What Makes A Costco Membership Worth It For Card Holders
A Reddit post asks, “Is there a single item you purchased at Costco that saved you enough to cover the annual membership fee?” The person who posed the question shared theirs was a pair of prescription eyeglasses they bought for $250 at Costco because an equivalent pair from Warby Parker would run them $450.
More than 35-hundred responses have come in and these are some of Costco’s best:
- “The amount of money we save a year on Goldfish crackers probably pays for our membership, and that’s not an exaggeration”
- “Car batteries are usually about $100 cheaper than the equivalent at AutoZone”
- “Costco Travel car rentals”
- “I’ve bought and saved tons on furniture.”
- “Allergy medicine, the 365 pill bottle of the Kirkland Zyrtec is something like $15.”
- “Most recently, a vacation package. Same price as the booking through the company itself but I’m getting a Costco gift card that far exceeds the membership cost.”
- “Gas alone does this for me. Fill up once a week and save on average $5.”
- “I work at Costco. My vet told me that it’s not possible to get my pet meds at my warehouse. I called the pharmacy on speaker phone and asked for the specific meds I need and within 20m I had a confirmation. I also found a new vet”
- “Costco Connect Insurance. You have to have a great driving record, and probably not all areas, but the car insurance was 1/2 any other, including USAA!”
- “I save $40 for every six months of contacts compared to 1800-you know who.”
- “Dyson hair dryer. Saved $90”
- “Any time you think you might need new tires, upgrade to the executive membership, every year I’ve done that, my rebate is higher than $120 so I’m literally getting paid those years to shop at costco.”
- “4 x $100 Uber gift cards for $80 each = $80 savings.”
- “Baby formula. It is half the cost of enfamil and similac. I’ve probably saved $1000 dollars this past year on formula alone.”
Also I have a fun story for you. I have a friend who lives in Australia but LOVE the USA. So, on 4th of July she went to an American bar that was playing US trivia. One of the questions was what are the Top 3 items sold at Costco. So she phoned a friend (me). The answer … Toilet Paper, Rotisserie Chicken and Bacon!
Have fun asking that question to your friends today!
Grill & Chill Like A Pro: Summer Cookout Etiquette Tips For Hosts And Guests
It’s Not The Time To Learn The Inner Workings Of A Grill Master
You just got your first charcoal grill and want to impress at the holiday cookout. But grilling is an art, so get some practice before inviting everyone over. When planning your menu, be realistic about your skills, time, and space. There’s nothing worse than having guests waiting while you search for how to cook ribs. Prepare slow-cooked items like pulled pork and chicken ahead of time and keep them warm. And a bit of advice, quick-grill items like hot dogs can be cooked when the rest of the food is ready and served immediately.
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No Experiments, Please
A company potluck is perfect for testing out that new keto-friendly recipe. But for the summer cookout, stick with tried-and-true dishes. Everyone loves that familiar potato salad recipe. Experimenting is great, but maybe test new dishes on a different audience first. Trust me, your guests would rather not endure the awkwardness of a hard chew or the stealthy paper plate roll-up straight to the trash.
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Bring More Than Your Appetite
Ever heard whispers about that one person who never brings anything to the cookout? Don’t be that person. Just like you would for any other party, bring a small token of appreciation for the host. It’s polite and makes the whole event more enjoyable for everyone. From experience, dessert or something small like cheese and crackers is always a safe bet. If you want to stay away from food, try something like napkins, paper plates, or a game for everyone to enjoy.
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Don’t Poison Your Guests And Keep A Clean Sapce
Food poisoning is no joke. Avoid cross-contamination, undercooked meat, and spoiled food. Keep raw meat and poultry separate from everything else, use separate utensils and cutting boards, and wash everything thoroughly. Use clean ice for drinks, not the ice from the cooler. And always use an instant-read thermometer to check if meat or fish is cooked properly. Follow USDA guidelines for safe temperatures. And remember, keep hot dishes hot and cold dishes cold. Don’t leave food out for more than two hours, or one hour if it’s a scorching day.
If you have pets, this advice is especially important. Some guests might already be wondering about your kitchen’s cleanliness or have seen that Instagram photo of your cat in the fridge. Make sure your cooking space is squeaky clean before whipping up something for the cookout. We’re all rooting for you! Say no to pet hair or licked spoons in the kitchen.
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Nail The Playlist
The older generation may not appreciate explicit lyrics, and the younger crowd might not enjoy an all-’80s playlist. Read the room, mix up the music, and set the right atmosphere. When in doubt, put on a neutral radio station to avoid taking full responsibility for the playlist. And remember to keep it subtle and in the background. Unless you’re throwing a kickback sort of function.
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Keep Conversations Light And Friendly
Avoid diving into touchy subjects like politics, religion, family drama, or bringing up your friend’s ex- who cheated. All of this and then some, with it being an election year. Stick to enjoyable, inclusive discussions that keep the atmosphere positive and relaxed. Cookouts are meant to be a time for everyone to unwind and have a good time together. No need for heated debates over the grill. Unless, you want to make things uncomfortable for the summer cookout attendees.
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