We have Sams Clubs around here instead of Costco. The membership fee is $40, so when my membership runs out, I just wait until I need something that I can save at least $40 on by buying it at Sams. That way, I feel like the membership is free, and the savings for the rest of the year are all icing on the cake. Sometimes I just wait until its time to restock the freezer because I know I'll save at least that much on meat alone. Their bulk grocery prices (especially meat) are really worth the price of membership. Here are some examples: go to a grocery store and try to buy some Canadian bacon. It costs $3-$4 for a couple of slices. At Sams, I can buy a 3lb package of slices for around $8. At the grocery store, one piece of Cod costs $4-$6, but I can get a 3lb package of Cod for $11 at Sams. The savings really add up quickly. One thing I do when I need something, is check at Sams first. Then I price compare at other places, and if the Sams price is better (and most of the time it is) then thats where I buy it. Sometimes, the price is similar, but the quality is better at Sams. Here's another example: We have stores around here called "Tractor Supply" that mostly deal with the farming community. Great prices on basic items. I looked at a pair of 3-ton jack stands. Basic red and gray, no frills. Then I went to Sams, and found a set of 4-ton Goodyear racing jack stands. Beautiful chrome and blue, with extra safety pins. Same price. Guess which ones I bought? I could go on and on.
Don't you ever wonder why warehouse clubs are so popular and why so many people go there? Overall, I think you are practicing the old adage "Stepping over a dollar to pick up a nickle". You dont want to spend $50 unneccessarily, which is admirable, but you are missing the chance to save more than that, and saving money is what you are trying to do in the first place, right?. If you are like most of us, you can find many ways to blow $50, so buy a membership for a year, and try it. It doesnt mean that you should start going there and buying a bunch of crap you dont need. Dont look at it as a license to shop, look at it as a license to save. You'll have a whole year to get your $50 back in savings, and believe me, if you shop there a few times, it wont take you long. If you dont feel it was worth it at the end of the year, then dont renew.
Added benefit: You can have all the Sobe you want!
