3. Search Third-Party Deal Sites
Before heading out to your nearest Costco it’s a good idea to look for coupons. Use services like Sickdeals, Coupons.com or RetailMeNot for the latest deals and save everything that corresponds to your current shopping list- more on that later.
Basically, make sure you’re well equipped with as many coupons as you can so you can trim your expenses. Looking for them will only take a few minutes, so if you’re put off by the extra bit of work, try to think of how much money you could save for something you really want, not just essentials.
4. Shop Summer Closeouts
Patio furniture, pool toys, and all seasonal summer items can cost quite a bit if you’re buying them all at once as soon as the season starts. Add beach chairs, barbecues, and camping equipment to the list and you’re looking at a whole lot of cash.
You can avoid paying huge prices by purchasing all of these items when the season comes to a close, as Costco will be looking to get rid of them at reduced prices in order to make room for other merchandise.
You can use them right away or save them for next year! As an added bonus, you can do this for other seasonal items after the winter holidays as well, saving you more money year-round.
5. Make a List — and Stick to It
We mentioned making a list earlier, and we really mean it. So many of us end up going to Costco for a few things and then end up with a full shopping cart. Oops!
By starting with a list you’ll have a little more discipline going in. Sure, the first few times you might have forgotten to add something to it but then promptly remembered as you’re shopping. In time, however, you’ll get this down to a science and you’ll learn to restrain yourself a little bit more.
After a few tries, especially if you use small variations of the same list, you’ll get a better idea of how much you’re going to pay once you reach the cash register. If and when you slip up and end up paying a lot more, it’ll serve as a reminder of how much money you would have saved.
Rinse and repeat. In no time you’ll learn how to budget like a pro!
