Retail shopping
None of this is expert advice. It's what people worked out for themselves, usually the hard way — what actually helped, and what they'd tell someone standing where you are. Take what fits and leave the rest.
If you only read a few
Buy prime brisket at Costco for smoking if it is cheaper than choice grade at local grocery stores.
The price difference can pay for the membership fee over time.
- This advice is based on one person's experience in Boise, Idaho.
one person who lived it
Ask staff behind the loading dock for bulk freezer bags.
One person obtained full 2kg bags on a buy-one-get-one-free deal by asking for a specific employee.
- This may require knowing a specific employee name or location, which varies.
one person who lived it
Buy bulk nuts at Costco and freeze them to extend shelf life.
The price per unit is lower, and freezing prevents spoilage.
one person who lived it
Order street tacos at the Costco food court.
They are described as good.
- Avoid chicken Alfredo, mushroom pasta, gyro meat, and pad Thai, which were described as bad.
one person who lived it
At Sam's Club, buy items with a one-cent ending on the price tag, as they are discontinued and sold below cost.
Items with a one-cent ending are discontinued and sold far below the price paid.
one person who lived it
Buy Kirkland brand paper products, cleaners, and vitamins at Costco.
They are cheaper than name brands even when those are on sale, and some items taste the same.
one person who lived it
Define frugality by value and community support rather than just the lowest absolute price.
Paying slightly more for higher wages keeps long-term tax burdens down.
2 people, independently
Drive to Costco locations in less affluent areas to find lower prices on packaged goods.
Pricing is based on the demographics of the area, such as average income and home values.
one person who lived it
Use liquid dishwasher fluid instead of pods.
It works better.
one person who lived it
- Buy liquid laundry detergent instead of pods.1
13 more on this
Buy rechargeable batteries in all sizes and keep them revolving and charging.
It saves money over time compared to disposable ones.
one person who lived it
Buy microwave popcorn at Costco for the best price.
It is listed among items with the best pricing at Costco.
one person who lived it
Be aware that buying in bulk can lead to increased consumption of certain items.
Having larger quantities available, such as a 'mega bag' of chips, encourages eating more in the same period.
one person who lived it
Purchase gasoline at Costco.
Gas is and consistently cheaper there.
2 people, independently
Buy honey at Costco for significant savings.
For some, the savings on honey alone justify the membership fee.
one person who lived it
Buy protein bars at Costco for better value.
Costco offers lower prices on high-consumption staples like protein bars.
one person who lived it
Check your state regulations before expecting warehouse clubs to sell alcohol.
Laws vary; some states do not allow these retailers to sell alcohol.
- North Carolina does not allow Costco to sell alcohol.
one person who lived it
Recognize that Kirkland brand cheese may be the same product as major brands like Dairygold, differing only by logo.
The product is identical, but a different logo was bid upon for placement.
one person who lived it
Buy toilet paper and other paper products in bulk at Costco for long-term supply.
3 people, independently
Compare prices online before buying electronics or appliances at warehouse clubs.
Other retailers may offer lower prices.
one person who lived it
Conduct regular research and price comparisons to get true frugality, as the cheapest store changes constantly.
The store with the lowest prices changes constantly.
one person who lived it
Buy Kirkland peanut butter in two-pack containers.
It comes in reasonable-sized containers rather than one massive jar.
one person who lived it
Consider that Kirkland batteries may be manufactured by Duracell.
This belief suggests you get name-brand quality at a lower price.
one person who lived it