Costco, shopping, money, & single living - from a man's perspective Greetings from Southern California, USA.
2010 Resolution: 2010 is all about saving money. fitness, a lot of work, and one fun Summer vacation (and holiday season). God bless everyone. Please take care.
My favorite is Teresa Brewer's version, but I couldn't find that one. So, here is Tanya Tucker. (Actually, I've been listening to Master of Puppets a lot, but I thought it's too loud for most peopple)
CostcoBlog.com is a place for Costco Shoppers or anyone who enjoys shopping. You don't have to be a Costco member to join this website. I would like to share stories on single living in general (from a man's point of view). Join and share your story.
Costco is for everyone - Even if you live alone, Costco will help you elevate your life-style so you can enjoy more with same money.
1. Take a look before you sign up. Before you walk in the door and sign up for a membership, visit the store and look at the prices and the selection to make up your own mind. Warehouse clubs often offer one-day memberships, either in the newspaper or at the desk there. Give them a call and find out before you go.
If you can’t get in using these methods, ask around your social network to see if anyone’s a member, then ask if you can visit the store with them. This method is even better because you can make purchases when visiting with a full member, whereas with the short-term memberships, there’s a 10% markup on prices.
2. Split a membership. Find a close friend and split a membership with them. Just go to the store, sign up for a membership, put your friend down as the other card, and get membership cards for both of you. This will cost you each half the normal price of an annual membership, getting you in the door for a year for just $20.
In this month's Costco coupon book, there is a coupon for towels. I thought that was interesting. I don't remember the last time I saw a coupon for towels. Costco towels are very good value. I can vouch for that, because I've been checking on towels for over a year.
On thanksgiving 2008, I bought a bunch of towels (picture below, related blog). I still use those towels. These towels were made by "Grandeur". I paid around $8.00 each. As you can see, towels have sophisticated color (wasabi green). And they feel amazing. Since then, I've been checking prices on towels whenever I go to Linens and Things. Towels of these quality will easily cost you $25+.
Sometime last year, Costco switched the brand to "Charisma". The new towels now have inferior texture and somewhat "Cheap" looking color. (picture at bottom). They are definitely good value. But, I like the older brand "Grandeur" much, much better. Actually, I was very disappointed that Grandeur towels were no longer available.
Anyway, I thought it was interesting that Costco is now carrying inferior towels (still very good), and offer discount on top of it.
After Thanksgiving shopping 2008 - Older brand "Grandeur" Shown
I have three savings accounts including Ing Direct & Emigrant Direct.
Ing Direct & Emigrant Direct are known for their high interest rate. But, with today's economy, their current interest rate is 1.1%. This is still a lot better than 0.5% you can get from your local banks.
I just noticed that Capital One has a savings account exclusively for Costco members (that's what it says). And the interest rate is even better at 1.5%.
I should move all my money. I mean... ASAP.
They even give me $20.00 for opening an account.
*You have to keep minimum balance of $5k.
** I hope interest rate will go up soon. I miss the day when I used to earn 2.5 - 3% interest.
Update: March 4, 2010
I opened a savings account with Capital One (for Costco members only)
I'm in the process of moving cash. But, first, I have to go through some validation process.
SAINT JOHN - Like most area residents you talk to these days, Bob and Betty Fergus of Grand Bay-Westfield are counting down the days until Atlantic Canada's largest Costco opens its doors at East Point Shopping.
The largest Costco in Atlantic Canada is set to open its doors on May 27 on the east side of Saint John.
"I can hardly wait," Betty says. "We're both Costco members and we're very excited about it coming here."
"It's about time. I'm tired of travelling to (Costco) in Moncton," said Dave McCutcheon of Browns Flat.
I was looking for something like this for about 2 years. I didn't want to ask here, because I was afraid that costcogirlinVA would introduce me to something super expensive like the last time I bought a pair of Ecco shoes. Haha~!! Just kidding.
Anyway, I paid about $30.00 from a military surplus store (online). I will wear them indoor only. These are for cold days when my feet are cold. Before each use, I will wash my feet and put on clean socks. I don't plan to wash them for a long time. I am afraid I will not retain its fuzziness once it's washed. I'll be happy if these will last 3 years ($10/year).
So far, I've been enjoying these a lot. Very nice... I love them.
OK, I tell you a little secret. Do you know the ultra soft socks for women only? (Costco sells them). I have a few pairs of them. I wear them rarely (when I feel like it). Good stuff.
Picture:
Oh my God, what do you know. I can see my Ecco shoes in the kitchen. On the left you see my weights & exercise mat. I use that stack of books to do uneven push up.
My shopping story is boring, now that I keep trying harder to save even more money.
I set my goal to save money like crazy. And that's exactly what I'm doing... like crazy.
In February, I transferred 66% of all my take home paycheck to savings account.
I haven't established a stable pattern of saving money, so I am not sure how this will effect my finance next month.
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I have a huge craving on salty chips, especially for Doritos. I mean, I had this craving for over 2 weeks now. This morning, I was THIS CLOSE to pick up a bag of Doritos at Costco. I wanted to buy a brand new coffee maker as well ($49.00).
But I didn't buy any of those. I bought what was absolutely needed (also healthy for me).
My new year's resolution is to save as much money as possible. I am likely to focus on thrifty life-style as I get older and hope for home ownership.
As I try to save money, I am realizing that my blog is suffering. This website is suppose to be about shopping
"Saving Money" clashes with "Shopping"
I shall think of ways to make this website interesting.
For now, I will tell you a story that took place last Christmas.
This story was never supposed to be shared. This is something I did in secret.
On December 25, 2009, I woke up 6am and went to the public laundry room at my APT. We have 3 washers and 3 driers there. There, I put quarters on all the machines. And I left a Christmas card. So, the first person to use the laundry room on Christmas day would get wash and dry on me.
Of course, that card in the picture was from Costco.
A week went by. And it was my turn to use the laundry room. There, I saw this note.
I felt very good. This happy feeling was definitely worth of money. Actually, I spent so little money to have this much satisfaction.
I didn't even know who wrote that note, but that was the point, doing something to people I don't even know...
I don't believe the other person knew who I was also. Because I just wrote "John". I didn't give my last name or my APT number.
I used to hate couples figure skating. It was boring. Anyway, I was checking out Winter Olympics the other day. They happened to show couple's figure skating. As I was watching couple's routine, I found myself getting teary eyes. It was beautiful and touching.
I am scared of teenagers.
When I was younger, Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving and all the holidays didn't mean much. Now, I am more into the spirit of season. Now I wear Santa's hat during Christmas time. I have a green hat for St. Patrick's day. I exchanged gifts on Valentine's Day. I try to be cozy and friendly with people around me. Change of season means a lot to me now. Holidays are beautiful.
* I thought I would grow old to appreciate classic music. But, no. I still hate classic music.
* 6th Costco Shopping this year, 3rd time this month.
I went to Costco with my Costco (AmEx) rebate check ($170.63)
I bought things that are absolutely needed. I am definitely spending less money this year.
Carbon Monoxide Detector is a life savor - I've always thought I was so stupid not to have a CO detector at my APT. This alarm had $7.00 instant rebate. I may die from loneliness, but I will not die from CO poisoning.
Kirkland Signature's pepper (with built-in grinder) is a very good price at $3.99. If you go elsewhere, you can find the cheapest grinder for $15-$20 easy. And they don't even have good peppers in them.
Battery powered razor is a must item for me. If you haven't tried them, you are missing out, big time. I got a free sample razor 6 months ago. I've been using that same razor for 6 months.† They provide THE BEST shaving result one can imagine. I am not kidding. It doesn't matter which brand name or model you buy. I believe they are all equally great.
† After shave, I use a tiny brush to clean the razor blades. It takes very short time (shorter than the time I spend to rinse them in running water). I can make my blades to last several months this way. Maybe it's because my skin is tender. Also, I am not a hairy person. Anyway, this package of 16 blades can last 5-7 years.
At the checkout, I handed in my rebate check. They gave me $91.34 change in cash. Free money... nice.
Last year, 2009, I received $36.20 rebate from Costco, American Express card.
So, I have committed myself to use American Express card exclusively for 1 year to see how much rebate I was going to receive.
1 year flew by so fast.
Check it out.
When I pay Verizon for my Fios service, I use Costco American Express card. And I get $1+ rebate. I made $13 this way. Of course, I realize that I am giving up my privacy by consolidating all my financial activities in one credit card. I guess American Express is benefitting much more by selling information about me.
*Notice I only spent $601.38 on gas for entire year.
LOUISVILLE, Colo. – (Feb, 09, 2010) — Wegmans and Costco were selected as the No. 1 grocery retailers in a consumer survey conducted by Market Force Information Inc., a worldwide leader in customer intelligence solutions. Wegmans was the consumer favorite in the supermarket category, and Costco ranked highest in the mass grocer category.
When looking at mass grocers such as Walmart, Sam’s Club, Target and Costco, Market Force found similar results. While Walmart garnered the highest number of total votes, with fully 42 percent of the total, its store count must also be factored in. When re-indexed based on the number of stores, Costco took the lead, as shown in Graph 4.
* 5th Costco Shopping this year, 2nd time this month.
First of all. I had 4 hours of sleep last night. So, I was struggling to stay awake at work. I had to take an ephedrine pill to get me going (I bought them before they became illegal. They are in freezer at work.).
I did 3 loads of laundry after work. Then I went to Costco.
I am doing very good with saving money. I didn't buy anything luxury. I didn't buy any toys. All my food items have low fat & they are good for me. I bought Jose's Coffee ($8.89) instead of Starbucks ($19.99).
I spent $75.49. But the gas pushed my grand total over $100.00.
Finally at 9pm, I started to cook. Now I have a mountain of clean laundry to take care of.
9.5 fl oz organic mocha contains 170 Calories (25 fat calories). I often eat less than 25 fat calories on lunch.
This is definitely not for me. But, I almost bought them to treat myself.
I bet they are very tasty. And they are so cheap. I wouldn't be surprised if their factory also produces drinks for Starbucks.
Also, they are kind of items you will not see once they are gone. I can be wrong. But, if you've been shopping at Costco long enough, you should know what I mean.
Anyway, if you like these kind of drinks from Starbucks? You must get them. They are Kirkland Signature. You know they are good.
I thought nothing of it at that time, then I found myself keep thinking about that incident.
I went to Costco tire center for free tire maintenance. There, I saw a gentleman waiting for his car. So, we started to chat.
First we talked about how many miles we drive. Then we talked about where we like to drive to. We talked about lobster buffet at Chumash Casino. He bragged about his son and his business. I happened to know the area where he's son's business was at, so we talked about the beautiful scenery in that area. We were talking about nothing but fun stuff (food, relatives, beautiful scenery...)
Then another gentleman (I'll call him the "new guy") walked in.
After a few minute, the new guy opened his mouth. "What nationality are you?" he asked to the gentleman. The gentleman revealed that he was from Middle-East. And the new guy started his conversation.
The new guy started by stating that he'd been to Egypt and some parts of Asia. Then he talked about history, religion, and politics about the gentleman's home country.
"Your country's religion focuses on.... blah blah" "Your country's war changed... blah blah" "Obama's view on middle East is... blah blah"
New guy walked in and sucked out the fun. Then he put the gentleman in the hot seat that he didn't ask for. The gentleman was doing his best to explain things. But, according to the new guy, he knew Middle-East better than the gentleman who lived there.
I walked away from that area, because I didn't want the new guy to think I was enjoying the conversation, or I was impressed. But, in fact, I was disgusted. What was wrong with this guy?
I felt sorry for the gentleman. Luckily, the conversation only lasted about 10 minutes. The gentleman's car was ready.
I could have used an "ASS" stamp from Conan O'Brien show on the new guy.
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