Diehard members already know that it’s easy to save money at Costco, but that’s not necessarily guaranteed. With a long list of good deals, you can easily overspend even when you’re trying to cut back on your money.

Luckily, you can follow a few simple tips to maximize your savings, allowing you to splurge guilt-free on a $1.50 hot dog and soda combo at the end of your Costco run.

1. Make a list and stick to it

I’m a big fan of lists. I don’t think I could get anything done during my workday or achieve long-term goals without them. They are also very helpful in helping me stay on track while shopping.

It may be tempting to browse the Costco aisles looking for great deals, and you’re sure to find them, but it’s also a quick way to stretch your budget. Instead, write down everything you do need to buy on your next Costco run — and stick to it.

Of course, you’ll miss out on a few bargain purchases. But if the goal is to keep as much money in your bank account as possible, giving up on a few deals may be worth it.

You could be earning cash prizes on your Costco runs. Click here to check out our list of the best credit cards with great rewards at Costco.

2. Use the Costco app to find the best deals

To make sure you’re getting the most savings at Costco, you should consider using the store’s app. The Costco app includes special savings sections for in-store and online deals, latest price cuts, and special treasure hunt deals.

I also like that you can view historical receipts for both in-store and online purchases. One of the best ways to make sure you’re sticking to your budget is to look at your expenses regularly; so viewing receipts can tell you if you’re staying on track.

As a bonus, you can make it easier to stick to your spending plan by creating your shopping list within the app!

3. Fill up on Costco gas

Costco gas prices are one of the best deals because tank club gas stations often sell fuel for much less than local stations. For example, the Costco gas station near me currently sells a gallon of unleaded gasoline for just $2.66, while the gas station two blocks away sells it for $2.99 ​​– $0.33 cheaper per gallon!

There’s no guarantee that the huge difference between my local station and Costco prices will always be there. But if so, I could save $161 a year based on the average 489 gallons Americans use each year. You can even use the Costco app to view gas prices at your local Costco store.

You can maximize your natural gas savings with the right credit card. Click here to view our best gas and grocery credit cards.

4. Plan your meals so you can effectively buy in bulk

Food prices increased by 10 percent in 2022 and by approximately 6 percent last year, leaving many families’ food budgets in a difficult situation. Costco is known for its bulk food options, but buying groceries in bulk will probably only save you money if you have a large family or are smart about planning your meals.

My family regularly plans our weekly meals to use meat in two meals and ensure we have leftover meat for busy nights. Using the Costco app to create your shopping list makes planning easier. Adding the cost in the app will help you figure out if the cost per meal fits into your grocery budget.

With a little planning, Costco is a great place to save money. Making a list and planning your meals using the Costco app will help you maximize your savings on every trip and reduce stubbornly high shopping costs.