I asked this question in another thread...Costco or Grocery store.

How do you shop? I like certain items from Costco, but I can not leave there without spending about $200 - $400! However, it usually lasts me a long time and I have only been going tot he grocery store for baby food.

So, do I make one last bulk trip to Costco, or start training myself to shop on an as needed basis? Which is cheaper or more efficient?

I used to buy in bulk but storing all that stuff was getting overwhelming. I've recently switched to "Just In Time" purchasing. I don't run to the store unless I need it. And yes, I do buy one item and leave - EVEN AT COSTCO.

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I'm a stay-at-home mom and loving it! So I run my home like a business, organzing things and trying to find ways to save money. I figured that since I don't work full-time (just part-time), then part of my job is to stretch every dollar we have so that it feels like I work full-time.

The thing is, it takes time to do that. I spend alot of time of this website finding good coupons and getting good tips. I also compare prices ALOT!

I have found that some things are better at Cosco and some things aren't. Like diapers..I can't find huggies cheaper anywhere! The rule when you go to Cosco is to make a list. If you are a regular there, then you know what's there. I also usually only buy things that I know I will use. For example...toothpaste or toilet paper....you know you will always use them...everyday...I know I usually buy that stuff twice a month! So...that might be a good thing to get at Cosco. That way it's over and done with and you don't have to worry about it. I also know that I can buy the frozen perdue chicken breasts for a little over $2 a pound! We eat chicken probably 3 or 4 times a week! So I buy the 10lb bag, stuff it in my chest freezer and then when I want to make something, I don't have to worry about going to the store or finding $5 from my budget to buy an unplanned ingredient (such as the chicken).

On the other side of that, there are other things that you don't really need from Cosco...for example...say you make brownies...maybe once a month...if that. Well then you don't need to buy the Giardelli Brownie mix in bulk....you would be better off going to the store and waiting till that stuff goes on sale then just buy 1 or 2 boxes then.

One good thing about Cosco is that they do have some pretty good pre-prepped meals that I are nice. So....if you go, I would put on your list that you want to buy a couple frozen meals like spinach ravioli or whatever. Budget yourself to say...$20 or $25 for both...then search for frozen meals that fit into that budget.

I usually hit up Cosco first....then go to the regular Grocery store that is in a shopping center right across the street!