5 Upgrades That Waste Your Money

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I can understand pasta - but toilet paper doesn't go rotten. This is the same type of logic that causes people to buy Christmas wrapping paper in November rather than January!
The rule of thumb is to figure out what you use a lot of and try to stock up when it is on sale. If you don't use a lot of it, don't stock up on it.
I think that most people know that stylish costs and not all of the latest styles are flattering on everybody. We all have to be realistic about our lifestyles. However not all t-shirts are equal - some wear out quicker than others - so sometimes being cheap doesn't pay.
Since I am allergic to perfumes and disinfectants (ie I don't have to go to the bar any more, I get wasted shopping) there is a lot of wear and tear that goes with getting the perfume off after. Always looking to new solutions in this regard. Laundry is a real hassle - would go out more (even with the getting sick each time) if there was something that was a bit better at getting perfume off clothes.
Whether it is cost effective or not, the hybrid cars are good for the environment (with a bit of back up in case one runs out of electricity). Hey, you have to plug in the car any way when it is lower than -20 so recharging is pretty much automatic - and timers save on electricity - if one wishes to get fancy. But since I can't even afford a golf cart as a family car, it is neither here nor there.

Lucette 7:09PM September 06, 2010

I have a "Costco card" I buy Scott's T-paper, 30 rolls of T-paper last me two and a half years. Even though it cost's me $.66 / roll I find it a real bargain to buy. My neighbor buy's T-paper at "Walgreens" for $.50 when they have a sale but he has to drive almost all over the city to find the other " Walgreen's", in essence he spends about $10 in gas just to save $.16 / roll. Plus, "Costco" is located on a bus line and I live one half block from the same bus line, if my vehicle should ever break down. I'm sure "Big box stores" are not for everyone, there are tradeoffs to take into consideration. Do you want to spend $10 to save $.16 drive all over town / spend once and be done with it in one shot?

Lynn Baker of MO 2:46PM September 06, 2010

Kim Palmer is an idiot. I have both costco and sams club. And so do millions of other people.

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Jason Chen of AZ 9:41AM September 06, 2010

The membership fee for my family of five is a small price to pay for the quality of meat and I save a fortune on prescriptions. As a price savy shopper I know I save the forty dollar membership fee within one to two months just buying meat, cereal, medications and GAS!.

alice c bennett of CA 3:59AM September 06, 2010

When Costco sold Sue Bee Honey I bought the same identical LARGE bottle ... the 80 oz for $7.39 when it cost $19.99 at Ralph's. About a year ago Costco raised the price of that bottle to $9 and change. I love honey... I use it in my coffee, my tea, and my bran muffins recipe. so just this one item paid my membership for one year!!!! I noticed the other day at Ralph.s, that same bottle has come down to $18.99 WOW! Costco has changed their brands in the last years but is still a good deal. If you buy one big ticket item per year, you are more than likely going to save the price of membership with the lower price point of that item.

Jacque of CA 8:20PM September 05, 2010

In my experience you can save money at Costco.
If; you need tires when they have a sale.
Large quantities of vitamin pills.
Bill bottles of expensive liquor.
My joke that seems to run true in the SF Bay Area is, the planners for the new stores require a windy location that has a parking lot that is hard to get in and out of.
I got my rebate last year and walked the whole store trying to find something I really could use to spend it on. Then I looked at the long lines of huge cart loads of merchandise and decided not to renew.
So far I have been able to match or beat the prices on the items that they send in their fliers. Even discount department stores have clerks that know something about the items they are selling and there is a selection of brands to choose from.
I am trying to keep my neighbor small business owners in business now.
Cheers
Jack

Jack of CA 2:58PM September 05, 2010

Costco membership is usually covered in full by the rebate back on the credit card thru Costco. Of course I pay balance each month- so I get more than the membership fee back. Some items are not worth it- but I have found great savings and great taste on many of their food items and sometimes clothing.
Oh and the best sundae or frozen yogurt price at the snack bar.

sara of WA 1:09PM September 04, 2010

Ms. Palmer evidently doesn't drink wine because her "advice" has little substance.
While I would agree that there are multiple factors & subjectivity which affect one's perceptions of a wine's taste (e.g. temperature of the wine being served, food it's being served with, decanted vs. non-decanted, setting/mood/atmosphere, the individual person's sense of taste & smell etc.).... to imply that there's not an appreciable difference between a $5 and a $45 bottle of wine is absurd!
My wife and I drink wine with our meal every night,.. and I'm on a constant search for $8 - 12 bottle of wine that tastes like a $25+..... Our typical wines are in the $6 - $18 price range (I acquire wines at a significant discount to what their normal retail prices are). After numerous taste tastes,... I can tell you that you won't find a $5 wine that tastes anything like a higher end wine... The Cabs, Zinfandels, etc. at $5 are very light-bodied and have a higher residual sugar vs. those the more expensive that are aged & have greater body.
Although regular wine drinkers probably don't need any "newbie" advice... you might have offered the following tips:
* As an alternative to wines in the $5 - 10 / bottle... consider boxed wines... the quality of boxed wines has increased appreciably... they typically contain the equivalent of 4 bottles... and the wine keeps for at least a couple weeks after opening. Plus it's environmentally friendly.
* Work with a local wine merchant... get to know someone who is a wine buyer for a store... be upfront and honest about your level of experience with wines... tell them your objectives.. and ask for their advice. This has really benefited me in the past. Oftentimes, they will tell you what's going on sale.
* Pick a price range for bottles you'll drink Mon-Thurs, and a higher range for the weekend... We try to keep our Mon-(ok Weds) at $5 - 7 and Thurs - Weekend at $10 - 18.
* For your own enjoyment pick what you like,... don't worry about what some wine snob says...
* If you're having a formal event, or attending a party where your wine is going to be drank by discerning drinkers... ** do your research... consult your local wine buyer... this isn't the time to bring the "Two-Buck Chuck".
Lastly, I can guarantee you that if you gave me the same two glasses of wine and told me that one was an expensive one and another was cheap... I'd reply - "you've given me the same glass of wine". As a disclaimer, I can only discern what is truly cheap vs. expensive for selected varieties (e.g. Cab Sav, Merlot, Shiraz, Zin).... there are many varieties I wouldn't have a clue... and would tell you the same.
Cheers!

Mark of IL 10:57AM September 04, 2010

On top of that they have the lowest prices on contacts and glasses ANYWHERE -- including the Internet. I've moved to 3 states and had 4 doctors with Costco. They are consistently thorough, competent, and especially courteous. I would pay the membership fee just for that.
However, they also throw in gourmet quality food that can't be found elsewhere. I do end up spending a lot whenever I'm there but it's because I can't resist the Kirkland cinnamon almonds or the homemade granola in the bakery. And I DO eat everything, in spite of being single.
Last, their return policies and free 2 year extended warranties on tech items also make the membership pay for itself, and give back. The only downside is that you have to read read up on a lot of reviews before buying anything high-end or technical from them because there's usually a reason it's been sent to Costco. But again, just take it back.

gggirlgeek of WA 9:54AM September 04, 2010