Popping the Costco Cherry

I am a super warehouse virgin.  I have never been a Sam's Club or Costco member.  I used to spend my Sundays at Whole Foods and Target, putting anything I desired into my basket without thinking about the cost.  With the recent events, I have been downsizing my lifestyle.  My financial advisor reviewed our household budget. He was appalled at the money we spend on groceries and at Target. 


Mission:  To save money on groceries and household items without...

1) Giving up my all natural and organic pescatarian diet
2) Being hypocritical and going to Walmart ( I do not like the labor practices of Walmart as well as the amount of items imported from China)

My mother is a Costco card holder, so she took me on my first super warehouse adventure.  My initial impression was not good.  I was flustered just parking.  There was a man directing traffic to the gas pumps because there was a line around parking lot to purchase gas for $3.44/ gallon.  The  parking lot was so full that we had to stalk members as they walked back to their vehicles.

Inside there was wall to wall people and items stacked from the floor to the ceiling.  This was very overwhelming!  I cannot forget to add the people fighting for 42lb bags of kitty litter that were on sale as well as the hoards of people grabbing and shoving one another for free samples.  I laughed at the senior citizens hopping from food kiosk to food kiosk for a free strolling lunch.

I may not have enjoyed this experience, but I was amazed at the money I saved.  The tub of greek yogurt that we buy every week was $5.99 versus $7.99.  The price difference was worth only the 0% formulation being available instead of my usual 2%.  Another weekly staple in my home is kalamata olives.  I buy a small container from the olive bar for $7.99, but at Costco I purchased an industrial sized jar for the same price. I do think my mission was accomplished.  Super warehouses may not have all the items I need, but I know that I can find a balance between Target, Costco, and Whole Foods in order to decrease the monthly budget of groceries and household items.

Success of the Day:  Realizing that it is not the end of the world to give up small luxuries like the olive bar in order to save a few bucks

Pink Inspiration: Pink pajama pants on a female Costco member/ Ladies wear clothes to the store!  You never know where the hidden cameras of the "People of Walmart" may be lurking.