Some families swear by Costco – and why not? The warehouse club can offer substantial savings on everything from TVs to toilet paper. But before you invest in an annual membership, here are three things you need to know.
First, you don’t actually need a membership to shop at Costco. You can tag along as the guest of a member, so long as the member pays for everything at checkout. Or, a member can purchase a Costco Cash Card for you. The Cash Card then allows you to shop on your own without a membership.
Second, Costco’s Kirkland Signature-branded products can be good buys. Bulk packages of Kirkland coffee and paper towels were cheaper in our price comparisons against national brands.
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.
Third, Costco offers special deals for drivers. Not only can you fill up on discounted gasoline, but members can also get a no-haggle club price on a new car.
Learn seven more secrets about shopping at Costco.
-
Visa Is the Worst Dow Stock Wednesday. Here's WhyVisa stock is down sharply Wednesday after the credit card company came up short of revenue expectations for its fiscal Q3.
-
Another Analyst Moves to the Sidelines on Tesla Stock After EarningsTesla stock is spiraling Wednesday after the EV maker's big earnings miss and Wall Street has been quick to weigh in. Here's what you need to know.
-
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 July 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.
