Paying for the privilege of shopping at a wholesale warehouse isnt always worth the cost.
Many shoppers think theyresaving a bundle by buying in bulkbut never bother to do the math.
Is shopping at warehouses like Costco really worth it compared to your local grocery store?
Costco shoppers leave a Costco Wholesale in Cranberry Township, Pa. Gene J. Puskar/AP Photo
With lower prices per unit for buying bulk, you might save a few dollars.
Is the Costco Membership Fee Worth It?
Whether Costcos cover charge is worthwhile depends on your situation.
Its beloved for many reasons (cheap hot dogs, anyone?
), but the membership fee isnt necessarily one of them.
How Much Is a Costco Membership?
Costco offersthree different memberships, all of which have annual membership fees.
Youll be tempted to sneak your entire extended family in under the membership umbrella, but dont.
Costco Membership Prices
How Much Do You Save Shopping at Costco?
Costco members do enjoy lower prices when buying in bulk, but not on all items.
Keep in mind Costcos per-unit prices are for buying large quantities.
When your savings add up to more than the annual membership fee.
Executive memberships are more expensive, but they also offer 2% back in reward points.
Here are the six situations when a Costco membership is money well-spent (and saved).
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The price point on Kirkland Signature diapers is hard to beat, coming in at18 cents per diaper.
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Costco also sellsbaby formula in bulk.
Another family-friendly savings nexus?
Quick and easy prepared foods.
Hows that for a change of pace?
Another reason Costco is a dogs best friend?
Kimberly Gauthier feeds her four dogs a raw diet which means she buys alotof meat.
A Costco membership makes this affordable, she writes.
She needed an extra freezer to store it all, and she bought that at Costco, too!
She also mentioned Costcos dog beds are some of the best-priced and highest-quality options on the market.
Shed know shes the mind behindKeep the Tail Wagging, a blog all about dog nutrition and care.
If Youve Got a Big Expense Coming Up
OK.
Hear us out on this one.
But big price tags mean bigger kickbacks if you have an Executive membership.
If Costco Is Your Jam
Hey, no judgment.
Can You Survive 10 Days of Budgeting?
If you oughta wrangle your budget, it may be time to consider a savings challenge.
4 Ways to Pay for a Costco Membership
1.
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This is an easy way to make a little extra money while youre killing time on your couch.
All you need is your phone or computer.
Youll be that much closer to cashing out.
4 Reasons To Rethink a Costco Membership
Is Costco worth it for everyone?
The following are some situations in which a Costco membership might cost you more than it saves.
If You Live By Yourself
- This ones tricky.
toilet paper).
Do youreallygo through that much stuff?
So, youll get to take advantage of Costcos awesome deals without contributing to Americas massive problem withfood waste.
you might check anonline fuel calculatorto see exactly how much youll spend.
Step this way and see what you’re able to slide into your cart.
you’re able to also get low-cost immunizations, hearing tests and eye exams membership-free!
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Should You Get a Costco Membership?
The answer to whether to get a Costco membership is mostly a personal one.
Kaz Weida is a former senior writer at The Penny Hoarder.
Jamie Cattanach, a former writer for The Penny Hoarder, contributed.
