The Best Times and Places To Buy All Your Essentials To Save Money
Written by
Gabrielle Olya
Edited by
Jenna Klaverweiden
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In a high-inflation economy, it’s more important than ever to implement smart shopping strategies to save on everyday expenses. Being mindful of where and when you purchase essential items like paper products, vitamins and medicines, groceries, and office supplies can help you save big bucks on these unavoidable costs.
Here are some tips for the best times and places to buy all your essentials to save money.
Buy Toiletries in Bulk When They Are On Sale
If your favorite brand of toothpaste or shampoo is on sale, buy more than one to take full advantage of this savings opportunity.
“Many toiletries last for months, and if you are waiting until you’re running out to buy more, you’re likely missing out on saving,” said Grant Gallagher, AVP, head of financial wellbeing and brand communication at Affinity Federal Credit Union. “It will be a little more expensive upfront to buy two or three per item, but cheaper in the long run.”
Buy Nonperishable Items at Warehouse Clubs
The best place to buy nonperishable essentials is almost always a warehouse club.
“Discount clubs like Costco and BJ’s are typically cheaper per unit on the items they carry at normal prices, and an even better value on sale,” Gallagher said. “Even if you are a family of one, nonperishable items can still be worth buying in bulk.”
Gallagher recommended Costco in particular for paper products, supplements and generic over-the-counter medicine.
“Costco typically has good price-to-quality balance with their Kirkland brand, and is generally a good option for things like paper products, and supplements and generic OTC medicine like pain killers, vitamins and allergy medicine,” he said. “Their generic Zyrtec (Aller-Tec) is less than half the price of the largest quantities offered through Walmart or Target, their generic Flonase (Aller-Flo) is nearly one-third of the cost of generics at stores like Walmart and Target, and their generic Benadryl (Kirkland Signature Allergy Medicine) is about 40% cheaper than at Walmart or Target.”
Buy Coffee at Costco
If a cup of coffee — or two or three — is part of your daily ritual, consider buying your beans at Costco for the biggest cost savings.
“Coffee beans can be a good deal at Costco, with many of their offerings coming in at a little over $5 per pound,” Gallagher said. “While similar coffee bean deals can be found through Amazon with their Amazon Fresh brand, you run the risk of not being able to see the roasting date, and many reviews report receiving old or stale beans.”
Buy Produce When It’s In Season
Being an educated consumer can help you save on fresh fruits and vegetables.
“The best time to buy anything is typically based on seasonality, with food item [prices] typically aligning with growing seasons,” Gallagher said. “Don’t plan to buy corn or strawberries in the winter without paying a premium.”
Buy Holiday-Centric Foods Right After the Holiday
“You can typically score good food discounts by buying specialty food items associated with a holiday right after it passes,” Gallagher said. “You can feast on chicken wings the week after the Super Bowl for pennies on the dollar, stock up on more corned beef than you know what to do with in late March, and feed a small army with cheap turkey right after Thanksgiving and Christmas.”
Buy Office, Craft and Party Supplies at the Dollar Store
The dollar store is often the best place to buy things you don’t need to buy in bulk, such as office supplies, craft supplies and party items.
“Dollar stores like Dollar Tree can be a great [place] to save on items you only need very small quantities of,” Gallagher said. “Keep in mind the value is in being able to buy a small quantity, but it doesn’t mean it is the cheapest per unit. If you need larger quantities, you’re better off buying elsewhere almost every time.”
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