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Thanks to Warehouse Club’s discounted prices and extensive benefits, paying for an annual membership at Sam’s Club can be a smart way to save money. But saving money at Sam’s Club isn’t always successful.
If in-store shopping isn’t the best option for your budget, there are a few things you can do.
1. I spend too much money almost every time.
With a recent survey showing that 66% of Americans say they live paycheck to paycheck, Sam’s Club discounts can be an attractive option. But if you spend $200 on each trip when you intended to spend $150, the great deals could hurt your bank account.
With so much to buy at Sam’s Club, from groceries to patio furniture to computers to rotisserie chickens, it’s easy to overspend. Can the 160,000 square foot Sam’s Club store withstand the massive sales that exist every time?Unlikely.
A proven way to avoid overspending is to make a list before you go and stick to it strictly. That, or wear a horse blinder when strolling near the great deals. It’s your choice.
2. Just go on a treasure hunt.
I’m just as guilty as the next person when I go to the store for no other purpose than to find something I want to buy. I used to do this more often when I was younger, and I still try to justify unnecessary purchases as long as they seem like a good deal.
Sam’s Club makes this easy to justify because of the large number of legitimate deals in the store. However, if you frequently use your credit card to buy items you don’t need, it may be time to stop going to the store.
3. Local grocery stores are cheaper.
I’m a big fan of Aldi. I think many people could save a lot of money if they just gave this quirky grocery store chain a try.
In a recent comparison of Aldi, Target, and Walmart grocery stores, AARP found Aldi to be the cheapest place to buy groceries. Granted, this wasn’t a direct comparison between Aldi and Sam’s Club, but its win over Walmart shows just how cheap Aldi is.
If you’re wondering if you can save more at Aldi, you might want to give it a try on your next grocery shopping trip. When shopping at a store, keep an open mind. If you’re loyal to a particular brand, you’ll be disappointed that Aldi doesn’t have it. Still, your wallet will definitely thank you. Oh, and bring me a quarter so I can unlock the shopping cart. I told you it was weird!
4. You’ll never find exactly what you’re looking for
Everyone has different preferences when it comes to grocery stores, but price isn’t always the biggest factor when choosing your favorite place to shop. Sometimes it’s simply the store layout, customer service, or the fact that you can always find the best deals on the items you always buy.
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Sam’s Club has a wide selection of products, but you might not find what you need for a particular recipe. And even if you find what you need, Sam’s Club’s bulk items may simply be more than you need.
Having a Sam’s Club membership is a great way to save money, but if you think you’re spending too much or don’t have everything you need, you may want to reconsider paying the annual fee. Maybe. I recently let my Costco membership lapse, so I’ve been relying on Aldi to do all the heavy lifting for me these days to save money on groceries.
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“4 Reasons You Don’t Shop at Sam’s Club Despite the Low Prices” was originally published by The Motley Fool.
