Costco: only cheaper sometimes!
Do you shop at Costco or any other warehouse club? Some interesting reading:
I joined a few months ago after someone in my building kept touting their salmon burgers and a few other items. They have a location less than a half-mile from my apartment, so it would be easy to go to. I bit the bullet and joined, splitting the annual fee with J. I’ve gotten really familiar with what they offer, and what I like, and what I need, so I feel like I do it justice being a member.
I try and limit myself to my written shopping list. It’s now one of the 4 markets I go to regularly to pick up specific items. Here’s what I do buy:
- 1 lb clamshell mixed salad greens $3.99 (at least 1-2 dollars off anywhere else)
- 4 lb clamshells strawberries $6.99
- 2 lbs organic butter
- 10 lbs white sugar (see previous post on baking and cooking more)
- cheese: gruyere, p’tit basque ($8/lb cheaper than in a supermarket), parm-reggiano
- Pacific organic chicken stock ($9.99/6-pack)
- grey poupon mustard 2-packs (mmmm, mustard chicken over quinoa!)
- instant oatmeal (thought I’d try the 55 package for $12 – makes great breakfasts at work)
- 3 lb packages of salmon burgers ($11.99 or 12.99, a GREAT deal for wild salmon)
- 4 lb frozen small scallops – a great idea for salads, pasta, you name it. ($8-9)
- packages of raw nuts – great for baking, and way cheaper than bulk at the co-op
- gas – but only if I don’t find cheaper elsewhere!
However, be advised that just like the artical above says, it’s not guaranteed to be a good deal just because you are there (and again, beware of getting things you just can’t use or can’t fit!).
I’ve been burned at Costco at the very beginning, but I’ve learned my lesson, mostly. I do occasionally spring for something new, like the 2 lbs of battered Halibut. At $20, it’s still VERY expensive, but I like halibut over cod (even though it’s 50% higher in price) and it’s cheaper here than anywhere else in town. I don’t buy perishable things that I have doubts I won’t finish (like a whole tray of one kind of fruit).
Interesting reading. Remember to shop smart!
Credit Card Spending Habits
How do you spend your money? I decided last month when I began the debt repayment process to NOT use cash (since I would probably spend more, or potentially lose it), but my debit card exclusively (so that I can look up my spending and enter it into my budget). However, there are certain expenses that I will ONLY put on my credit cards.
This brings up internet spending. I refuse to use my debit card on the internet. There are less safeguards if the card number is stolen; a real credit card has a $50 cap on the liability you face if someone mis-uses your card and spends money that you do not. I don’t want to take that chance with my bank account. So there are a few expenses that I have every month that are credit based:
Netflix – my one and only remaining entertainment expense. At $15 (give or take), that’s a bargain. I couldn’t survive without it. I don’t have TV, I don’t rent videos, I don’t go to the movies.
Clearwire – the only interenet I could get. However, I recently completely my year contract and decided to give it up. That’s $35/month I’m no longer spending. But if I still had it, it would go on the credit card.
Internet hosting fees – I have 3 domains (not this free blog) that I maintain, and they are beyond the basic HTML. They charge me yearly $246, and again, since it’s “on file” I’ve given them this card. I get dinged once a year in July.
I think there are a few other yearly “on file” fees I pay that I use my citibank credit card for. I think as long as I don’t do my normal daily disposal income spending on the credit card I’ll be fine.
The only other time I would use it would be for emergencies when my bank account is empty (and right before I get my next paycheck). But if I do that, I have to promise myself to pay it back 100% on the next billing period. After thinking it through I’m thinking it more and more necessary to have an emergency savings fund for those big last minute purchases so that I don’t end up using the credit card… Yes, that’s what I’ll do! More on how much I’ll make it and how I’ll build it up later.
New Credit Card!
Well, I’ve gone and done it. Last night I went and applied for a second credit card! I’ve only had one for the last 10 years or so, and as of October, it doesn’t have any accrued balance. But as you’ll note from my debt listings, what I do have are 2 loans, one of which just got raised to 10% and that I’m going to transfer to my new 0% for 12 months Discover card. I only received at 5K limit – I have to call in today and speak with someone to see if they will raise the limit. There is a 3% interest transfer fee, but with no annual charge and no interest, it is definitely in my best interest to get it.
Once I find out my limit (in case I can talk them higher), and I receive the card and activate it within 1-2 weeks, I will transfer the full amount to my card from my personal line of credit (making sure to leave enough room for the transfer fee!). So I’ll transfer at least 5K which will leave 10K in the loan. I will then apply all extra money for debt repayment straight to my personal loan, which will be the highest rate debt that I have.
It’s strange to be excited to get a credit card!
