Amazon seems like a goldmine of deals… until you look a little closer. With all the lightning deals, slashed prices, and those “Only 3 Left!” panic buttons, it’s way too easy to feel like you’re getting a steal. But honestly? Half the time it’s just clever marketing messing with your brain (and your wallet). So how do you tell when you’re actually getting a good deal—and when you’re just getting played? Let’s dig in.

1. Always Check the Price History

That electric toothbrush marked down to $19.99 from $49.99?

Sounds amazing… until you check a price tracker like Keepa or CamelCamelCamel and realize it’s been $19.99 for six straight months. That “deal” is just the regular price wearing a costume.

Always remember that when it says “Was $49.99” it means NOTHING without context.

PRO TIP: GOT HAVE KEEPA

I highly recommend installing the Keepa browser extension. It shows you the item’s full price history right on the Amazon page so you can see if the discount is real or recycled.

2. Ignore the Strikethrough Price (It’s Often Inflated on Purpose)

Amazon sellers can set their own “list prices” which means that $89 “retail” value could be pure fiction.

The strikethrough price is often inflated to make a small discount seem huge. This is especially common with electronics, accessories, and home goods.

PRO TIP: GOOGLE IT

Google the product name and model number to see what it sells for at Walmart, Target, Best Buy, or the brand’s official website. If Amazon’s “discount” still holds up, then it’s legit.

See Also: Amazon Savings Hacks You Gotta Be Using

3. Watch Out for Add-On Traps (Cheap Price, But Hidden Costs)

That $4.99 phone stand looks great—until you see it’s an Add-On Item, meaning you can only buy it as part of a $25+ order.

It’s a clever way to get you to spend more than you planned. Other listings jack up shipping fees or offer cheap base models that become pricey once you add basic features.

PRO TIP: SORT BABY SORT

Sort your results by “Price + Shipping: Low to High” to get a true sense of cost. And always double check for sneaky upsells in the “customize” section.

4. Know When You’re Buying from Amazon—Or a Random Third Party

If the deal’s coming straight from Amazon, you’re probably good. But if it’s some random third-party seller shipping from who-knows-where?

That’s when things get sketchy. Quality’s a gamble, returns can be a nightmare, and who knows when (or if) it’ll even show up. Even worse, a lot of them sell cheap knockoffs that look like the real thing—until you actually open the box.

PRO TIP: KNOW WHO’S SELLING THE ITEM

Before you hit “Buy Now” scroll down and check the “Sold by” and “Ships from” info. If it’s not Amazon—or at least a seller with tons of good reviews—you might wanna think twice.

Especially if it’s over 30 bucks or has a brand name slapped on it. That’s when the sketchy stuff usually sneaks in.

5. Don’t Fall for Urgency Traps (“Only 6 Left!” is Crap)

That “Only 6 left in stock – order soon” warning? It’s often automated or based on arbitrary limits set by the seller.

Same goes for “Order in the next 3 hours to get it tomorrow.” Amazon knows urgency triggers impulsive buying—and they lean into it hard.

PRO TIP: TAKE A DEEP BREATH

If it’s not a true Lightning Deal or Deal of the Day, take a breath.

Put the item in your cart or wish list, and watch it for a couple days. Spoiler: it’ll still be there.

See Also: How to Find AWESOME Hidden Deals on Amazon

6. Look for Coupons You Might’ve Missed

Yes, Amazon has coupons, but they kinda try to hide them.

A $32.99 gadget might actually be $22.99—but only if you check the little “Apply $10 Coupon” box most shoppers overlook.

Amazon buries these sometimes to keep the price from looking too low in the search results.

PRO TIP: SPOT A COUPON

Scroll carefully and look for green “Coupon” checkboxes under the price. These apply at checkout, not before.

You can also filter for “Deals with Coupons” on Amazon’s homepage.

7. Be Wary of “#1 Best Seller” and “Amazon’s Choice” Badges

Those little labels look all official, but honestly?

They’re just pumped out by an algorithm—and sellers know how to game the system. “Amazon’s Choice” doesn’t mean it’s the best deal out there.

It usually just means it ships fast and has okay-ish reviews. That’s it. Don’t let the badge fool you.

PRO TIP: USE FAKESPOT.COM

Don’t just skim the reviews and call it good—read ‘em like a skeptic.

If you see a bunch of reviews that all sound the same, are loaded with weird grammar, or there’s suddenly a flood of perfect 5-star ratings outta nowhere, something’s up.

If it feels fishy, it probably is. You can even run the listing through a tool like FakeSpot.com if you really wanna be sure.

8. Compare Pack Sizes and Price Per Unit

You see a pack of 12 protein bars for $15 and think, “Great deal!”—but the 6-pack next to it is $6.

Quick math shows the 6-pack is actually cheaper per bar. Amazon doesn’t always show unit pricing clearly, so it’s on you to double check.

PRO TIP: YOUR CALC IS YOUR FRIEND

Just grab your phone and do the math. Price divided by ounces, count, or whatever. Doesn’t have to be pretty. Just figure out what’s actually cheaper.

Especially with groceries, random house stuff, shampoo — all that junk. Sizes are never the same and half the time the “deal” isn’t even a deal. Takes like two seconds, saves you a bunch.

9. Don’t Be Swayed by “Frequently Bought Together” or Sponsored Listings

Those “you might also like” things? Yeah, they’re not there to save you money.

Half the time it’s just paid ads or Amazon pushing more expensive crap.

Like, no, your $19 blender does not need a $30 bottle brush. You don’t need half that stuff unless you actually, like, need it.

PRO TIP: MAKE A LIST & STICK TO IT

Stick to your list. If a product you’ve never heard of magically shows up in your cart, Amazon’s algorithm just won.

Bottomline: If a product has 15 buzzwords in the title, a fake countdown timer, and a “90% Off MSRP!” tag… it’s probably marketing smoke and mirrors. The best deals are often the quiet ones—no gimmicks, just a solid price from a reputable seller.

Ask the Reader: How do you go about finding “real” deals on Amazon? Any tips I may have missed? Let me know.

By Kyle James

Let’s be honest: Starbucks is a treat, but those treat adds up fast. That $6 iced drink? Multiply it by 3 times a week and suddenly you’re looking at over $900 a year. But what if you could make your favorite Starbucks drinks at home—for a buck or two each—with ingredients you probably already have? That’s the magic of copycat recipes. I’m spilling the tea on 15 Starbucks-inspired drinks you can make in your own kitchen.

Note: The prices I’m using are for a Grande size in my town in northern California, and are accurate as of April 2025.

1. Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso

Why we love it: It’s cinnamon and oatmilk and somehow it tastes like a hug and a hoodie. I don’t know, it just works.

Ingredients: 2 shots espresso, 1 Tbsp brown sugar syrup, 3/4 cup oat milk, ice, cinnamon

At-Home Cost: ~$1.25 | Starbucks: $5.95 | Savings: $4.70

Issue When I Made It: The first time I made this, I didn’t shake it enough and it came out flat and kinda sad. Don’t be afraid to shake the hell out of it, it was much better the next time I made it.

PRO TIP: SANS SHAKER?

Don’t have a cocktail shaker? Who cares. Grab a mason jar or literally any jar with a lid that won’t leak. Throw your ingredients and ice in there, screw it shut, and shake like you’re trying to wake up your last brain cell.

It’s not fancy, but it works—and it makes you feel like you’re doing something impressive. Pour it out through the lid or strain it if you’re feeling classy. No need for bar gear when you’ve got a jar.

See Also: Starbucks Menu Hacks That’ll Save You Bigly

2. Mocha Frappuccino

Why we love it: It’s basically just a cold-ass chocolate milkshake that someone dumped a shot of espresso into and charged me six bucks for. I should be mad but honestly it slaps.

Ingredients: 1 cup milk, 1/2 cup strong coffee, 1.5 Tbsp chocolate syrup, 1.5 cups ice, whipped cream

At-Home Cost: ~$0.95 | Starbucks: $5.75 | Savings: $4.80

Issues The First Time I Made It: I got a little heavy-handed with the ice and ended up with a sad, slushy milk cube situation.

PRO TIP: MAKE IT CREAMY

Trying to get that thick, creamy Starbucks texture at home? Toss in a pinch—like 1/8 teaspoon—of xanthan gum.

Don’t have that? A spoonful of instant pudding mix works weirdly well. It smooths everything out and gives your drink that fancy, blended vibe without turning into weird, watery soup. No barista skills required. Just dump, blend, and sip like you paid $6 for it.

3. Iced Matcha Latte

Why we love it: Kinda tastes like dirt but in a good way. Sweet enough you feel like you’re being healthy, even if you’re just rotting on the couch in pajamas.

Ingredients: 1 tsp matcha powder, 2 Tbsp hot water, 3/4 cup milk, 1 tsp honey or simple syrup, ice

At-Home Cost: ~$1.10 | Starbucks: $5.75 | Savings: $4.65

Not a fan of Matcha so haven’t made this one yet, let me know in the comments if you’ve tried it.

PRO TIP: FROTH IT BABY

Look, if you’re gonna make a matcha, at least do it right. Grab that $10 milk frother you impulse-bought and put it to work.

It whips everything into a silky, no-clump situation in like five seconds. Your matcha deserves better than a sad swirl of green at the bottom of the cup. Froth it like you mean it. Bonus points if you pretend you’re on a cooking show.

4. Pink Drink

Why we love it: Yeah, Instagram made it a thing, but honestly it just tastes like coconut and fruit and summer. Also perfect if you think coffee is gross.

Ingredients: 1/2 cup Passion Tea, 1/2 cup white grape juice, 1/2 cup coconut milk, strawberries, ice

At-Home Cost: ~$1.25 | Starbucks: $5.95 | Savings: $4.70

The First Time I Made It: I didn’t bother chilling the tea first and ended up with a big ol’ cup of lukewarm regret. To make it worse, I grabbed the wrong coconut milk — the canned stuff — and it separated into this weird mess. If you’re trying this, trust me: use the carton kind (the one by the almond milk) and chill your dang tea first.

PRO TIP: PLAN AHEAD

Make the tea when you’re already in the kitchen—just throw a few bags in hot water and stick it in the fridge.

That way you’re not standing around later, annoyed that you have to wait for it to cool. Cold Passion Tea = pink drink ready whenever. No thinking, no drama, just pour and go.

5. Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew

Why we love it: Smooth, strong coffee with a sweet and creamy finish. Think of it as your morning coffee “leveled up” and will take you down the road towards diabetes…which is nice.

Ingredients: 3/4 cup cold brew, 2 Tbsp vanilla syrup, 1/4 cup sweet cream (half & half + vanilla syrup), ice

At-Home Cost: ~$0.90 | Starbucks: $5.45 | Savings: $4.55

Issues When I Made It: I was out of half & half and so I used regular milk and it was sad and thin.

PRO TIP: CREAM IT YOURSELF

Mix up a jar of sweet cream and keep it in the fridge. It’s literally just cream, milk, and whatever sweetener you like.

Shake it once and you’re set for the week. No need to mess with measuring every morning or opening a million tiny containers. Just grab it, pour it, done.

See Also: Outside the Box Ways to Save Money at Starbucks

6. Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew

Why we love it: PSL’s laid-back sibling. Fall flavors, not a sugar bomb, and it still actually tastes like coffee. Crazy.

Ingredients: 3/4 cup cold brew, 1 Tbsp vanilla syrup, pumpkin cold foam (cream + pumpkin purée + spice + syrup), ice

At-Home Cost: ~$1.50 | Starbucks: $5.95 | Savings: $4.45

When I Made It: This one comes from longtime blog reader Roxanne when she made it. “The pumpkin foam actually foamed (shoutout to my milk frother), and it floated on top just like the real thing. My husband took one sip, raised an eyebrow, and said, “Wait, you made this?” I said “damn right I did!”

PRO TIP: FREEZE YOUR OWN PUMPKIN

Got extra pumpkin purée? Don’t let it die in the back of the fridge. Scoop it into an ice cube tray and freeze it. Pop out a cube whenever you want to make a fall drink without opening a whole new can.

One cube = one cozy drink. No waste, no weird science experiment growing in the Tupperware.

7. Honey Citrus Mint Tea (aka Medicine Ball)

Why we love it: It’s cozy, it’s comforting, and somehow always hits the spot when you’re feeling like crap.

Ingredients: Teavana Jade Citrus Mint + Peach Tranquility tea bags, 3/4 cup hot water, 1/4 cup lemonade, 1 Tbsp honey

At-Home Cost: ~$0.95 | Starbucks: $4.75 | Savings: $3.80

When I First Made It: I used whatever random green tea I had in the pantry—big mistake. It tasted like hot lemon grass clippings.

8. Caramel Ribbon Crunch Frappuccino

Why we love it: It’s sweet and crunchy and creamy and yeah it’s basically dessert in a cup but whatever, I’m drinking it anyway.

Ingredients: 1 cup milk, 1/2 cup coffee, 1.5 Tbsp caramel syrup, 1.5 cups ice, whipped cream, crushed candy for crunch

At-Home Cost: ~$1.25 | Starbucks: $6.25 | Savings: $5.00

When I First Made It: Be sure to blend just enough to get it thick and frosty, then layer it like Starbucks does—caramel drizzle, whipped cream, more drizzle, then your candy crunch on top.

PRO TIP: GET YOUR CRUSH ON

Don’t overpay at the drive-thru. That Teavana tea they’re using? You can buy the same stuff online or grab it at Target for way less.

Same brand, same flavor—just without the $6 price tag and someone misspelling your name on a cup. Stock up once, and you’re set for weeks of DIY drinks.

9. Hot Chocolate

Why we love it: It’s simple, nostalgic, and kid-approved. Just don’t order it “kids” temperature or your kid will chug it and ask for more (trust me on this!).

Ingredients: 1 cup milk, 2 Tbsp cocoa powder, 1 Tbsp sugar, splash of vanilla, whipped cream

At-Home Cost: ~$0.70 | Starbucks: $3.95 | Savings: $3.25

PRO TIP: POLAR EXPRESS SPECIAL

Making hot cocoa? Toss in a chunk of dark chocolate while it’s heating like your Tim Hanks in The Polar Express. That’s it.

It melts down and suddenly your basic mix tastes like it came from some fancy café with jazz music and tiny spoons. No one has to know it started with a packet.

10. Chestnut Praline Latte

Why we love it: A holiday favorite with nutty warmth and sugary spice. Yes, I said nutty warmth. It tastes like December, minus the high credit card bill and piles of toys your kids will never actually play with.

Ingredients: 1 cup milk, 1 shot espresso, 1 Tbsp brown sugar syrup, dash hazelnut extract, candied nuts

At-Home Cost: ~$1.10 | Starbucks: $5.75 | Savings: $4.65

When I First Made It: I couldn’t find hazelnut extract, so I tried to fake it with almond… which was a bold and very wrong choice. I’ve since been able to track down the right extract and it’s a game-changer.

PRO TIP: FIRE UP YOUR OVEN

Got some pecans lying around? Throw ’em on a pan with a bit of sugar and cinnamon, then toast them. That’s it.

Crunchy, sweet, and way fancier than it has any right to be. Sprinkle on your latte or just eat them by the handful. No need to spend $7 on a seasonal drink when you’ve got snacks and a hot oven.

See Also: Tips to Get Free Starbucks on the Regular

11. Strawberry Açaí Refresher

Why we love it: Tart, fruity, and lightly caffeinated. It’s the afternoon pick-me-up that doesn’t taste like crap which green tea usually does.

Ingredients: 1/2 cup white grape juice, 1/2 cup green tea, 1 tsp açaí powder (optional), strawberries, ice

At-Home Cost: ~$1.10 | Starbucks: $4.95 | Savings: $3.85

When I First Made It: I tried skipping the açaí powder because I thought “how much could it matter?” — spoiler: a lot. Without it, the drink  just tasted like grape tea with floating berries.

PRO TIP: BE SMART WITH THE ICE

If you toss ice in too early, your drink’s just gonna sit there getting weak and weird.

Make it without the ice, stick it in the fridge, and pour it over ice when you’re actually ready to sip. Trust me—no one likes a watered-down drink. Cold and strong beats sad and slushy every time.

12. London Fog Latte

Why we love it: It’s the tea drink for people who want coffee vibes. Smooth, creamy, and a little fancy, not unlike the cool jacket from the 80’s. Yes, I’m proud to say I actually owned one.

Ingredients: 1 Earl Grey tea bag, 1/2 cup hot water, 1/2 cup steamed milk, 1 tsp vanilla syrup

At-Home Cost: ~$0.75 | Starbucks: $4.65 | Savings: $3.90

When I First Made It: I steeped the tea WAY too long and it got bitter. The fix is to steep the Earl Grey for exactly 3–4 minutes, heat the milk first, then froth it. And DO NOT skip the vanilla syrup—it’s what takes this bad-boy to a whole new level.

13. Cookie Butter Latte

Why we love it: A secret menu hit that tastes like a Biscoff cookie melted into a hug, I mean a mug.

Ingredients: 1 cup milk, 1 shot espresso, 1 Tbsp Biscoff spread, dash cinnamon & nutmeg

At-Home Cost: ~$1.15 | Starbucks: $5.75 | Savings: $4.60

When I First Made It: Not knowing what the hell I was doing, I just tossed the Biscoff in cold and tried to stir—big mistake. It just clumped at the bottom and was kinda gross. See pro tip below…

PRO TIP: USE YOUR MICROWAVE

Don’t just throw a Biscoff into cold milk and hope for the best.

Nuke that sucker with a splash of milk for like 20 seconds. It melts down smooth and creamy—no weird chunks floating around. Stir it up, pour it in, and thank your microwave for doing the heavy lifting.

14. Iced Americano with Cream

Why we love it: It’s bold and basic (in a good way). The cream takes the edge off and makes it kinda sweet, similar to my mother-in-law.

Ingredients: 2 shots espresso, 3/4 cup cold water, 2 Tbsp cream, ice

At-Home Cost: ~$0.60 | Starbucks: $3.75 | Savings: $3.15

When I First Made It: This is my go-to drink now. But when I first made it, I poured the hot espresso straight over the ice, and it was way too watered-down. Then I added too much cream and it was basically milky water. Now I let the espresso cool, add the cold water first, then pour it over ice. Perfection!

PRO TIP: ICE CUBE TRAY HACK

Got leftover coffee? Don’t chuck it — dump it into an ice cube tray and freeze it.

Next time you want iced coffee, pop a few of those bad boys in instead of regular ice, so you’re not drinking sad, watered-down brown water.

It’s one of those dumb little hacks that somehow makes you feel like you have your life together… even if everything else is a dumpster fire.

15. Cinnamon Dolce Latte

Why we love it: It’s just a snickerdoodle with caffeine, I’m not even gonna pretend it’s anything else.

Ingredients: 1 cup milk, 1 shot espresso, 1 Tbsp cinnamon dolce syrup (or brown sugar + cinnamon + vanilla), whipped cream

At-Home Cost: ~$1.00 | Starbucks: $5.25 | Savings: $4.25

When I First Made It: I tried to shortcut the syrup with just cinnamon and sugar, turns out that’s how you make gritty milk. Now I make the full syrup (it’s easy, promise) and don’t skimp on the whipped cream. It’s called dolce for a reason—go sweet or go home.

PRO TIP: DIY THE SYRUP

Make your own syrup: simmer 1/2 cup water + 1/2 cup brown sugar + 1 tsp cinnamon until dissolved.

That’s your syrup. Pour it in your coffee, your tea, whatever. Smells amazing, tastes even better—and takes like five minutes to make.

Final Sip:

If you made all 15 drinks at Starbucks, you’d spend around $85, which is insane. Make ’em at home? Under $20. That’s a latte savings (sorry couldn’t resist).

Pick your favorites and batch your ingredients—your wallet and your taste buds will thank you.

Ask the Reader: Let me know what Starbucks copycats I should add to my article. Please include exactly how you make it, thanks!

By Kyle James

You go in for eggs. Maybe coffee. A few things. You walk out $300 lighter, cradling a flatbed cart filled with a 10-pound brisket, a neck pillow, and an inflatable kayak. We’ve all been there. That’s the Costco Effect—and it’s real. You need a smarter way to shop. Enter the Costco-Specific Budget — a plan tailored to the unique way Costco works its magic on your wallet. Let’s break it down…

Why Your Regular Budget Doesn’t Work at Costco

Let’s face it—your grocery budget wasn’t made for Costco. You go in for a few basics and suddenly you’re hauling out crap you don’t need, not to mention more string cheese than any human needs.

And don’t even start on the food court. That churro? It’s the gateway snack.

Here’s why:

– Bulk pricing creates a spending illusion. You’re saving money per unit, yes—but that doesn’t mean you’re spending less overall.

– Unplanned purchases are encouraged. Costco basically dares you to impulse buy. There’s always some giant bin of holiday stuff, a new Kirkland hoodie you suddenly need, or a tech gadget you didn’t even know existed—but now somehow can’t live without.

– Price points are higher—even on essentials. Even the basics aren’t cheap in the moment. Sure, buying two months’ worth of laundry detergent sounds responsible, but your wallet still feels the pain all at once.

– The “we might as well” effect. And then there’s the classic “well, we’re already here” trap. You pop in for chicken and paper towels, and next thing you know, you’re loading up with a salsa sampler, a new beach read, and a 5-pack of solar lights because…why not?

Bottom line: if you treat Costco like a quick errand, you’re pretty much guaranteed to blow your budget.

PRO TIP: USE A SEPERATE DEBIT OR COSTCO CASH CARD

Costco’s a budget trap if you’re not careful. One minute you’re grabbing chicken, the next you’re eyeing a $400 massage chair.

Try using a separate debit card just for Costco—or better yet, load a gift card with your monthly limit. When it’s gone, you’re done. No mental math, no guilt, no “how did I spend $312?” moments.

See Also: Smart Costco Hacks to Maximize Your Savings

How to Build a Costco-Specific Budget

So how do you build a budget that keeps your spending in check—but still lets you enjoy your giant tubs of hummus?

Here’s a 4-Step system that works:

Step 1: Track Your Past Spending

Look back at your last 3–6 months of Costco purchases. Yes, this means digging into old receipts or checking your account statements. Break down what you’ve been buying and how often.

Step 2: Categorize Everything

Most Costco hauls break down into four types of purchases:

– Essentials: Groceries, toiletries, cleaning supplies.

– Restocks: Pantry staples, paper goods, pet food.

– Seasonal or Gifts: Holiday décor, birthday presents, party trays.

– Impulse/Fun: A three-pack of waffle mix you didn’t know you needed.

This breakdown will help you separate needs from wants—and build realistic spending buckets.

Step 3: Identify Patterns

Are you overspending every time you hit the book table? Buying snacks in bulk that never get finished?

Noticing your spending spikes every other month? The goal isn’t judgment—it’s insight.

Step 4: Set Your Budget by Category

Decide what you can spend each month at Costco. Then divide that amount into three mini-budgets:

– 60% Essentials

– 25% Restocks

– 15% Splurges or seasonal

If you only shop once every 4–6 weeks, treat your Costco budget like a mini savings plan: set aside money weekly so it’s ready when you go.

PRO TIP: USE THE “UNIT PRICE RULE” TO SPOT TRUE DEALS

Costco doesn’t always give you the unit price, so grab your phone and do a quick calculation—price divided by ounces, sheets, bags, whatever. Then compare it to what you’d pay at Target or your regular grocery store.

Just because it comes in a massive box doesn’t always mean it’s the best deal. Bigger isn’t always better… especially when it’s 40 packs of granola bars you don’t actually like.

See Also: The Kirkland Brands That Are Made by BIG Name Brands

Costco Budgeting Hacks from Seasoned Shoppers

Savvy Costco fans know this: the best budget is one you’ll actually follow.

Here are some hacks to help you stay on track:

– Shop with a list—and stick to it. The more specific, the better. “Snacks for school lunches” turns into $80 in mixed nuts. “1 box granola bars” keeps things focused.

– Use the “two-cart” trick. Mentally (or physically) divide your cart into “Need Now” vs. “Want Later.” Revisit your “Want Later” pile before checkout. You’ll almost always put something back.

I had longtime blog reader Elena, try this and she summed it up like this, “It’s like giving myself permission to want things, without committing to buying them. And nine times out of ten, the impulse wears off by the time I circle back to the front.”

When she hit the checkout line, she paused and asked herself: “If I only had $50 left, what would I still buy?”

Answer: None of the “Want Later” items made the cut. She put them all back. Final receipt: $112.48, not $175+.

– Time your trips. The fewer times you go, the fewer chances you have to impulse buy. Set a Costco schedule—every 4–6 weeks works for many.

Plan your meals around your haul. Got a 3-pack of spinach? Great. Now plan three dinners that use it. Budgeting without a meal plan leads to waste and re-buys.

Below is how one my faithful readers is implementing this tip.

From Heather in Boise, ID:

“I used to stop at Costco every other weekend ‘just to see what’s new’ and I’d always walk out with way more than I needed—hello, $300 bill.

Now, I’ve switched to going every five weeks, and I build my meal plan around whatever I buy in bulk. If I get a twin-pack of mushrooms, I know we’re having mushroom quesadillas, mushroom pasta, and a frittata that week. It seriously cut down on waste and my grocery spending.”

PRO TIP: MAKE YOUR COSTCO LIST “SMART”

A “SMART” list follows the layout of your particular Costco, guiding you aisle by aisle so you don’t backtrack—or detour into danger zones.

By sticking to the outer loop and avoiding the center aisles (where all the impulse buys and seasonal temptations live), you’ll get in, get what you need, and get out without blowing your budget.

How to Handle the Temptation Buys

Let’s be real. You’re not going to go to Costco and not buy at least one item that makes you giddy. And that’s okay. But don’t let those finds wreck your budget.

Here’s how to handle the thrill of the deal without guilt:

– Create a “Fun Fund.” Allocate a small part of your Costco budget—say $20–$50—for spontaneous buys. Make it official. Call it your “Kirkland Curiosity Cash.”

– Sleep on it. If you’re eyeing something over $40 that’s not on your list, snap a pic and walk away. Give it 24 hours. If you still want it, and it fits your budget, go back.

– Use gift cards as guardrails. Bring only a $150 Costco Shop Card if that’s your limit. No card, no temptation.

PRO TIP: SKIP THE CENTER AISLES

Costco is laid out like a treasure hunt. The outer perimeter holds the essentials—produce, dairy, meat, and frozen foods.

The middle? That’s where the budget busters live: books, tech, gadgets, and throw pillows. Shop the perimeter first. Only venture into the center if you have room left in your budget.

What NOT to Buy at Costco If You’re Budgeting

Some deals just AREN’T deals. Even Costco has duds—especially when you’re watching your spending.

Skip These If You’re Trying to Save:

– Individual snack packs: Often cheaper per unit at Walmart or Amazon.

– Clothing (unless it’s on deep clearance): Styles rotate fast, but quality and fit are hit or miss.

– Name-brand electronics: Costco has a good return policy, but not always the best price. Always comparison shop.

– Overly perishable produce: If you won’t eat a pound of spring mix in five days, skip it.

– Seasonal displays. That fire pit looks amazing. Do you have room for it? Did you budget for it?

Even long-time Costco employees admit: just because it’s in the store doesn’t mean it’s worth buying.

PRO TIP: SHOP WITH A TIMER

Set a timer before you walk in—seriously. Give yourself 30–40 minutes, tops. Costco is not a museum; you’re not there to admire the kayaks or test the memory foam.

The longer you wander, the more that 5 pound tub of Red Vines starts whispering sweet nothings. Treat it like a mission: in, out, done.

Ask the Reader: Have you ever walked into Costco for eggs and left with an air fryer? (I did that once) Tell me your biggest Costco splurge—I promise, no judgment (unless it was the karaoke machine).

By Kyle James