A is for Apple Sauce
Grab a huge can for less than $4, divide into plastic containers. Cover loosely and freeze, leaving a little room for expansion. Once frozen, seal lids tightly. Transfer to the refrigerator to defrost for at least 24 hours before serving. (Freeze single serving portions for lunches.)
B is for Batteries
Purchase large packages of sizes your family uses frequently. Look carefully because not all batteries are a great deal. Some are "labeled for resale" and include multiple small boxes. Skip the extra packaging and snag sealed only in the package. Also, look for offers like "free iTunes gift card" on packages.
C is for Cheese
Snag huge bags of shredded mozzarella, cheddar and more for as little as $2.50 per pound. Transfer to smaller packages and freeze. (If these bags seem expensive, compare cost per pound to grocery store prices.)
D is for Discontinued Items
Sam's carries a small variety of specific items and changes inventory with each season. I've picked up kid's short sets for $1.91 and lots of other items for less than $5. You may not find signage denoting "Clearance" or other clues that items have been marked down. Just look for any sale price ending in a "1" ($1.91, $4.81, $3.91, etc.) Not all clearance items are the same value, shop frequently and watch prices drop. Buy when items are at their lowest.
Sam's carries a small variety of specific items and changes inventory with each season. I've picked up kid's short sets for $1.91 and lots of other items for less than $5. You may not find signage denoting "Clearance" or other clues that items have been marked down. Just look for any sale price ending in a "1" ($1.91, $4.81, $3.91, etc.) Not all clearance items are the same value, shop frequently and watch prices drop. Buy when items are at their lowest.
E is for Eggs
Prices vary, but normally run around $4 for 2, 18-ct cartons bundled together. These may go on sale cheaper at other stores, but use Sam's as a back-up when you need eggs and no other retailer is running a great deal.
F is for Ore-Ida Fries
Bagged potatoes may be cheaper, but that's a lot of work plus the added cost of cooking oil. Haul a 5# bag home for less than $6
G is for Gasoline
Prices are often lower than other stations. Great for those who live (or travel past) a Sam's Club frequently. Compare prices at NBC12's Pump Patrol HERE.
H is for Hoagie Buns
Spend around $4 for 6 foot-long buns. Store in your freezer, if needed and use for subs, french bread pizza or garlic bread.
I is for Icee
Get a huge cup for a little more than $1
J is for Junk
You'll want to avoid this. One of the best ways to make the most of your membership is to create a list of items you know are superior in price to other retailers. Store this on your computer and keep a single copy on your refrigerator. When you're running low on an item, circle it. You'll end up with a shopping list prior to going to Sam's and you'll be able avoid most of the store, heading to only the areas where your needed items are located. Also, keep in mind that Sam's is not the place to go if you're in the mood to "shop". If you're at another store and purchase an item on an impulse you'll waste a dollar on something like chocolate ....here, you'll end up with a case of Hershey bars spending $15 on something you don't need.
You'll want to avoid this. One of the best ways to make the most of your membership is to create a list of items you know are superior in price to other retailers. Store this on your computer and keep a single copy on your refrigerator. When you're running low on an item, circle it. You'll end up with a shopping list prior to going to Sam's and you'll be able avoid most of the store, heading to only the areas where your needed items are located. Also, keep in mind that Sam's is not the place to go if you're in the mood to "shop". If you're at another store and purchase an item on an impulse you'll waste a dollar on something like chocolate ....here, you'll end up with a case of Hershey bars spending $15 on something you don't need.
K is for K'Nex and Kites
These are just two of the types of toys I've seen at Sam's Club. Prior to Christmas, expect to see large sets of blocks, play kitchens, trucks, puzzles and more. Prices will be fair, but you should wait until the end of December (or into January), if possible. Clearance items will vanish quickly, but may be found for as little as 50% off the original price.
These are just two of the types of toys I've seen at Sam's Club. Prior to Christmas, expect to see large sets of blocks, play kitchens, trucks, puzzles and more. Prices will be fair, but you should wait until the end of December (or into January), if possible. Clearance items will vanish quickly, but may be found for as little as 50% off the original price.
L is for Lance Crackers
When it comes to pre-packaged snacks, this one's hard to beat. At $5.68 for 40 packages, we're talking less then $.15 per serving. (You'd have to purchase an 8-ct package at another store for $1.20 to match this price.)
M is for Milk
Check out Sam's "square-shaped" gallons, which are usually cheaper than grocery stores and box stores. The one exception is Organic Milk, which is more expensive!
Check out Sam's "square-shaped" gallons, which are usually cheaper than grocery stores and box stores. The one exception is Organic Milk, which is more expensive!
N is for Nuts
Pick up big cans for far less than you could buy a couple of small cans at other stores. For example, a 3.25# can of Planters peanuts cost $5.76. That's $1.77 per pound. When is the last time you bought a 1-pound can for this price?
Pick up big cans for far less than you could buy a couple of small cans at other stores. For example, a 3.25# can of Planters peanuts cost $5.76. That's $1.77 per pound. When is the last time you bought a 1-pound can for this price?
O is for Organic Carrots
At $3.98, the 3# bag of mini carrots is a real bargain. Look for bags with low water content to ensure a longer live in your refrigerator. While in the grocery section, pick up some organic lettuce and/or organic sweet potato fries as well.
P is for Pepperoni
No more paying $4+ for a few ounces at the grocery store! For around $9, pick-up a 3# bag. Store in your freezer and use for pizza, subs or kid's lunches (add crackers and cheese in lieu of purchasing similar items for $1+.)
Q is for Quick Lunch
Avoid an extra stop at a fast food restaurant when you are running errands during the middle of the day. Head over to the counter and order pizza combo or hot dog combo for less than $3 each. (Salads and other items are also available.) The line tends to be long after noon, so grab your food a few minutes before the clock strikes 12.
Avoid an extra stop at a fast food restaurant when you are running errands during the middle of the day. Head over to the counter and order pizza combo or hot dog combo for less than $3 each. (Salads and other items are also available.) The line tends to be long after noon, so grab your food a few minutes before the clock strikes 12.
R is for Rotisserie Chicken and Rice
Only $5 for large bird. If shopping early in the day, keep this warm in your Crock Pot. Add rolls and salad for a complete meal. Rice can be lugged home in 50# bags for $15.69 (less than $.32 per pound)....better bring a strong person with you!
S is for Samples
Walk into the club around 11 am - 1 pm Fridays - Sundays for the most variety. Preschoolers may even eat enough to count at "lunch"!
T is for Tylenol
Actually, I'm talking about the Sam's Club Acetaminophen. Two huge bottles cost a fraction of the cost of a small name-brand bottle at any retailer. (Unless you happen to find a great Buy X, get Y offer that combines with high-dollar coupons.) Also, this is in a 2-pack. Split the cost, and the package with a friend! (Other over the counter medicines and supplements may also be a great deal. If you're not sure, jot down the product, quantity and price. Once home, calculate the cost per pill. Compare this to the cost per pill at drug, grocery and other mass retailers.)
Actually, I'm talking about the Sam's Club Acetaminophen. Two huge bottles cost a fraction of the cost of a small name-brand bottle at any retailer. (Unless you happen to find a great Buy X, get Y offer that combines with high-dollar coupons.) Also, this is in a 2-pack. Split the cost, and the package with a friend! (Other over the counter medicines and supplements may also be a great deal. If you're not sure, jot down the product, quantity and price. Once home, calculate the cost per pill. Compare this to the cost per pill at drug, grocery and other mass retailers.)
U is for US Postage Stamps
Purchase "Forever" Stamps, which can be used to send a First Class letter, no matter how many times the price is raised. There is no surcharge for purchasing these at Sam's (or your local grocery store either). You'll save yourself a trip to the post office.
Purchase "Forever" Stamps, which can be used to send a First Class letter, no matter how many times the price is raised. There is no surcharge for purchasing these at Sam's (or your local grocery store either). You'll save yourself a trip to the post office.
V is for Video Games
Titles are frequently a little less than the same item at another retailer. (If the competitor is running a buy X, get Y or other sale, calculate the cost before purchasing at either store.)
W is for Plastic Wrap
"Invest" $12 in a huge roll and save yourself the time associated with watching for a sale, clipping a coupon and remembering to pick some up at the store. (The roll I bought 14 months ago is still more than half full.)
X is for Extra
Believe it or not, you'll end up with Extra time after you've stocked up on some items your family frequently uses. When you buy in bulk, either at Sam's or by purchasing multiples of the same item at the lowest cost, you'll shorten the length of time it takes to go to the grocery store. No more heading up and down every idle, looking at everything in the store. Best of all, when your pantry, closet, cabinets and garage hold a few extras, you'll rarely be stopping at the store to pick-up something you've run out of!
Believe it or not, you'll end up with Extra time after you've stocked up on some items your family frequently uses. When you buy in bulk, either at Sam's or by purchasing multiples of the same item at the lowest cost, you'll shorten the length of time it takes to go to the grocery store. No more heading up and down every idle, looking at everything in the store. Best of all, when your pantry, closet, cabinets and garage hold a few extras, you'll rarely be stopping at the store to pick-up something you've run out of!
Y is for Yeast
Grab 2 lbs (not a typo) for under $5! The last time I purchased a jar at Wal-mart, I paid nearly the same amount for just a few ounces. Transfer to a jar and store in your freezer. Use 2 teaspoons for a "package" of yeast. (Note: technically, you need 1 and 3/4 teaspoons, but it's easier for me to remember the number "2" and I have yet to have a pizza dough or pan of rolls fail to rise.)
Z is for PretZels
Buy Anderson's pretzels by the case for a quick snack. Pair with a huge block of Ghiradelli Chocolate (available late fall until the new year in the baking idle for around $8) to make a tasty gift. (Recipe HERE.)
Buy Anderson's pretzels by the case for a quick snack. Pair with a huge block of Ghiradelli Chocolate (available late fall until the new year in the baking idle for around $8) to make a tasty gift. (Recipe HERE.)
