How to Save Money with a Sam's Wholesale Club Card

A wholesale club card membership may seem like a large initial investment, but whether it's BJ's, Costco, or Sam's, if you use your card wisely, you'll save bundles. Here's how to avoid the pitfalls of membership, and maximize the benefits.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A wholesale club card
• A shopping list
• The strength to avoid impulse buying

1. Fork over the cost of a membership. About $40-$50 a year will buy you the privilege of shopping in a store where things come in huge portions at lower cost.

2. Check out the wholesale clubs in your area. Chances are there's a BJ's, Costco or Sam's near you. Most will offer a day pass as a teaser, to hook you as a customer. Wander up and down those aisles and look for things you need, and maybe a thing or two you want.

3. Think about the things you need in bulk that you wish you only had to buy once or twice a year. Make a list: toilet paper, paper towels, garbage bags, toothpaste, soap, household cleaners, laundry detergent and fabric softener. That list may be long. Note that candy and huge cans of carmel popcorn are NOT on the list.

4. Fork over the $40-$50 membership cost. Put it on a credit card, and pay it off over a month or two if you need to. Your savings are about to begin.

5. Go back to the store and grab a cart. Hit the paper goods - there are great savings there, if you can do basic math. Count the sheets per roll on paper towels and toilet paper, and count the number of garbage bags per box. Compare prices between brand names and the store brand. Choose, and save! What you'll save in gas, driving out to buy a few items at another store is worth the price of membership alone.

6. Check the food aisles - you can find pasta sauces, soups, noodles, cereals, dairy products, and meats at wholesale prices. You'll get to like the big portions, and if you buy some freezer bags? You're in business! Don't forget the pet supplies aisle - cat litter, dog food - all are available in large portions at reduced prices.

7. Clip coupons that come in the mail after your membership kicks in. Most of them are not great - a lot of pre-packaged and processed foods that aren't good for you are the majority of things that are discounted. But you will find one or two in each coupon book that you can really use.

8. Stop in to the clothing aisle. Many designer items are available at discounted prices - basic good staples like turtlenecks, jeans, summer tanks and tee-shirts that will last, and costs less than what you'd find in a department store.

9. Enjoy your shopping. Membership in a wholesale club can be a great thing if you stick to your list and avoid those candy aisles (except on Halloween, when they really come in handy.) Stock up on necessities, and enjoy the fact that you don't have to shop for them for at least six months!

[pennynickols]

on 11/28/2009 Thanks for writing, "How to Save Money with a Sam's Wholesale Club Card." To make a wholesale club work to a person's financial advantage, you need to know your prices and complete Step 5 for each item you purchase in bulk.