The Best and Worst Bargains at Sam’s Club
1 Stock Up On: Eggland’s Best Eggs
If eggs are a big part of your diet, you have to buy your favorite breakfast food from Sam’s Club. But don’t buy just any pack of eggs. If you really want to maximize your savings, buy Eggland’s Best eggs.
An 18-count carton of these eggs is available for just over $3. That’s a pretty good deal for quite a large pack of eggs. Plus, these specific eggs are rarely available at other retailers. If you like the brand, you have to get them from Sam’s Club.
2 Overpriced: Toilet Paper
Paper towels are a must-buy at Sam’s Club, but the same rule doesn’t apply to toilet paper. While Sam’s Club offers reasonable discounts for paper towels, their prices on toilet paper are rarely competitive.
Since toilet paper is such a necessary item, stores constantly offer big packs at reduced prices. Oftentimes, these sales easily beat the prices available at Sam’s Club. If you want to conserve a little cash, look for discount deals in your local grocery store and refrain from buying one huge pack of toilet paper at Sam’s Club.
3 Overpriced: Soda
If you like to stock up on fizzy drinks in your home, it’s tempting to take advantage of the bulk options available at Sam’s Club. However, finance experts have said that buying sodas in bulk actually does more harm than good to your wallet.
If you buy soda in bulk from Sam’s Club, you end up paying more than you would if you bought in smaller quantities from your local grocery store. You can cut down the price of your drinks even further by waiting to purchase soda until it goes on sale at a non-bulk store. Either way, it’s not worth the higher price tag to buy your drinks in bulk from Sam’s Club.
4 Overpriced: Electronics
Since Sam’s Club houses so many different items underneath its roof, it’s easy to use the warehouse as your one-stop-shop for everything you might need. Why not grab a new TV while you complete your normal grocery shopping? Isn’t that a perfect way to kill two birds with one stone?
While it might be convenient to buy your electronics from Sam’s Club, it’s not the most cost-effective choice. Sam’s Club and other bulk retailers rarely offer the best prices on electronics. Don’t bother buying your new tech at Sam’s Club—you can find the same offerings somewhere else for a much better price.
5 Overpriced: Detergent
Buying detergent in bulk seems like a good idea, but it doesn’t actually save you that much money. In the long run, buying detergent in bulk from Sam’s Club will cost you more than simply looking for deals at your local grocery store.
While detergent often goes on sale in other stores, it’s rarely available at a reduced price at Sam’s Club. You may have to buy detergent more often, but you’ll end up saving more money if you buy somewhere else and skip the big tubs at Sam’s Club.
6 Overpriced: Bacon
Buying your bacon in bulk can save you money, but not if you buy from Sam’s Club. Finance experts found that large packets of bacon are actually less expensive at Costco than they are at Sam’s Club. This is especially true if you buy the Kirkland Signature bacon.
In addition, the Kirkland Signature bacon seems to be of better quality than the Sam’s Club bacon. The strips crisp up nicely and the flavor is more enjoyable than its Sam’s Club counterpart.
7 Overpriced: Cereals
Cereals are another common product found pretty much anywhere. While Sam’s Club offers a large variety of popular cereals, these breakfast foods aren’t always available at the best price.
Like other common grocery store items, cereals are often put on sale in other stores. Sam’s Club, on the other hand, rarely offers promotions for their cereals. By looking out for sales and using coupons, you can save yourself a ton of money on already-cheap breakfast staples.
8 Stock Up On: Sugar
If you’re looking for the best bargains, Sam’s Club sugar prices are nearly unbeatable. The store offers a huge 10-pound bag of sugar for 15 to 20 percent less than any of its competitors.
While you might not think of buying such a large supply of sugar, taking advantage of Sam’s Club’s low prices will save you quite a bit of cash in the long run. Plus, if you use sugar rarely, you probably won’t have a need to buy a new bag for quite a while.
9 Stock Up On: Jalapeno Artichoke Dip
A dip is always handy to have on hand in the refrigerator. Whether it’s for eating with vegetables or crackers, it’s the perfect ingredient for delicious and simple snacks. And when it comes to dips, Sam’s Club has one that everyone will love!
Slightly spicy, a little salty, and creamy enough, Stonemill Kitchens jalapeno and artichoke dip will get you hooked. If there are many of you at home, consider buying more than one jar the next time you visit Sam’s Club, because the first thing you’ll know is that you’ve eaten it all and want more!
10 Stock Up On: Chick-fil-A Frozen Meals
We all sometimes feel like eating one of our favorite fast food meals, but we don’t necessarily want to go out and bring the whole family to a restaurant. In these cases, fans of Chick-fil-A restaurants will be delighted at Sam’s Club!
If you like Chicken Bites, Waffle Fries, or Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwich, you’ll love these Member’s Mark Southern Style frozen products that taste very similar. Plus, you’ll get your money’s worth! All you have to pay is $9.98 for 3lbs of Chicken Bites, $4.98 for 4 lbs of Waffle Fries, and $15.98 for Chicken Sandwiches.
11 Stock Up On: Frozen Food
When it comes to buying in bulk, frozen foods are always a safe choice. After all, as long as you have enough room in your freezer, you can throw all your frozen foods inside and forget about them until you run out of fresh food.
Sam’s Club is an especially frugal choice for frozen food. You can find huge bags of quickly cooked treats at impossibly low prices. These frozen packs are especially useful if you have a large family to feed, but you’re still trying to stick to your budget. A few frozen corn dogs here and there might just do the trick to save a little money on groceries for your brood.
12 Stock Up On: Paper Towels
Unlike soda, buying paper towels in bulk does have an impact on your wallet. You won’t get significant savings buying paper towels from Sam’s Club, but you will save a few cents here and there.
Fifteen rolls of paper towels are available for around $18 at Sam’s Club. In comparison, you can buy a 12-pack of paper towels for roughly $14 at Walmart. The savings won’t be enough to leave you with tons of extra pocket money, but the few cents you save per roll will add up after a while. Plus, more rolls of paper towels in your home means fewer trips to the grocery store to get new packs.
13 Stock Up On: Snacks
If you need to stock up on non-perishable snacks, Sam’s Club is the place to go. Many of your favorite snacks are available in large quantities at a reduced cost, making both your stomach and your wallet happy.
For example, a 40-count pack of Lance crackers costs under $7 at Sam’s Club, whereas a 20-count pack costs over $5 at Walmart. Stock up on all your favorite pantry items next time you go to Sam’s Club. When you head to the checkout, you can relax in the knowledge that you’re actually saving yourself money, even if your bill is pretty high in the moment.
14 Overpriced: Books
If you’re perusing lazily through the store, you might get caught up in the book section at Sam’s Club. But while it’s tempting to add a few new novels to your cart, it’s a total waste of money to purchase from the bulk retailer.
When buying books, online stores like Amazon have much better prices. You might have to wait a few days to receive your items, but you’ll save quite a bit of money. Even better, you can cut out books together and add some serious padding to your budget by getting a library card or borrowing digital versions of your favorite novels from online libraries.
15 Stock Up On: Candy
Some people would consider it dangerous to have huge bags of candy all over your house. But the truth is, you’ll probably find a way to indulge in sweets anyway, so you might as well save yourself some money by purchasing candy at Sam’s Club.
Particularly around Halloween and other holidays, Sam’s Club is one of the best places to purchase bulk candy. You can find huge bags of goodies with over 200 sweet treats for just $15. While you might have to practice a little more self-control if you bring those candies home, the low prices of these treats are just too good to ignore.
16 Overpriced: Canned Goods
When it comes to canned goods, bulk retailers aren’t the best choice. The cans available at Sam’s Club are often much larger than your typical canned foods, or they’re available in such huge quantities that a normal pantry could never store them all.
Finance experts say it’s better to buy your canned goods at normal grocery stores. You rarely need such large quantities of canned products, and they’re simply not priced well at Sam’s Club. If you wait and shop at the grocery store, you’re sure to come across plenty of discounts that will save you lots of money in the long run.
17 Stock Up On: Alcohol
If you need to spruce up your bar cart, Sam’s Club should be your first stop. While you might not need alcohol in bulk, buying big quantities all at once will save you money in the long run. The cases and bottles available at Sam’s Club provide a large quantity of liquid for significantly less money than you would pay if you were to buy them at the grocery or liquor store.
Buying in bulk from Sam’s Club is especially prudent if you’re hosting a party at your home. Instead of forking over wads of cash for a few individual bottles, buy a case at Sam’s Club. You’ll save money and you’ll have plenty of drinks to entertain your guests.
18 Overpriced: Cheesecake
If you’re having a celebration or if you’re simply craving a little sugar in your home, it’s hard not to be tempted by the cheesecake at Sam’s Club. Unfortunately, buying one of the variety cheesecakes isn’t the most economical decision.
While the cheesecake looks delicious, you can find dessert of a similar quality for a reduced price at Walmart. If you really want to impress your taste buds, head to Target and buy a high-quality Cheesecake Factory cheesecake for just a dollar more than the cheesecake available at Sam’s Club. Either way, try to resist the urge to toss a Sam’s Club cheesecake into your shopping cart—it’s just not worth the money.
19 Stock Up On: Gatorade
While you shouldn’t buy your soda in bulk from Sam’s Club, Gatorade is a different story. If you find that sports drinks are popular in your home, it’s worth it to buy huge packs in bulk from Sam’s Club.
In fact, Sam’s Club may be the best place to buy bulk sports drinks. A 28-pack of Gatorade sells for under 50 cents per bottle at Sam’s Club. That’s even less expensive than the Gatorade available at Costco. Don’t hesitate to buy your Gatorade from Sam’s Club. It’s unlikely you’ll find such a large quantity for a better price anywhere else.
20 Stock Up On: Member’s Mark Cinnamon Rolls
If you like cinnamon buns, you will certainly be charmed by Sam’s Club Member’s Mark Cinnamon Rolls. Not only is it a pure delight, but it sells for as little as $5 and could feed up to 16 people. Isn’t that an economical dessert?
This is an all-purpose recipe, and the frosting that covers the cinnamon rolls is a classic. However, you’ll be surprised—and very happy!—to find that the rolls have been cut in half, like a layer cake, so that icing can be inserted in the middle as well. A truly sweet and absolutely delicious dessert!
21 Overpriced: Coffee
If you’re a devout coffee drinker, it’s tempting to buy large packs from a bulk retailer and use it over time. Unfortunately, the quality of coffee diminishes the longer it sits on the shelf. If you buy coffee in bulk from Sam’s Club and allow it to sit in your cupboards for weeks on end, you’ll find that your coffee gets worse and worse with each day that passes.
While you might be able to find deals on coffee at Sam’s Club, you’re better off just buying it from the grocery store. Coffee is often put on sale at Sam’s Club when it’s close to going bad, and it’s unlikely you’ll be able to finish off a large pack before your coffee surpasses its ideal time frame.
22 Stock Up On: Meat
Anyone who cooks meat often should take note: It’s almost always smarter to buy your meat in bulk. When you buy meat from a bulk retailer, you can purchase large quantities and freeze them for later use. That way, you’re able to save yourself a little money. Plus, buying meat in such large quantities eliminates the need to run to the grocery store multiple times a week.
In addition, the meat available at Sam’s Club is often of a higher quality than the meat in the regular grocery store. You’re saving money and you’re eating better food—there’s really no reason to buy your meat anywhere else.
23 Stock Up On: Toothbrushes
If you’re not looking for fancy brushes for your teeth, you can save quite a bit of money by shopping at Sam’s Club. One pack of eight toothbrushes costs only about $12 at Sam’s Club, whereas similar packs cost nearly $26 on Amazon and almost $19 at Walmart.
By picking up a pack of toothbrushes at Sam’s Club, you can save yourself a nice chunk of change. Plus the pack is big enough that you shouldn’t have to shop for new toothbrushes any time soon.
24 Overpriced: Beach Chairs
Sam’s Club has it all, including an entire section dedicated to outdoor chairs. However, you shouldn’t buy a new set of beach chairs from Sam’s Club. On the one hand, the beach chairs available at Sam’s Club are often of better quality than the ones at Target or CVS. While the $66 price tag is more expensive than other versions, Sam’s Club beach chairs can withstand more wear and tear.
However, you can also find high-quality beach chairs for a significantly lower price on Amazon. Plus, you’ll have more options available online to get something that’s really suited to your needs. While it might take a little longer to arrive at your home, waiting to buy your beach chairs from an online retailer will definitely make your wallet happy.
25 Stock Up On: Prescription Drugs
If you need prescription drugs, you shouldn’t buy them from a small pharmacy. The prices at large warehouses are often significantly better than other prescription drug retailers, and Sam’s Club is no exception.
For example, buying a pack of 100 prescription pills will run up a bill of around $40 at Walmart. In comparison, the same pack can cost just $10-$12 at Sam’s Club. By buying your prescription drugs from a warehouse, you can save anywhere between 25% to 77% on each purchase. With savings like that, buying your prescription drugs at Sam’s Club is a no-brainer.
26 Overpriced: Pasta
Pasta is another one of those items that you can find anywhere. Since it’s so readily available, there’s no need to buy it from Sam’s Club.
Pasta can be found in any grocery store and most supermarkets often run sales on their popular brands. Sam’s Club, on the other hand, doesn’t often offer significant price reductions. Rather than buying your pasta at Sam’s Club, peruse the sales at the grocery store, where you should be able to find a box for just $1. Plus, you’ll have more pasta options available to you at the supermarket than you’ll find at Sam’s Club.
27 Stock Up On: Batteries
Batteries are one item you should definitely buy at Sam’s Club. Finance experts have found that you can save as much as one full dollar per battery when you purchase a pack at Sam’s Club. The bulk options allow you to stock up on batteries while simultaneously saving some money.
However, you should check the expiration date of the battery before you buy a pack. Make sure the date is a few years away to ensure that you actually get a chance to use the batteries before they go bad.
28 Overpriced: Toothpaste
While you might be able to buy cost-effective toothbrushes at Sam’s Club, you should buy your toothpaste somewhere else. Although buying toothpaste in bulk is a good idea, Sam’s Club doesn’t have the best prices.
A five-pack of toothpaste at Sam’s Club is available for just under $11. While that sounds that good deal, you can get more than double the amount if you buy your toothpaste at Dollar Tree. Picking up a pack of toothpaste from Sam’s Club might seem convenient, but you’ll make a little extra room in your budget by shopping somewhere else for your dental hygiene needs.
29 Stock Up On: Happy Birthday Chocolate Covered Strawberries
It’s the birthday of one of your loved ones and are looking for an original, colorful and delicious gift to offer? You should make a detour to Sam’s Club before the fateful date, because they have exactly what you need! Happy Birthday Chocolate Covered Strawberries can be used as a gift or an original dessert for someone with a sweet tooth, but not too sweet.
For $42.98, you get an assortment of 12 strawberries dipped in different chocolates and covered with unique sweet decorations. All comes in a signature gift box with a ribbon printed with “Happy Birthday”. When it’s time to pay, you can even have a little note added to your gift, which will be fully prepared on the day of delivery.
30 Stock Up On: Aquafina Drinking Water
While some drinks aren’t worth buying at Sam’s Club, Aquafina waters aren’t one of them. If you’re the type of person who enjoys having bottled water in your home, it’s worth it to take advantage of the incredible prices at Sam’s Club.
A 24-pack of 16.9oz water bottles costs only $3.99 at Sam’s Club. That’s roughly $.17 per bottle. You can buy multiple packs and keep them in your fridge, or you can simply pick up a pack whenever you stop by the store. Either way, you’re unlikely to find better prices on bottled water at your local grocery store.
31 Overpriced: Idahoan Buttery Homestyle Potatoes
If you don’t want to make mashed potatoes using the real thing, packet potatoes offer a quick and easy solution. At Sam’s Club, you can find an 8-pack of the Idahoan Buttery Homestyle Potatoes for just $6.48. While that might sound like a deal, it’s better to get your packet potatoes somewhere else, if you must buy them at all.
The same packets of Idahoan are available for a few cents less at Walmart. But you can also buy a 10-pound bag of potatoes at Walmart for just $3.94. It might take a little more time, but making your mashed potatoes with the real thing isn’t only healthier, it will also save you money.
32 Stock Up On: Ore-Ida Tator Tots
While you might not want to buy packet potatoes at Sam’s Club, tater tots are an entirely different story. At the bulk retailer, you can find eight pounds of tater tots for just under $7. That’s a steal!
Unless you’re eating tater tots day in and day out, eight pounds should last you a long time. By keeping this pack in your freezer, you always have a side when you’re in a rush. Other stores sell much smaller quantities of tater tots for similar prices, guaranteeing that you save money when you buy this item Sam’s Club.
33 Overpriced: Cabot Cheddar Cheese
Unless you’re obsessed with cheese, you probably shouldn’t buy this dairy product from Sam’s Club. While the price of $8 is okay, the quantity is the real issue. The cheese only comes in 2-pound packs, which is quite a large amount to keep in your fridge.
Unfortunately, cheese tends to go bad. Unless you’re convinced that you’ll eat two pounds of cheese in a week or so, it’s probably better to leave this purchase on the shelf. Instead, buy smaller blocks from your local grocery store to ensure that you don’t lose half your money to mold.
34 Stock Up On: Flamin’ Hot Cheetos
Most non-perishable snacks are worth buying at Sam’s Club, and Flamin’ Hot Cheetos are no exception. At first glance, the price of the Cheetos might seem expensive. For a 28-pack of 3.25oz bags, you have to pay close to $35, which seems expensive for snacks.
However, when you dig a little deeper, you’ll find that this price is actually a good deal. The price of the Cheetos averages out to $.38 per ounce. In comparison, an 8.5oz bag of Flamin’ Cheetos sells at Target for just under $4, which makes the cost around $.44 per oz. Not only will you save a few cents by buying your Cheetos at Sam’s Club, but you’ll also have smaller packets that are much easier to carry around than the large bags often sold in grocery stores.
35 Overpriced: Stouffer’s Signature Lasagna
Frozen meals are a great option if you’re looking for quick and easy dishes that can be on your plate in no time. But if you’re going to reach for a pack of Stouffer’s frozen lasagna, don’t get it from Sam’s Club.
While Sam’s Club offers a large size that could easily feed your entire family and more, you can find the same box of frozen lasagna at Walmart for a few cents less. Although those cents might not matter in the moment, they’ll certainly add up over time. Go where the deals are and refrain from buying your lasagna at Sam’s Club. Your wallet will thank you.
36 Stock Up On: Polar Treats Ice Cream Novelties
Every family should have a few sweet treats hidden in their freezer. Of course, buying dessert might not be at the top of your priority list if you’re trying to save a little cash. At Sam’s Club, however, you can do both!
A 36-pack of Polar Treats Ice Cream Novelties is available for just over $10 at Sam’s Club. The pack includes three different kinds of dessert, all of which are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. At this price, each treat only costs $.29. With savings like that, you’ll never have to skip dessert.
37 Stock Up On: Baby Wipes
If you’re a parent with a brand new baby, then you know the cost of raising a child adds up after a while. Items like diapers and baby wipes seem to disappear as soon as you buy them. But have no fear, new parents! You’ll be happy to learn that buying in bulk is good for your wallet and your sanity.
Sam’s Club offers a pack of 1,152 baby wipes for just $20. That breaks down to around 2 cents per wipe, which is incredibly affordable compared to some other brands. Not only will you have plenty of baby wipes to take care of your every mess, but you’ll also feel a little less frustration every time you have to go out and buy a new pack.
38 Overpriced: Party Supplies
Although you don’t necessarily think of party supplies when you think of Sam’s Club, you’ve probably grabbed your fair share of paper plates and plastic cups as you wander through the store. However, buying those items at Sam’s Club wastes quite a bit of money.
Instead of buying the higher-priced party supplies at Sam’s Club, head to Dollar Tree for all your party-planning needs. Most of the things you buy will end up in the trash anyway, so what’s the point of spending any more than you absolutely need to?
39 Stock Up On: Tires
If you need a new set of tires for your car, look no further than Sam’s Club. Along with their bulk items, Sam’s Club also offers a huge selection of tires from many different brands. The tires are priced competitively, allowing you to choose the type that best works for your vehicle without spending an arm and a leg to update your transportation.
Plus, if you have a Sam’s Club membership, you’ll receive an even better price for your tires. The workers will also match the price if you happen to find cheaper tires at a competitor. There’s really no way to lose when you purchase tires from Sam’s Club.
40 Stock Up On: Charcoal
Heat up the grill and buy your charcoal at Sam’s Club. If backyard barbecues are your thing, it’s completely logical to buy your charcoal in bulk. Even if you rarely have a cookout at home, charcoal lasts for a long time as long as it’s stored in a cool, dry place.
Money-saving experts suggest buying charcoal at Sam’s Club, as the large quantity will save you money in the long run. The charcoal at grocery stores is priced significantly higher, especially considering the smaller amount you receive with each purchase. This is one item you can buy in bulk without fear.
41 Overpriced: Clothing
It’s so tempting to buy your clothing at Sam’s Club, especially if you spot designer brands at lower prices. Unfortunately, there’s a downside to getting your threads at Sam’s Club.
Even if the clothes are designer, many popular brands will put out less expensive lines meant for warehouses and outlet stores. While the clothes look nice, they’re often low quality. There’s no use buying clothes if they’re going to fall apart after just a few wears. Knowing that the warehouse lines are cheaper, it’s better to fork over a little more cash for clothes that will hopefully last longer.
42 Stock Up On: Oversized Double Chair
If you need to stock up on any outdoor equipment, your first buy should be this oversized double chair from Sam’s Club. Available in both red and blue, the chair retails for just $39.98.
The chair is sturdy and spacious, providing plenty of room for you and your partner to snuggle up on your next camping trip. It’s durable and features outdoor-friendly fabric, while still providing all the comfort you’ll need to settle in around the campfire on your next camping trip.
43 Stock Up On: Hershey’s S’mores Kit
The perfect s’more is comprised of chocolate, marshmallows, and graham crackers. But rather than purchasing every element of the s’more separately, why not just buy them all together? At Sam’s Club, you can do just that.
The Hershey’s S’mores Kit features two packs of graham crackers, one bag of marshmallows, and nine full-size Hershey’s chocolate bars for just $9.78. When you add it up, the S’mores kit is cheaper than what you would spend to buy all the same ingredients on their own.
44 Stock Up On: Mexicali Dip
You can find a variety of Mexican-flavored dips at pretty much any grocery store. But there are three things to consider when buying dip: price, amount, and taste. Thankfully, Sam’s Club’s Mexicali Dip excels in all three categories.
Available for just $7.88, Sam’s Club’s Mexicali Dip offers 24 ounces of delicious Mexican flavor. The quality of the dips rivals some high-end versions available at other grocery stores, and the size of the packaging means you won’t be running out any time soon.
45 Stock Up On: PowerXL Smokeless BBQ Grill
While you can buy plenty of food products at Sam’s Club, you can also stock up on essential appliances, including the PowerXL Smokeless BBQ grill. Available for just $99.98, the compact grill is the perfect way to transform yourself into a BBQ master.
The smokeless BBQ has 1600 reviews, all of which are nearly perfect. It heats up quickly and features a non-stick surface, which makes for easy cleaning. For such a great price, this grill is the perfect way to ensure flawless summer BBQs.
46 Stock Up On: Patio Heater
If you have an outdoor patio, you likely want to use it year-round. However, it’s difficult to create an outdoor space that can be comfortable at any time of year, especially in cold weather. Thankfully, Sam’s Club can help.
Sam’s Club offers patio heaters for $149.98. In comparison, a similar model from Home Depot retails for a whopping $288, making the Sam’s Club version a clear steal. The patio heater from Sam’s Club includes an LED table and a stainless steel finish. Plus, it’s well-rated by users as a durable and effective outdoor option.
47 Stock Up On: Rolling Cooler
Rolling coolers aren’t normally on anyone’s list of things they have to buy. However, they come in handy more often than you think. If you’re throwing an outdoor event or heading out on a camping trip, a large cooler is pretty much a necessity. Thankfully, Sam’s Club has a great option for a decent price.
The Lifetime 65-Quart High Performance Cooler is available for $129.98. Other options of that size are often upwards of $200 to $300. The cooler is well-rated and even includes a drain spout to get rid of any excess water easily. If you need a cooler, it’s hard to find a better option than this one.
48 Stock Up On: Ivory Body Wash
Body wash is certainly a necessity, but it can also be rather expensive. It’s especially difficult to invest in a pricey body wash knowing it will all be gone in a few short weeks. However, Sam’s Club offers a body wash option that’s not just affordable, it’s also good for your skin.
The Ivory Body Wash from Sam’s Club features two large bottles of liquid body wash with a fragrance-free formula. The body wash is also made with moisturizing ingredients, meaning it’s actually good for your skin. Most importantly, both bottles are available for $14.98—about $.19 per ounce! With a price like that, it would be a mistake not to buy this body wash.
49 Stock Up On: Pineapple Spears
While fruits and veggies are always good for you, they can also be a bit expensive. But if you’re a fan of pineapple, you can stock up on this tropical fruit without breaking the bank by shopping at Sam’s Club.
Sam’s Club offers a large jar of pineapple spears for just $5.98. Not only do these pineapple spears last longer, but they’re also significantly less expensive than fresh pineapple found at other grocery stores. There’s really no downside to buying your pineapple from Sam’s Club.
50 Stock Up On: Ramen
Ramen is already an incredibly cheap meal option. Now, it’s even cheaper at Sam’s Club. If you’re a struggling college student or an adult who needs to stick to a strict budget, try buying your next pack of ramen at Sam’s Club.
Sam’s Club offers a 30-pack of Nissin noodles for just $7.56. That means each bowl is roughly $.25! It’s pretty much impossible to find a cheaper meal than that. Don’t break the bank—buy your next 30 meals at Sam’s Club.
Financial Tip
Did you know that the majority of the population would be able to save much more money every month than they think? When you think about all the non-essential things you buy, it’s pretty easy to believe! According to the long-proven 50/30/20 rule, you should set aside:
- 50% of your budget for essential expenses such as housing and food;
- 30%—maximum!—for non-essential spending;
- At least 20% of your income should be put into savings.
When you think about it, it’s a pretty logical way to manage your finances. Unfortunately, too few people take the time to make a detailed budget and think about it.
Here are some facts from 2018 about how Americans’ money relates to the LivingFacts website:
- 12% of Americans said they could not cover a potential $400 expense. 61% said they could afford the $400 in cash or equivalent, while 27% of Americans said they would have to borrow the $400, or sell assets, if the opportunity arose;
- 36% of Americans say their retirement savings are on track. 44% say they are having problems, and the remaining 20% are unsure about the state of their savings;
- 64% of Americans owned a home, while 27% rented one, and 9% had other arrangements;
- The average annual salary of an American can be divided into three different types of expenses: 33% for housing, 16% for transportation, and 13% for food;
- Only 47% of Americans with a credit card say they have been able to pay their bill in full every month for the past year. 26% say they have had a balance on their card a few times, while 27% have a balance most of the time;
- 82% of married people say they are doing well financially, compared to 66% of single people. 78% of married people with children under 18 are doing well, compared with 52% of single people with children.
Business Insider even goes so far as to say that many Americans plan to work until they die and not retire because their finances are so precarious. More precisely, 37% of Americans think they will have to work until they die, while 34% of them plan to be able to retire around the age of 80.
It is therefore quite clear that the financial health of American society in general is more precarious than one might think, especially considering that even people who manage to save do not in fact save enough.
With our best saving tips article, though, you will be able to get to your goal quickly and, who knows, maybe you’ll have a little more leeway for your non-essential spending in addition to planning your retirement properly!
