Never Buy These 15 Items Anywhere But at Costco

Costco has plenty of options for bulk purchases or affordable food court treats.

But there are some things that you should always try to add to your Costco shopping list before you get them anywhere else.

Here are some of those purchases you need to make at Costco before you go anywhere else to help you get the most out of your membership .

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1. Kirkland Signature items

Like other retailers, Costco has a store brand that covers a variety of products and could be just as good as the more expensive name-brand versions.

The retailer’s Kirkland Signature items are a great way to keep more cash in your wallet . Try out the store-brand version of food, household cleaners, clothes, and more.

2. Toilet paper

Check out the cost-per-unit when buying in bulk as a better comparison to the cost of items in a typical grocery store. You may find that the per-unit cost is cheaper in bulk.

One example is toilet paper at Costco, so stock up and don’t worry about running out as quickly as you do with a regular pack of paper.

3. Alcohol

Costco is stocked with wine, beer, and other liquor, which can save you money compared to a liquor store. The Kirkland Signature brand wine and alcohol are cheaper and just as good as name brands.

There are also some states where you can buy alcohol at Costco without a membership, so you may be able to take advantage of alcohol deals without a membership card.

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4. Travel

You may be surprised to find out that your Costco card covers more than what’s in the store. Look over the Costco Travel website for extra deals on your next vacation.

The retailer gives members discounts on hotel rooms and car rentals, and booking through Costco can earn you extra perks when you arrive on your next vacation.

5. Clothes

Clothes can get expensive, especially if you’re buying for your family, but you can pick up affordable wardrobe staples like pants and shirts at Costco.

Although Costco doesn’t have fitting rooms, the store’s generous return policy covers any items that don’t fit and need to be returned.

6. Seasonal items

You may love decorating your home for major holidays, but it can be hard if you’re on a budget.

So check out Costco for all your seasonal items before you go anywhere else.

The stores have a wide selection of holiday decorations at affordable prices, from smaller indoor decorations to larger outdoor decorations that will make your house glow.

7. Party supplies

The summer means pool parties and barbecues, so make sure you’re prepared with everything you need from Costco.

Check out the shelves at Costco for things like paper plates, cups, and plastic cutlery for all the food you serve to guests.

8. Meat

Meat is another item you may need to stock up for a big party or family dinner, and Costco has some affordable options.

You can grab some ground beef or ground turkey for burgers and homemade meatballs. For bigger gatherings, you can also pick up select choices like salmon filets and beef tenderloin.

9. Pre-made meals

It can be tough to come up with good dinner options after a long day at work while driving the kids to after-school activities.

Pre-made meals can be expensive at some stores, but Costco has some cheap options that are sure to make everyone happy.

For Taco Tuesday at home, grab a chicken pot pie, meatloaf, and mashed potatoes, or a taco kit with all the toppings.

10. Rotisserie chicken

You may be able to find a rotisserie chicken in your local grocery store, but there’s nothing quite like the original at Costco.

The rotisserie chickens are an affordable dinner option, or you can pick the meat off the bones of the chicken and use it for delicious recipes at home, like chicken soup or chicken salad.

11. Eggs

Eggs are a great staple to have in your fridge. Prices for a dozen eggs are lower than a year ago, but your local grocery store still probably can’t compete with Costco’s deals.

Check out Costco’s offer for two dozen eggs and compare it to how much you’d pay at your local grocery store for the same number of eggs.

12. Frozen berries

Smoothies are a good option to try if you want something healthy to drink or if you’re trying to add more fruits and vegetables to your diet. But smoothies can also be expensive.

So grab some frozen berries from Costco instead. When you compare the cost per unit, the berries may be cheaper than those at your local store.

13. Salmon

Fish can be a healthy addition to your diet but can also be expensive if you store it in your freezer too long and don’t eat it often enough.

Kirkland Signature individually wrapped salmon filets are easy to grab out of the freezer for dinner and work well if you live by yourself.

14. Pet food

Costco isn’t just for you. It’s also for your favorite furry friends.

Grab some pet food from the retailer to get good deals for your dogs and cats while saving some extra cash.

15. Hot dog and a drink

Before you leave Costco, remember to stop by the food court if you want to get a good deal on a meal.

The store’s famous hot-dog-and-a-drink deal for only $1.50 and that price isn’t likely to change anytime soon.

Bottom line

Costco has aisles of great options to help you save money and keep more money in the bank.

It’s also a good idea to check your wallet for the best credit cards for Costco shoppers so you can save even more on your bulk purchases.

Money tips that can work for everyone

No matter what your bank account balance is, there's always an opportunity to optimize and improve your finances. Here's a quick checklist of things you can look at today.

Focus on paying off your debt. Debt can hold you back from making progress with your overall financial well-being. Aside from cutting expenses, there are tools that can help you pay off debt faster like balance transfer credit cards and debt counseling.

Earning extra income can give you breathing room. If finances are tight, earning some extra money to supplement your income can make a huge difference. A new job is one option to consider, but if you're not ready to make a big change or already retired, a part-time side job could be a better choice.

Cut your expenses. It sounds painful and so not fun, but it doesn't have to be. Take a look at your biggest expenses because that's where you'll probably find the biggest savings. For example, auto insurance rates have been soaring so shopping around for a new insurance company can be the fastest way to cut your bill. Also, look for ways to cut your grocery bill (despite rising inflation).