularly for the person who seems to have it all, and at Costco, you can bag hefty discounts on them. Costco’s website boasts an impressive selection of gift cards, making it a hub for discount hunters. For instance, you can get two $50 Uber Eats gift cards for less than $80.

Costco’s aisles can seem like an intricate labyrinth, but decoding the price tags can be a huge aid. Price tags with an asterisk indicate clearance items marked down to their lowest, never-to-return prices. Prices ending in 97 denote a manager markdown that won’t go any lower, securing a good deal for the thrifty shopper.

With gas prices skyrocketing, Costco comes to the rescue by offering significantly lower prices. For one, as our expert points out, the savings in gas alone could pay for your Costco membership, especially if you live nearby and drive often. And for families with multiple vehicles, the savings are an absolute godsend.

Costco membership levels vary, and some might balk at the $120 annual fee for the executive membership. However, with 2% cashback on purchases and additional service discounts, savvy consumers find it worthwhile. Despite double the cost of a basic membership, our financial expert assures, the executive membership more than pays for itself with her basic grocery shopping.

With the majority of Americans taking prescription drugs, further savings can be accrued from Costco’s pharmacy. You can realize savings of up to 80% on popular medications, according to our expert.

While Costco’s allure lies in their bulk purchases, it’s prudent to buy only essential non-perishable items. Weighing space limitations and calculating the per-unit cost can ensure your shopping spree doesn’t burn a hole in your pocket. But with 20-30% savings on products like toilet paper, cleaning supplies, and canned goods, the math looks promising.

Before shelling out cash for an exorbitantly priced concert ticket, consider what deals Costco has to offer. You can secure big savings on a wide array of entertainment, from movies to sporting events and concerts.

Credit cards can be a goldmine when used responsibly. For regular Costco shoppers, the Anywhere Visa Card by Citi is an enticing option. Not only can it help you save on gas, but also pays you back with a 4% cash reward on eligible gas, 3% on restaurants and eligible travel, 2% on all other purchases from Costco, and 1% on all other purchases.

Vacations can be a budget buster, but Costco’s discounted travel packages can help take the edge off the costs. With deals like four nights for the price of three at a Hawaiian resort, free daily buffet breakfast for two, waived daily resort fee, and complimentary self-parking, who wouldn’t be tempted? Moreover, if you’re an Executive member, there’s a 2% annual reward waiting for you.

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