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Shopping at Costco can save you money, especially if you buy in bulk and you use what you get.
But to make the most out of that $65 annual membership ($130 for Executive members), you’ll still want to budget. Otherwise, you could end up spending too much money or buying things you don’t need.
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These are some of the best ways to budget when shopping at Costco.
Check Unit Prices
You’re only going to save money at Costco if you would have spent more on the same item elsewhere. But just because an item appears cheaper, you’ll still want to check unit prices.
“Many shoppers focus on the total price, but the real value of Costco is the unit price,” said Albert Varkki, a shopping expert and the co-founder of Von Baer, an international luxury leather goods brand.
“Calculating the cost per item, ounce and serving is always best. Some bulk items may seem like a good deal but are actually more expensive per unit than the regular-sized items at other stores.”
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Set a Budget
The average person spends $9,343 a year on food, according to the latest data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. That’s $779 a month, or $180 a week.
Your budget — which can include non-food items — should reflect your income and willingness to spend. If you find yourself spending too much at Costco, adjust your budget. If you don’t have a budget, make one and plan your shopping trips (and shopping lists) accordingly.
Costco shoppers don’t only buy groceries. If you tend to stock up on other items, break down your budget into categories. You may need to alternate stores to keep costs low.
You could, for example, shop at Costco one week, then switch to a lower-cost store like Aldi or Lidl the next.
Have a Plan and a List
Along with budgeting, make sure you have a shopping list before you go. Once you’re in the store, go through the aisles with the items you need and stick to that list.
This could save you from making impulse purchases that eat into your funds — or that put you over budget.
Ideally, you’ll get everything on your list when you go. If possible, refrain from shopping more than you need. Perhaps once weekly or twice monthly is sufficient.
Whatever the case, fewer shopping trips means less frequent spending.
Skip the Middle Aisles
“Costco is famous for its irresistible deals on non-essential items such as clothes, housewares and electronics that are especially placed in middle aisles,” said Varkki.
If you absolutely must visit the middle aisles, keep an eye out for the things on your list and try to ignore the rest.
Buy Post-Seasonal Goods
Oftentimes, seasonal products — like summer gear, accessories or holiday decor — go on sale or end up in the clearance section of the store after their peak season ends.
Unless you need it now, wait to buy these items until they get marked down.
“Shop off-season for items you can store or use later like Christmas lights or patio furniture,” said Varkki. “These discounts can sometimes be as much as 50 to 75% off.”
Be Patient and Take Your Time
Stocking up takes time, so don’t try to do it all at once. If you do, you could end up spending money meant for next week’s — or month’s — budget.
This will help in the moment, but it’ll put you at a deficit the next time you go shopping. Buy what you need, make informed shopping decisions and keep to your budget.
Look for Price Adjustments
Stores like Costco often adjust their prices, so keep an eye out for markdowns on your favorite items — particularly expensive items you’ve recently purchased.
“Costco has a price adjustment policy where if an item goes on sale within 30 days of your purchase, you can get a complete refund for the price difference,” said Varkki.
“This is an easy way to get more value out of all your purchases.”
Use Cash Back
If you’re a frequent Costco shopper, consider getting and using one of their cash back rewards cards: Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi and Costco Anywhere Visa Business Card by Citi.
These cards offer cash back on eligible purchases. For example, you could get 4% on gas and EV charging (up to $7,000 annually), 3% on dining and travel and 2% on other Costco purchases (including online purchases).
Pay off your full balance each month to avoid interest charges and get the maximum benefit from your card.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 8 Ways To Best Budget When Shopping at Costco
