5 ways you should be taking advantage of your Costco membership

Ahh, Costco. Anyone who’s ever had a Costco membership probably thinks fondly of the free samples and friendly pricing on 25 boxes of macaroni and cheese. But if you think those are the only reasons for having a Costco membership, think again. Here are five ways you can better take advantage of your Costco membership…

Discounts: Yes, we’re all aware that you can save a ton of money when you buy 5,000 rolls of toilet paper at once. This is not what I’m talking about. Tired of paying full price for a couple of movie tickets to the see the latest summer blockbuster? Buy movie tickets at Costco for a discounted price. Need some gift cards for a friend’s birthday? Buy them at Costco and save some money. You get the idea…

Pharmacy: Well your local Walgreens may be closer, but the prices at the Costco pharmacy are good enough to make you drive a few extra miles. Plus, you don’t need to even be a member to take advantage. Tell your non-member friends about it and help them save a few bucks.

Meal planning: If you rarely fix large meals, you might think buying in a bulk is a bad idea. But the truth is, saving money on the meals you often prepare is still possible even if you’re only cooking for one. Save money on the bulk price, portion out your meals in freezer bags, and you’ll have everything measured out and ready to go when the time comes.

Eat while you shop: Want to kill two birds with one stone? Don’t just shop at Costco, but have a meal there too. Costco has been famous for a long time for their $1.50 hot dog and a drink deal, and the food is actually tasty. The pizza is cheap too. Fill up on free samples if you want, but if you’re hungry for a meal, you have a cheap and delicious option right in front of you.

Upgrade your membership: If you have a big family at home, the Executive membership ($120/year) might be perfect for you. It’s twice the price of the Gold Star membership ($60/year), but you’ll receive an annual 2% reward. So, if you’re spending $250 a month at Costco, the upgraded membership will pay for itself.

John Pettit

John Pettit

John Pettit is the Managing Editor for CUInsight.com. Through news, community, press, jobs and events, he keeps credit unions digitally informed throughout the day. Web: www.cuinsight.com Details