Shoppers can find good deals at warehouse clubs. You’ll usually come out ahead if you buy batteries in bulk, for example. And members of Costco, BJ’s and Sam’s Club can score big savings on quality meats. Just be sure you have extra room in the freezer. Wine can be a real bargain, too.
But warehouse clubs don’t always have the lowest prices. And even when they do, bulk purchases can backfire if items quickly spoil or expire. Here are some things you should buy elsewhere.
Canned goods, cereal and soda are usually cheaper during sales at a local supermarket. Save even more by combining sales with coupons. Some warehouse clubs don’t accept manufacturers’ coupons.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
Beware buying bulk items with short shelf lives if you expect to store them. Sunscreen, beauty cream and liquid bleach all expire quicker than you think. In the kitchen, condiments and cooking oils can go bad in a matter of weeks after they’re opened.
There are more purchases to avoid at retailers such as Costco, Sam's Club and BJ's. In fact, we found 16 items. Take a look at our complete list of the worst things to buy at warehouse clubs.
-
Here's How To Get Organized And Work For YourselfWhether you’re looking for a side gig or planning to start your own business, it has never been easier to strike out on your own. Here is our guide to navigating working for yourself.
-
How to Manage Risk With Diversification"Don't put all your eggs in one basket" means different things to different investors. Here's how to manage your risk with portfolio diversification.
-
Five Reasons You Shouldn't Shop on Amazon Prime DaySmart Buying Think twice before getting lured into buying a bunch of stuff you don't need just because it's on sale.
-
Best Cash Back Credit Cards December 2024Smart Buying Trying to compare the best cash back credit cards? Unlike most reviewers, we include cards from small banks and credit unions, as well as from large issuers.
-
How to Spend $1,000: Find Cheap (or Free) Online Courses to Build Career SkillsSmart Buying There's a huge array of skill-building online courses that can level up your career for under $1,000.
-
MoviePass is Relaunching. Should You Sign Up?Smart Buying The subscription discount movie card company has a checkered past and an army of disillusioned former cardholders. If you want to try the reboot, you’ll need to hurry.
-
HBO Max Is Offering Huge DiscountsSmart Buying Looking for a streaming service deal? Warner Bros. Discovery is cutting the price of HBO Max.
-
Are You Streaming Too Much? What the Discovery+/HBO Max Mashup MeansSmart Buying Fewer original scripted series? Maybe. And maybe it’s time to unsubscribe.
-
How Big Should My Emergency Fund Be?Brandon Copeland NFL linebacker and Kiplinger contributing editor Brandon Copeland discusses the importance of building an emergency fund.
-
Homeowners Insurance: How to Protect Your HomeBrandon Copeland NFL linebacker and Kiplinger contributing editor Brandon Copeland discusses the ins and outs of homeowners insurance.
