Shopping at warehouse clubs is convenient - but I’m not sure that I actually save money there. While buying in bulk can be cheaper, shopping the sales at grocery stores and taking advantage of double coupons might actually yield a better price.

However, with a big family, it is easier for me to buy large quantities of something all at once. I even appreciate something as trivial as the bigger cart at the warehouse stores. If I buy warehouse quantities at the grocery store my cart is full before I even get halfway through!

But what bugs the heck out of me is the membership fee. In my mind that negates any savings earned. I grudgingly pay it for the convenience but believe me, I make the most of it.

How?

Well, typically a membership lasts for one year. As you near the end of your membership you get tons of reminders from the club to renew, renew, renew.

Of course I don’t do this.

The week before my membership is due to expire I go to the warehouse club and do a huge shop. I get enough detergent, paper goods, batteries, and other nonperishable, non-expiring stuff to last a few months. Then I let my membership expire. Two months later, when I need more stuff, I go to the store and renew my membership for another year.

So now my 12 month membership has lasted 14 months. If I can stretch a dollar - I will!