5 Ways You Can Make the Most of Your Costco Membership, Even at $65

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In recent years, many people have seen their living costs increase in different ways, whether it's rising rents or added insurance costs. Unfortunately, Costco is now joining the ranks of companies that are raising their fees.

The warehouse club giant recently announced that starting Sept. 1, the cost of a basic (Gold Star) membership will be rising from $60 a year to $65.

But worry not. If you use your membership strategically, you can eek enough value out of Costco to more than justify that $65 annual fee. Here's how.

1. Buy in bulk strategically

Costco is known for its discounted prices on bulk grocery purchases. But the key is to choose your bulk food items carefully to really enjoy that savings .

One thing you definitely don't want to do is buy bulk perishables you're unlikely to be able to finish before they go bad. And you don't want to buy shelf-stable items in bulk that aren't family favorites, because even if they don't go bad on you, your household might just plain get tired of them.

Make a list of the items your household eats regularly. Those are the bulk items you should focus on in the course of your Costco shopping . If you only eat lentils once a month, don't buy a mega-sized bag from Costco even if that means paying less per ounce than at a regular supermarket.

2. Book a Costco vacation

Costco Travel offers a wide range of vacation packages that could save you money on your next trip. Not only might you snag a great price, but when you use Costco Travel, you get access to a team of professionals who can help you wade through your choices and find the right trip package based on your family size and needs. Plus, booking an itinerary through Costco means having help in the event that things go awry.

3. Turn to Costco for electronics

It's often the case that Costco has great deals on electronics -- especially if you're able to take advantage of a specific sale. But the benefit of buying electronics at Costco extends beyond the lower price you might snag.

Some Costco electronics come with free tech support, so if you need help setting up your new TV or laptop, you won't have to go it alone. Costco also throws in a free second-year warranty for electronics so you get peace of mind that you're covered for a full 24 months.

4. Buy your tires from Costco

Many people make it a habit to buy gas from Costco because of the lower prices the chain is known for. But that's not the only way you can benefit as a driver. If you buy tires from Costco, you effectively get free lifetime maintenance -- which includes rotations, balance checks, and flat repairs. Tire purchases also come with a five-year road hazard warranty.

5. Load up on discounted gift cards

You may primarily use Costco as a source of low-cost groceries and household essentials. But buying gift cards at Costco often makes sense too, due to the discounts involved.

Costco sells a variety of gift cards for below their face value. As just one example, right now, Costco is selling $100 worth of TGI Friday's gift cards for $79.99. If your family dines at that restaurant often, then this is a deal worth grabbing.

It pays to look online and visit your local Costco store to see what other discounted gift cards are available.

It's a bummer to see the cost of a Costco membership go up. The good news, though, is that even at the new $65 price point, you have plenty of options for getting your money's worth at Costco.

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