Financial Freedom: My Favorite Costco Finds

Growing up we did not have a Costco very close; we had Sam's Club. Now, I have Costco, and I love it. The thing with having a Costco membership is that you need to be able to control yourself when you go in there. Costco also has some really great deals. I generally go once a month to get whatever I may need. That being said, you can probably guess that I don't get groceries there. I get my groceries at the grocery store for a couple of reasons. First, it is only Tyler and I so buying bulk in food that'll go bad quickly is not necessary. Second, the grocery store is close by and has good deals usually on the items we buy. Now, back to Costco. Like I said, you need self-control. Here are the top 11 items I like to purchase from Costco.

1. Toiletries 

We have some extra storage, so I will buy our toilet paper, paper towels, and Kleenex from Costco. Not just at any time, though. I will buy it when they have a sale on these items. Usually I am pretty successful. The last time I went they did not have a sale on my normal toilet paper so I got Kirkland brand. Let's just say that I enjoy Charmin better (which is sold at Costco). 

2. Laundry Detergent and Tooth Paste

This is another one where I buy when they have it on sale. Just a better deal. 

3. Quinoa 

This is my exception for groceries because it is better to buy in bulk, and I enjoy using Quinoa so it is worth it. 

4. Electronics 

Electronics are generally best to buy on Black Friday in my experience or around that time. The great thing about Costco is their deals last longer than a lot of other place's Black Friday deals so you have more time to get them. I would say if you are looking for TV's, the bigger TV's are better to buy at Costco and if you want something smaller, I would look at other store's Black Friday deals. 

This year I am looking at a couple of other electronics that I don't buy regularly and that is an Apple watch and a nice camera - I have seen that Costco is the best place with the best deals to buy these. 

5. Appliances

You may be able to get appliances for similar prices elsewhere, but when you know you are going to need something more expensive, that is where an executive membership at Costco comes in handy because you get 2% back. We have earned a decent amount of cash back on appliances we were already going to buy. 

6. Gas

I get gas at Costco for a couple of reasons. First, it is generally cheaper than other places. Second, same as above, I get 2% back on my Costco membership PLUS I have a credit card where I get 4% back on that for gas purchases. I do not go out of my way to get gas there, but I am lucky enough to only need to get gas about once a month so it works out. 

7. Liquor

This is another situation where I would not go out of my way to get one thing, but if I am there it is a perfect time to save a couple bucks on liquor I may want. Also, if you are buying for a party (so in bulk) it may be worth your while to drop in the liquor part of Costco. 

8. Dog Food

The dog food we get Bailey is a better deal than other places, and since I am there - why not? 

9. Snack Foods

Snack foods are another exception to my grocery rule because they don't go back like a veggie would. However, this is another situation where I look for sales. For example, when the smart pop bags are on sale I like to get those to have around. This is one where you need to be careful, though. Do not just buy something you don't want or wouldn't normally eat just because it is on sale. 

10. Contact Solution 

I would say for your eye needs, if it is not something covered by your insurance Costco is a great place to check out. I, again, like to look for when the contact solution has a sale. Even though it is a better deal than most places already, I just like to have that extra deal on top of it. As far as contacts, I have not noticed a big price difference from buying at Costco versus somewhere else. Glasses seem to be a slightly better deal IF you do not have insurance to cover some of the glasses cost. 

11. Vacations

Tyler and I have booked at least one vacation through Costco, and we had no issues. If I recall correctly, it comes with insurance, too. Win-win. Plus, you do not have to worry about the little details because you have get flight, transportation, and place to stay all at once. 

Vacations are another situation where it is awesome for the 2% back because you get a good chunk of money back. Additionally, if you have the credit card I mentioned above (Citi card - I believe you can only get it if you have a Costco membership) you get 3% back on vacations on that. Double dipping on cash back is never a bad thing. 

I hope this is helpful for anyone trying to save money. Although Costco may not be for you right now, it does not hurt to check it out. If you are planning any big purchases that I mentioned above, it could be worth your while to get the executive membership, even if you only keep if for that year you are making those big purchases. 

Feel free to comment or contact me via email with anything you'd like to add or if there is a topic you would like me to address.