Last year my mom and I finally splurged and decided to split a Costco membership. It now seems that every time I go into Costco I come out with more items that what I had originally planned. I love shopping there but it can be hard at times not to overspend and to go in with a frugal mindset. The problem is that if you don’t go in with a list to follow, you find yourself with an increasingly full cart of items that you don’t necessarily need. Since most items are priced at $10.00 or more it’s hard to stay on budget. Here is a simple list of ways you can avoid spending more than you had planned.

Avoid the Samples

Ahhh this is the hardest tip for me! I love the samples at Costco just like you! It might possibly be my favorite part of the shopping experience at Costco. Having free samples entices you to buy something you might not have planned. With a full stomach and a frugal head, you can get what you came for and not make unplanned purchases while still hitting up every aisle for the free samples.

Mind Your Payment Method

I almost always use cash when shopping at Costco or my debit card that is linked directly to my checking account, as opposed to using one of the credit cards they accept. This tip helps you stay within your monthly grocery budget and be more cautious of the price of each item.

Avoid the Executive Membership

I remember the day that my mom and I signed up and the emphasis they put on going with the Executive Membership. With the membership you get a 2% reward back of most of your purchases at the end of the year, and is capped at $750. If you do the math you would have to spend about $250 per month to get more money back than what you put in

Is it really a good deal?

The problem with Costco, is that we start to think everything we see is an amazing deal. I remember my first time shopping at Costco I bought a 5lb pack of gum and thought I was getting a good deal. Who needs that much gum? Just because we think it’s a good deal doesn’t mean we need 10 gallons of something.