She Strengthens

The Ups and Downs of Bulk Shopping: My Experience with Costco

As a self-proclaimed shopping addict, I have to credit my grandfather for introducing me to the world of bulk shopping. His Sam’s Club membership was the epitome of cool, even if it was owned by Walmart and catered to a certain political demographic. His extreme bulk shopping habits, however, were a different story. Who needs a bunch of green bananas, anyway?

Fast-forward to last year, when I finally caved in and got a Costco membership as a Christmas gift from my dad. Initially, I was hesitant to sign up on my own, given that I live in a small household. But, as it turns out, splitting the membership fee with a friend or family member can make it a worthwhile investment.

The Good Stuff

Costco, in my opinion, embodies the best of American values. Firstly, it’s a model employer, offering its employees excellent wages, health, and dental benefits – a rarity in today’s job market. Secondly, the warehouse club offers an impressive range of reasonably-priced, high-quality products. Here are some of my favorite deals:

• Fresh bananas, which we devour pre- or post-workout
• Organic coconut oil, perfect for protein pancakes, stir-fries, and granola
• Nut butter, great for baking and the occasional snack
• Maple syrup, a staple for baking, protein pancakes, and granola
• Oats, essential for my daily oatmeal and homemade granola
• Dried fruits, ideal for snacking and adding to salads
• Kirkland brand olive oil, a kitchen must-have
• Canned tomatoes, perfect for soups and sauces
• Razor blades, which last my boyfriend over a year
• Deodorant, water filters, and electric toothbrush heads, all of which offer great value
• Non-farmed frozen fish, organic chicken, and ground bison, which cater to my healthy eating habits
• Kirkland brand toilet paper and paper towels, which come in handy, despite the massive packaging
• Berries, slivered almonds, and canned olives, all of which I consume regularly
• Gasoline and tires, which offer competitive pricing and warranties
• Televisions, which boast an excellent return policy and no shipping costs
• Eco-friendly dishwashing soap, laundry detergent, and fat-free Greek yogurt, all of which align with my eco-conscious lifestyle

The Not-So-Good Stuff

While I adore my Costco membership, I have to admit that it’s easy to get carried away with spending. The warehouse club has even offered me a higher-level membership plan, thanks to my frequent purchases. To avoid overspending, I’ve learned to read labels and prices carefully, comparison shop, and use the Costco app to clip coupons and make a shopping list. These small changes have helped me save around $100 on my monthly bill.

The Ugly Truth

My biggest weakness is snacking. When I visit Costco, I’m tempted to buy all the delicious-looking snack foods, thinking I’ll resist their allure. But, let’s be real – I’m just as guilty as my boyfriend when it comes to devouring entire bags of Kirkland Asian Rice Snack mix in one sitting. The lesson I’ve learned is that what seems like a great value at Costco might not be the best choice for my wallet or waistline. To avoid temptation, I now steer clear of perishable foods that I can’t freeze, like greens and apples.

In conclusion, my experience with Costco has been a mixed bag. While I’ve discovered some amazing deals and products, I’ve also learned to be mindful of my spending habits and snacking weaknesses. With a little self-control and planning, bulk shopping can be a smart and cost-effective way to stock up on essentials – and maybe even treat yourself to a guilty pleasure or two.