If I had to sum up my theme for 2015 in one word it would be SIMPLIFY. Last year was crazy busy; my head’s still spinning. I like being busy. It’s pretty much all I know, but I’m ready for a little more calm this year. Well, a lot more calm if we’re being honest. I’ll still garden and take on projects or I’d lose my mind, but I’m really looking to tone things down this year.
Instead of a “traditional” gift this year, my parents gave me a $200 gift card to Costco for Christmas {you can see what I purchased with it below}. As I was walking around Costco for half an hour looking for something to spend it on… I realized there wasn’t really anything I wanted to buy with it other than food. After all, I want to simply this year, not waste a $200 gift card on a bunch of kitchen supplies I already have or a cashmere sweater that I’ll probably only wear once or twice in my life.
So instead of spending the gift card on something I didn’t really need, I filled up my cart with groceries and went home.
Happy.
As I was unloading my groceries and talking about my desire to simplify this year, the HH had a brilliant idea. A crazy brilliant idea that brings new meaning to simplify.
Buy all our groceries from one store this year.
As in, I would only step foot into ONE grocery store all year. For all our food purchases. Because HELLO, Costco sells everything, right?
I thought long and hard about that, wondering if I could make it happen. It would take some adjustment, but I just so happen to have a Costco within walking distance of our new house. I could WALK to Costco and get just what I need {exercise AND groceries}. Walking would prevent me from going crazy in Costco and spending $300 without blinking, which is always a temptation there! I could buy in bulk and prepare meals in bulk like I love doing anyway. With a little planning, this just might be the most brilliant decision I’ve ever made. Not only would I be saving time, but I’d be saving money by not running around to a bunch of different stores trying to save a couple of dollars off here and there.
I’m all in and 100% committed. One store, one year. It has me pretty excited, but you probably have some questions.
Will I be able to stay within a $100/month budget?
Possibly, but very doubtful. But maybe. Shopping at Costco {and their big portions} can be tricky, but this year, I’m hoping to find out if shopping at Costco can really save you money in the long run.
When the idea of $100/month was born, it was in the height of extreme couponing. I’m no longer an extreme couponer for a number of reasons, but mainly because I decided to try to feed my family a little healthier than the extreme couponing was limiting me too. With that said, I’m still very frugal and resourceful. I still plan on gardening to grow a bunch of our food myself, and I’m still committed to sticking as closely to the $100/month as possible. Of course, since I’ve never solely shopped at Costco before, I’m not exactly sure where my monthly budget will land, but I know I’ll do so much better than in years past {see below for proof!}. If I had to estimate right now, I’m thinking somewhere around the $150/month range like I did last year. So at the beginning of each month, I’ll stick $150 in an envelope marked “grocery” and we’ll see what happens.
In 2008 I spent $9,768 on groceries. An average of $814 a month.
In 2009 I spent $7,584 on groceries. An average of $632 a month.
In 2010 I spent $5,004 on groceries. An average of $417 a month.
In 2011 I spent $1,198.64 on groceries. An average of $100 a month.
In 2012 I spent $1,195.67 on groceries. An average of $100 a month.
In 2013 I spent $2192.32 on groceries. An average of $182.69 a month.
In 2014 I spent $1907.34 on groceries. An average of $158.95 a month.
Really only one store?
Yep. Really. Costco will be the only grocery store I’ll step foot in. I will still shop at roadside stands for produce, because HELLO, buying from farmer’s and backyard gardeners is just plain cool. And if I happen to rack up some credit from Zaycon, or Swagbucks {to use on Amazon Grocery} I will shop those places too. But those aside, Costco is it for 365 days.
Any exceptions?
Vacations. Like always. I never count the money spent on food while we travel because it comes out of a separate travel budget.
What do I think I’ll gain from this?
Strong legs {from frequently walking to Costco} and strong arms {from hauling groceries back home}.
Time. And we all know time = money. Think about how much time, money, gas, and standing in line I’ll save this year by just shopping at one store. I try to reserve time to exercise anyway, so now I’ll use that exercise time and kill two birds with one stone.
Am I really going to walk to Costco and haul my groceries back every time?
As often as I can. Ideally I’d like to be able to walk to Costco every time I do my shopping, but let’s be realistic. I am not the post office. If there is rain, sleet or snow and we need food, I’m taking the car. I might find a few other fun sources of transportation from time to time. Stay tuned for that.
Does Costco have everything I need?
Only time will tell! But I really think I can make do!
I know this idea is out there and might sounds nuts, but I’ve got some crazy cool stuff planned for this year that I’ll be sharing in the next few weeks. I think this is one epic journey you’re going to want to follow.
Here’s to 2015: the year of simplifying {and Costco!}.
Do you think I’m nuts? Do you think it’s a dumb idea? Do you think I’ll really save money, time and energy by just shopping at one store all year? What doesn’t Costco sell that you think I’ll miss?
~Mavis
Kari says
That is awesome. I’m so excited to see how it goes! How do you store the big bags of flour and sugar?
Mavis Butterfield says
I’ll take some pictures and do a post about storing later this week. 🙂
Kelli M. says
I’m looking forward to that post! Are gamma lids involved? 😉
AshleyAshley says
There are some things that I now buy at certain places, like a loaf of bread, I will always go to the bread outlet – it’s next door to my work, and bread is .99 cents a loaf, name brand, and not expired or squished etc. Toothpaste I can almost always get for free at CVS….so if I see the freebies I’m not sure I could give those up. It will be interesting if you can show price comparisons to see if the prices for certain things like pet supplies and toilet paper, are they the same or similar to what you’ve paid in the past. I’m not sure yet Mavis…but I’m excited to see how this pans out for you and your family!
Delores says
Okay, forgive me, but I am jealous! 😉 I don’t live within walking distance of any store, let along Costco. I think your idea is AWESOME! 1) because you will get some exercise, and not use the car as much, so I like the eco-friendliness and healthiness of this. 2) Because I love the simplification of it. I really look forward to hearing more about this!
Anne says
I think this is going to be really interesting. I try to keep my Costco runs to $100 and there’s just two of us. Looking forward to your posts.
janet says
Fun idea, I love Costco, but I think you’ll have to shop Winco for some things, spices and bulk food items. I can only imagine a picture of you laden down with Costco size packages walking home. Go girl!
Anne F. says
I agree with Janet. The Costco near me has only limited spices. I can grow a bunch of different herbs, but I’d miss the spices. You might look into a cargo bike for your Costco runs (o:
Leslie says
If I remember correctly, Mavis just did a big spice stock up, so maybe that’s enough to last a year? I’m really looking forward to seeing how this project goes!
stacey lindsay says
I do about 75% of my shopping at costco and it works great for our family. The remaining items are specialty that I get at a local Amish store or order on Amazon. This system works great for us. I do a Costco trip every two weeks on average
Erica says
About 5 years ago, when my kids were small, I started going to Fred Meyer because I could drop them off at Playland and have an hour to shop alone. It worked beautifully. I got to the point where I could do my grocery shopping in 30 minutes and spend 20 browsing in the non-grocery side before checking out. As a result, I know Freddie’s really well. I know when things go on sale. I know what a good price is. I know where everything is so I can make a really organized list and shop fast. Now, my kids are in school during the day, but I still shop at Fred Meyer. I’ve tried Winco a few times but even though their prices are a little lower on a lot of things, I end up spending more money because I wander around picking up things just because they’re cheaper. I limit my Costco shopping to once a month because an impulse purchase there isn’t just a few dollars, it’s at least $10, and all of a sudden I’m buying $100 of stuff we wouldn’t have missed if I hadn’t gone. I still haven’t figured out what I should be buying there to save money. By the way, I spend between $50 and $100 a week on groceries–I thought I was doing great until I found your blog last year!
Melissa says
I’m pretty picky about what I buy at Costco too – most household items (TP, paper towels, etc) just aren’t cheaper there, especially when you can get a sale plus coupon for smaller amounts at other stores – but some things I’ve found to be consistently cheaper, unless you find an extreme sale elsewhere: cheese, both regular varieties and especially fun specialty cheeses for fondue or holiday parties like brie (I would say you can often get those fun cheeses for half the price per lb at Costco), butter, containers of salad (either the organic mixed greens or spinach or hearts of romaine), some spices, like granulated garlic and other basic spices, yeast and other baking products if you don’t mind getting them in bulk (like chocolate chips, no stick cooking spray, I’m sure many other things), nuts -cheaper per pound for good almonds, pecans, etc. than anywhere else, even Winco’s bulk section, and things like pure maple syrup and honey – cheapest price for sure 🙂
Rochelle says
I’m very interested to see how this works out for you. I have a Costco membership, but only go in once a month for household supplies, rarely food. Our family size is the same with older kids off at college and only one teenage boy left at home.
I’ll bet it will be fun to walk to the store. I’d follow you there, but our town is too small to have any grocery stores. We don’t even have a gas station!
Good luck!
Emmab says
I am so excited to see how this goes. as always you are awesome. I find that I go to 50 different stores(or at least if feels that way) to save money and I have been wondering if I really do in the long run.
angela Dubois says
We dont have a costco, we have a sams, and i have been toying with idea of sams and aldi only for this year. Hmmmmm.
Mavis Butterfield says
Consider it a sign Angela. 😉
Athena says
After reading this I was thinking the same thing, Sam’s Club and Aldi. I dont think I could NOT shop at Aldi, love that store and their prices! I’d prefer to shop at Costco but the town we moved to earlier this year doesn’t have one and the nearest one is 2 hours away. We still go to Costco but mainly for pet food since that’s what the animals are used to and it is a higher quality than what we can get from Sam’s Club. I’ll be following along to see how this works and might consider changing my shopping habits in the coming year!
Gwenn says
I LOVE Aldi’s. Their products have really improved over the last few years. Lots of organic and “natural” products. I buy almond and lactose free milk there, each about $1 cheaper than at a regular grocery store and their greek yogurt containers are under $1 every day. I’ve toyed with the idea of Aldi’s for most products then getting what I can’t get there at a “regular” grocery store. We go to Costco for pet food, paper towel and stuff like that. We too have really cut back on our process food intake over the last few years (it’s just the HH and I)….however that blue box of mac n cheese and frozen Jack’s pizza do call my name every once in a while. 🙂 We moved to a new house in March and I’m going to be doing raised bed gardens this year…the grubs here are horrible and killed the few veggie plants that I planted last year.
Brenda says
Gwenn, You need to make your own pizza. Pizza dough: 1 cup Greek yogurt and 1 cup self rising flour. Mix well and knead 2-3 minutes. Spread by hand on a greased pizza pan, add sauce, toppings, cheese and bake at 350 for about 18-20 minutes. Until cheese starts to brown. So easy and much better taste than frozen!
Kellianne says
That’s what we do! Costco and Aldi. It works well for us about 90% of the time. Occasionally, there’s an odd item I can’t find. Thai red curry paste, raw cashews, Field Roast stuff. Costco can be very inconsistent with their inventory. They had the Field Roast sausages forever and now they don’t. Aldi has come a long way since we began shopping there. Tons of organics and quite a variety! We save so much money there. I’m surprised Meijer hasn’t gone out of business since losing our shopping dollars!
Deanna Allen says
We shop at mainly one store (Smith’s it is a Kroger store so I can use my card at all Kroger’s and get fuel point) Still stock up when things are on sale, but mostly we save with the fuel points! Not only do you get points for what you spend on groceries you can answer a weekly questionaire for extra points that adds an additional 20 cents a gallon off on top off what we spend……
I see that you buy mainly name brands. Where that is good it can be way more expensive. A lot of store brands are just as good and almost 1/2 the cost. This does require some trial but once you find a good store brand the savings add up
Love your blog! Thanks for posting info that is everyday useful <3
Rachel C. says
Awesome! I do 90% of my shopping at Costco. It is a 5 minute drive from our house. Grocery Outlet is across the street from it, I do about 5% of my shopping there and the other 5% at Trader Joe’s which is on the route to swimming lessons for my son.
Go Mavis!
Have you ever checked out the Business Costco in Fife? They have an amazing array of spices, restaurant quality pans/utensils, baking goods and a huge selection of meats. I try and get by there at least once a year.
Alice says
A business Costco at Southcenter Costco also.
Sarah B says
And i LOVE that it’s open at 8 am!
Katie says
I do about 90% of our shopping at Costco too. It can be done, and what makes it work is they have all the staples you need. You may cook even more, but it will be from scratch. I love that store. They have quality products, treat customers well, and take good care of their employees. I’m happy to give them my business.
Laura says
Mavis, you are so fun. I love reading your posts. and your plans. I shop at one store, for groceries, and try to do the B1G1 deals, using coupons as much as I can and plan for (it was a busy year.) but I find it is mostly because of the convenience of the location of this store, and the necessity of often having junior shoppers who are not quite agreeable on these trips, makes this location a necessessity. The big stores don’t fit in our equation. I can’t stay on task, and I tend to overspend, whereas, in my little neighborhood store, I can focus and usually come out ok. Having said all that– I CANNOT WAIT to hear how this goes. You inspire! me and about a million others-LOVE THAT YOU ARE WALKING TO COSTCO!! Have fun!!
Sarah says
I need this, Mavis! I hate shopping, so I pretty much grocery shop exclusively at Costco–love it when stuff we buy has a coupon–but food waste and impulse buys have been a problem for me at that store. I have a lot of room for improvement when it comes to this area. I’m excited to learn from you. Thanks!
Nancy says
Sorry but Costco would definitely not be my pick. We do however have a new ALDI and since opening I do 99 percent of my shopping there. I have bigger choices in town such as Meijer, Wal Mart and Sams but ALDI gets my vote. They are very different than a big box store. If you don’t have one in your town they are the less expensive brother to Trader Joe’s. They are the number one fastest growing grocery in the US and once you get one in your town you are hooked.
Cathy says
I love these kinds of challenges! Even if this one is just for you, lol. I think the area that might trip me up would be extracts and such. Things that I don’t think Costco carries (other than vanilla). I use a few different ones (almond, caramel, maple). We don’t have Costco here, though, so this isn’t an option for me. But we do visit one sometimes when we meet my parents in a large city a few hours from here. If I had to shop at one store this year, I’d probably have to go with Aldi, out of what is available to us (only one grocery chain, a regional one with high prices, Target, W-mart, Aldi, and Sam’s). Good luck!
Patty says
I love it! I do most of my shopping at Costco. We are a family of 3 and I buy the bulk fresh veggies and fruit and use it before it goes bad. I have the executive membership and the rebate has always paid for the membership. My Costco is 40 miles away so I go once a month. I also do a Whole Foods run at the same time. I buy my organic whole milk and half and half at Whole foods. Costco is getting more and more organic produce, which is wonderful. There are a few things I still need at Winco. Costco doesn’t sell parsnips, beets, celery, turnips, zucchini, fresh herbs so I do need a regular grocery store for some things. I also need fresh groceries before I go back to Costco, since I live so far away but if I lived 5 minutes away, I would shop only at Costco. I also have a garden and next year I will dehydrate more of my root veggies for soups. Love this idea!
Kelly Fenley says
You are so awesome! I love these creative challenges you come up with. I do 99% of our shopping between Trader Joe’s and Costco for a family of 5 and spend about $400-$500 a month, so I will be watching this with great curiosity! I adore Costco but it seems like almost every item costs $10, so $150 won’t last long 🙂 But you are so resourceful and creative and i can’t wait to see what you do with this challenge! Also looking forward to seeing you garden this spring and summer with less sunny spots because I am in that situation at my house.
Diana says
I shop at four stores on alternate weeks, one of them being Costco. I like to buy from one store for bulk nuts, grains, etc. Another carries wonderful specialty items which are fun for unusual meals. And I shop at a wholesale restaurant produce store for the fruit and vegetables I don’t get from our garden. I would not be able to use Costco as my only store as I always try to buy local and organic. One time I bought crackers from Costco and they came from the Netherlands! I do buy whatever organic items they carry and I do love it when they have a local vendor featured.
Dena says
Good for you for trying to keep your grocery budget down! When my family first got it’s Costco card, we went hog wild that year, & had a really big refund the next. Then I discovered Winco & Grocery Outlet. Now, mostly I shop Winco, because their prices are so low that I shudder to pay higher elsewhere. Unfortunately, I tend to ‘drop’ over $100 per visit, unless I keep a really tight rein on the cart. Their bulk spices are fantastic. Grocery Outlet can have some real bargains, better than Winco, but it is a hit & miss kind of thing, & you do have to know your regular prices. We now use Costco for routine bulk items, & I always get my gas there – I feel it’s safer (no one attempts to steal out of your passenger door while you’re pumping gas on the other side of the car), & the credit card machines are not a copy center for credit card scam! Usually use an outlet store for bread, Albertson’s for discount bakery goods & Fred Meyer’s for discount meats & some vegetables.
Peg Graham says
I shop at Sam’s Club for: Bags of Tyson’s chicken breasts, beef -on sale, 3 pack bacon, milk, flour tortillas, salad mix, 25 lb bag of Jasmine rice, sliced cheeses, 8 pack canned tuna fish, 8-10 pack mac n cheese, and a few other items.
Right next door to Sam’s is Walmart, where I get pretty much everything else. And…just around the corner is a Dollar Tree, where I get: $1.00- bread, cracker packs, pretzels, pizzas (for Porter), frozen veggies, tater tots, Italian dressing, pump soap, toothpaste, shampoo, dish scrub brushes, plastic buckets, cards, and a few other items.
Deborah says
Mavis, this sounds like a great idea. I buy mostly at Costco and Bi-Lo (fuel perks). My plan this year is to do a once a month buy at Costco and then fill in with a bi-weekly trip to Bi-Lo for items not found at Costco. My grocery budget is $160 month for a family of 2, up from $100 per month. I have had to increase my budget due to the fact that we have moved recently into a condo and have left over garden behind. So I would love to cut the food budget down. Our Costco is on my way home from work and my Bi-Lo is in my neighborhood. My children gave me a bicycle for Christmas with storage bags on the back so that I could ride to the store on the weekends. I am looking forward to the extra exercise. I am also excited to see what you do with container gardening this year. Keep up the great work, you inspire us all! Happy New Year!
Mavis Butterfield says
I LOVE that you got a bike with bags for Christmas. 🙂
Tracy says
Great Idea!!! I was thinking of doing the same thing, I’m so tired of going to 6 different stores! One stop shop and be done.
Emily S says
I love costco. I spend $300 a month on basics for two adults four kids and half the neighborhood. I saw the all purpose flour in your photo and found its ok. My local costco has Lehi Mills flour for 10¢ more a bag and it’s way better. Who knew?
I think it’s great that your simplifying. I’m trying to keep our grocery budget at $750 a month this year. Anything under a thousand will be a win.
Love your blog. Thanks for keeping me motivated
Tammy says
I think you need this!
http://www.amazon.com/Folding-Shopping-Cart-Versacart-Water-Resistant/dp/B000LPFUG8/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1420480387&sr=8-3&keywords=grocery+cart
Then you can bring everything home without killing yourself. 😉
Krista says
Since October, we have been without a vehicle and don’t plan on replacing it for at least a year. We bought a shopping cart to do smaller grocery runs and also use backpacks. We are a family of 4 (plus a cat) and live pretty near Safeway & Fred Meyer with Trader Joe’s and QFC a bit over a mile away. We also use Safeway dot com for bigger purchases since they deliver in our area. Chewy dot com is our favorite place to mail order heavier pet supplies like cat litter & canned food (great prices & free shipping @ $49+). I love the idea of shopping at ONE store for the year. I sometimes questioned my “savings” when shopping store to store and trying to keep up with all the coupon deals in years past. I look forward to seeing how this works out for you this year, Mavis!
Heidi P says
Awesome idea! I’ve thought about doing something similar but I’m not sure I could resist a good sale at another store. Like how are you going to survive not buying spices in bulk at Winco? I know you can do this challenge. If you can figure out how to be creative and spend only $100 per month with a husband and two teenagers at home you can certainly make this work. I’m excited to read all about your adventures in Costco for the next 52 weeks.
Alison says
I need to simplify too, so I will follow closely. I love to do a lot of shopping at Costco. For us we would not save money, but definitely time… Are you going to have a cart (for things like toilet paper)???
I would miss bananas (Costco’s are horrible), specialty spices, gluten-free soy sauce, and dye-free medications. I’m glad you will still get local produce because that is an area where Costco lacks variety.
Best of luck!
Lisa says
We live 1 hr away from Costco but do most of our shopping there for our large family. There’s a few things they don’t have, or suddenly stop carrying, but I go to the regular groceries less and less. I think FM canceled my rewards card, I haven’t been there for so long…
The expensive foods in Costco are the ready-made and frozen entrees. But if you make things yourself I think you’ll certainly save money. We’ve been super busy so I’ve been relying on the frozen too much, but this year I want to get back into cooking more.
Mia says
I think this is a great idea! I do a lot of grocery shopping at BJ’s Wholesale club because you can get tubs of lettuce for $5! Crazy! Some tips I have for you:
1. Since you are planning to shop almost exclusively there, it might be worth upgrading you membership to a rewards one if they offer that. When I spend a certain amount of money at BJ’s, I get rewards certificates. Gas counts towards that money too! It will allow you to save even more money on your groceries for an additional $50 per year.
2. Coupons… I know you aren’t an extreme couponer anymore, but BJ’s sends out store coupons and you can combine them with manufacturers coupons for each item. Also some packs like toilet paper will let you scan multiple manufacturers coupons because each 9 roll pack inside the bulk pack is considered an individual item to them. I have used almost $100 in coupons in 1 transaction!
Happy Shopping!
Gwen in L.A. says
Bidding you the best of everything in your attempt.
Costco would not be my local store of choice because of crowds (think out of control kids), long lines and parking problems–plus limited offerings. Hope your store is more civilized lol
Gave up my membership years ago and not inclined to return. Will keep an open mind thought 🙂
Hopefully produce is available in smaller quantities, not prepack only, now. Salad greens were difficult to use up in large size bags, and we LIKE salad. Too much went to waste. Beef prices and poultry could be beaten easily at other stores.
I’ll be following your journey with all good wishes..
Tanya says
Mavis, I am soooo looking forward to reading about your Costco challenge this year. Every time we lived overseas for my husband’s job we never had a car so it was walking to the store each time. I used a “granny cart”, you know those wheeled square-like contraptions you always saw the Granny’s using back in the 70’s and 80’s to get groceries. I had a deluxe one in Belgium I could load up and with pockets on the outside for the wine bottles. They save your arms from stretching 3 inches carrying four loaded down grocery bags. So love your blog, keep up the hard work, I love reading it everyday!
Karen says
I love this! I do the majority of my shopping at Costco, Amazon and a local grocery store, out if necessity because that’s all that I have access to on my small island. But I would love to learn how to Cut my grocery bill by seeing what you buy.
chrisk says
I think it’s a great idea and hope it works out for you! I love the idea of simplifying 🙂
Mary G says
We have a BJ’s membership (I live in CT). We have a Costco somewhat nearby, too, but BJ’s is a bit less hectic and there is one within 30 minutes of our house and another on my husband’s drive home. The savings on gas generally pays for our membership. I don’t know if I’d do the majority of my shopping there (or at Costco), but I like the idea of simplifying shopping. I’d love to see how you do with this.
Heather says
I LOVE THIS IDEA!!! By the way, I am willing to barter for bulk spices from Winco next Fall 🙂
Lauren says
I’m intrigued. I love this idea! Especially because if there’s one place I tend to blow my budget, it’s Costco. I can’t seem to get out of there without spending $100 or more, no matter how hard I try. Can’t wait to see how it goes!
Wynne says
Great idea! This will be fun to read about. I’m especially curious about the ingredients you’ll miss or sub and the rebate you’ll get at year’s end. I hope you try taking a bike and trailer some time.
Sarah says
Many have commented that their Costco is crazy-busy and hectic. Ours is too a lot of the time, but after speaking with a few of the employees I’ve learned that if I go about 1/2 hour before closing (8 p.m. weekdays) when it is not the first week of coupons or the first few days of the month, I’m in and out as fast as I want to be. Also when there are samplers it’s a freaking nightmare, but shopping is quick and pleasant and sample free in that last half hour.
Mavis Butterfield says
I agree. Shopping right before closing is a total game changer. Way less people.
Cecily says
Wow what a challenge! I’m not sure you’ll save money on the grocery side of it but you will save on fuel (you should keep track of how much) and time, which is important, and it will definitely be simpler. I do about 90% of my shopping at Winco, 5-7% at my local produce stand (which I can bike to), 1% at the bread outlet and the rest at miscellaneous specialty stores. Not long ago I took my receipt from Winco and went to four local grocery stores (Albertsons, Fred Meyer, Safeway and Wal-Mart) to compare prices. I wasn’t surprised that all were more expensive but I was shocked by how much. Fred Meyer was 11% more even with the fuel discount, Wal-Mart was 18% more, and Albertsons and Safeway were 26% more. Needless to say I will stick to Winco for the bulk of my shopping. My DH and I have talked about simplifying too so I am looking forward to how you do.
Shannon Timmons says
I so agree with you and WINCO. While Mavis, you will save a great deal of time and fuel (which is important), I think your grocery cost will go up with Costco. Be sure you calculate your fuel/time savings so you can get the whole picture of your challenge.
I just can’t NOT go to Winco. The prices are way too good, and I need my bulk section fix once in a while 🙂 That being said, I think this is a great challenge. My personal challenge this year is to just go to the store ONCE every two weeks.
Good Luck! Mavis, you are amazing, and I’m sure you can do it!
Martha says
I spend 80% at Cash and Carry (a Northwest restaurant supply) 15% Costco, and 5% local grocery store. Costco has gotten away from “make it from scratch” foods to prepared items we don’t buy. I feed 8 people (6 teens) for $600 a month (plus friends).
JIllbert says
This is going to be fun! I’m curious to see how this works out for you and what limitations you hit. We just joined Costco last year and I’m sold on many of their grocery items (like you, the rest of the stuff doesn’t grab me). I’ve been buying more and more of my staples there but there are also some staples (in our diet) they do no have like anchovies. What are you going to do for Doritos for Monkey Boy? Was looking for them at Costco yesterday and they only had snack sizes…..not party sized bags like a group of teens can plow through in an afternoon (which is what I needed it for — a teen party).
Monica says
In my experience, shopping at a Costco business center keeps me from over-spending. My trip is short & sweet. I normally find most of what I need. I am looking forward to reading about your experiences. Good luck & happy shopping.
Allison says
I love this idea! We shop Costco about once a month and Winco every other week. We are a family of 2 adults and 2 small children. I love the gas savings and the quality of Costco’s products. We don’t generally buy our produce at Costco as we can’t eat fast enough before it goes bad and because Winco has better prices generally on produce. We live in SW Washington and also have a great new store that is locally owned called Chuck’s which is similar to Trader Joes but has a huge focus on quality produce. In Spring/Summer/Fall the prices on their produce is incredible and beats everyone around.
Susan says
I LOVE Chuck’s!!!!!!
sherry in Sumner says
What you might not save on groceries you will probably save on gas since you live so close to Costco. I’ll bet you can do it, Mavis. Good luck.
kathy says
Instead of aiming for $100/month at Sam’s, why not work on an annual average. Maybe $1,800?
I love the suggestion to combine limiting shopping to Aldi and Sam’s (or Costco). Good mix, in my opinion.
I walk to Target’s and it’s a shoulder/arm workout even with just a few items! Good luck carrying the super-sized items from Costco!
judy says
Do you pay a photographer to run around with you?
Rachel B says
Love this idea! If I did something similar, Aldi would definitely be my store, though. I do the bulk of my shopping there right now, anyhow.
I used to live in town and was a bicycle commuter, so I would pick up a few things on my way home from work and put them in my basket, or if I had a larger trip planned, I would walk and bring a backpack and reusable grocery bags. One time, I overestimated how much I could carry and ended up trudging the 4 miles home with 60 lbs of groceries (yes, I weighed them after…). I literally just collapsed on my floor and sat there for an hour or so, unable to move. Never again! That said, I would love to live in town again and be able to take those smaller trips.
Good luck with your challenge! I think simplifying is something more of us need to make a conscious effort to do – it’s so easy to get caught up in busyness.
Marie says
Love my Costco shop! Gas, groceries, tires, health insurance, glasses, flower starts and FRESH seafood (come on crab). Who doesn’t have a “bag” of toilet paper or paper towels stashed in their house? Daytime shopping or an hour before closing rocks. I’ve invested in the top membership program for the rebate. I’ll see if it was worth it this year! Did you?
Michelle says
I think it’s a great idea for you to try out and I’m excited to see how it goes. my daughter and I have food sensitivities and we can’t buy a lot of the thing we eat at Costco. I couldn’t give up my Fred Meyer and Natural Grocers! Good luck!
Paula says
If you go into Costco the day after Thanksgiving, you can pick up a recipe book (free) that includes recipes for the foods they sell.
Darlene says
I. Do. Not. Recommend. This!!!! I’ve done it, bought everything at Costco, ended up being a huge money waster! I’d recommend a more realistic store, such as Winco, with good prices and ability to buy just what you need, including bulk items. Much more cost effective 🙂
Angie says
Um, this is totally awesome! I cannot wait to read all about it! Costco is one of my most favorite stores ever, I totally think this fits in with your plan to simplify this year. I want to know about all what else you buy there this year too. I still remember a post forever ago where you bought an adorable cake plate there and made a diaper cake out of it! I think
Colleen says
This is an interesting idea, but we would have a lot of difficulty shopping only at Costco for food. I have a kiddo with several food allergies and for some things, like ranch dressing and ice cream, they only carry a brands he can’t have. Are there specific food that you just can do without that you would have to get elsewhere? I think their variety is somewhat limited, and so much is prepackaged processed food. It would definitely be an adjustment. I don’t think I’d enjoy having a Costco sized container of Oreos sitting around 😀 it’s just too dangerous.
Emily says
We live within a stones throw of Costco, too, and do 90% of our shopping there. Maybe one of these would help haul the load!!
http://www.madsencycles.com
Mavis Butterfield says
Yes, yes they would. 🙂 I LOVE those bikes!
Shannon Timmons says
I think they should give you a bike and you can advertise for them 🙂
Margery says
What a cool idea, I have the challenge this year of shopping here in NY on a budget until June, then I have the biggest challenge of all moving to Kansas and learning prices and stores in that area.There seems to be a big difference in price for a lot of things I buy like milk here is 2.00 a gallon, 3 there. And worst of all the Sam’s club there doesn’t sell the big bags of pepperoni. A big plus is here the stores are 40 min away, in Kansas they are only 5-10 min. Who know’s I might be able to walk to one of them.
Shannon Timmons says
Wow, $2 for a gallon of milk? Lucky you! Here in CA I can’t even get it at Winco for less than $3.40/gallon, and that is not even the leading brand.
Margery says
Went to the store today and it 1.95 a gallon. 🙂
Teresa Young says
I will be watching this experiment – Costco is opening here in Rochester NY sometime this year.
I tend to shop at one store per week but rotate between Wegmans, Tops & Aldi’s, with side trips to Trader Joe’s & Price Rite if I am in their neighborhood.
My resolution is to shop at our village’s Farmer’s Market weekly when it opens in May.
Carol Ann Aus says
I think limiting the number of times you go shopping in general would be an equally effective strategy. Picking one store to shop at is only effective if it’s geographically feasible. I am going to take a stab at shopping once every two weeks and try to ramp it up to once a month as the year progresses. Good luck with your Costco endeavors & your legs will look awesome by fall. 🙂
Darlene says
Another bonus of choosing a store such as winco is that it’s local and employee owned, not a big corporation, so I feel better buying from them 🙂
Kristia says
I have always done the majority of my shopping at one store, Giant of PA. I’ve always liked the store. I shop based on the sales flyer and they have promotions on gas. We took advantage of the Costco promotion in the fall at Living Social, but I doubt I’ll renew when our year is up. Not because we don’t like it but because it is about 25 minutes away.
Kim from Australia says
I shop once a year at Costco and save 8000 on groceries
They go to Disneyland for the past 5 years definitely saves money
Teckla says
I hope this works for you! It definitely would not for me. My local stores are Safeway, neighborhood Walmart (not a super center) a Dollar store, Rite Aid and several small convenience stores–extremely limited choices and expensive! There is a Waremart (Winco) store about 20 minutes away, thankfully, and in summer quite a few produce stands. Currently, I shop mostly at Walmart, but feel very limited in choice. Rarely, can shop at Safeway without dropping $100 and that’s with primarily fresh produce, bread, very limited meat and a few frozen veggies. They do have the best quality produce, even over Waremart. I try to go to Waremart 3-4 times a year for basics and bulk items. It’s just myself but shopping in my town is extremely expensive (challenging). I have done some canning/freezing the past 2 summers and hope to do more this summer/year. I like reading your blogs and the comments and pick up lots of good ideas that help. Good luck with your shopping! It will be interesting to follow your progress through the year!
Carrie says
I love Costco and do a lot of our shopping there. I hope you include info on how you store/freeze you bulk items that you buy as there are some products I haven’t tried because I am just not sure how to store them all. I also suggests a trip to the business costco. Although you can’t walk there they have a lot of different stock. We usually go once a year and stock up on a few items.
Debbi Atkinson says
Wow! I think it’s awesome. I just got my Fix, Freeze, Feast book and warehouse shopping is the best way to go so I will be pretty much doing Costco for about 90% of my shopping. I’m looking forward to seeing how you do and what tips I can pick up along the way! Good luck! 🙂
Deborah J says
We only got Costco here in Qld, Australia last year and it’s an hour away. I am weighing up whether it would be worth my while to join, and would I save more than the fee. Jury’s out, so I will watch with interest as you have a go….thanks Mavis.
CathyB says
Winco used to be my store of choice, however since we have moved to an area with no more Winco, Costco has now become my main store. I probably get about 90% of my groceries at Costco now. But there is about 10% that I end up getting at the regular grocery store. I know that different Costco stores have different stock, so these items may not even be an issue for you. But these are the items that I find I have to get elsewhere:
Stuff for ethnic foods (rice noodles, spring roll wrappers, egg roll wrappers, special spices or sauces, etc.)
Certain items for baking/cooking (cornstarch, molasses, extracts, food coloring, parchment paper, cider vinegar)
Certain cleaning supplies (laundry bleach, plus they seem to rotate what they carry and sometimes I need an item when they don’t have it in stock)
Produce that they don’t carry regularly ( radishes, green onions, head cabbage, cilantro, parsley, broccoli, zucchini…)
Produce that I want in smaller amounts (cucumbers, pomegranates, avocados, lemons)
Certain cuts of meat that they don’t carry (cube steak..)
Milk (I just prefer the standard jug to their square jugs)
Certain types of bread or rolls
You may not have these issues. I know that you can grow your own produce for a longer part of the year than I can, so the produce may not be an issue for you at all. It sounds like your Costco options might be greater than mine as well. I hope it goes well for you. I am looking forward to reading about your experiment this year!
judy says
Has the issue of mail order been addressed? Amazon, Penzey’s Spices, etc. Are those “legal”?
Mary Pearce says
I am just learning to shop at Costco, so I will be following your adventures closely. I think I will need a small chest freezer; the freezer in the ‘fridge is too small for multiple servings of meat.
Tami says
hi Mavis!
Costco in Winnipeg (Canada) doesn’t carry chili powder. I don’t know about your city, but STOCK UP before it’s too late! I KNOW you must cook with chili powder.