Bulk Buying Math
When it pays off. When it's a trap.
Best bulk buys
- Paper goods — toilet paper, paper towels. Don't go bad.
- Cleaning supplies — laundry detergent, dish soap.
- Vitamins / supplements — Costco brands quality + cheap.
- Pet food — if dog/cat eats consistently.
- Coffee + tea — store properly.
- Frozen meat / chicken — split + freeze in portions.
- Spices — only IF you'll use within 12 months.
Bad bulk buys
- Fresh produce — rots. Especially for 1-2 person households.
- Bread — molds in days.
- Mayo, condiments — too much for 1-person.
- Olive oil — turns rancid in 6-12 months.
- Fancy snacks — you'll eat ALL of it. Calorie overspend.
- Anything you don't already buy — Costco is great at making you buy more.
The math test
- Calculate price per unit (oz, lb, sheet) — Costco price + grocery price.
- Costco usually 20-50% cheaper per unit.
- BUT — only counts if you USE the whole package.
- If 25% goes to waste — you saved nothing.
- Senior households of 1-2 — many bulk items waste = no savings.
Senior bulk-buy strategies
- Split with neighbor or family — buy big bulk, divide.
- Freeze in portions — meat, bread, butter.
- Buy NON-PERISHABLES bulk only.
- Visit ONCE per month, not weekly.
- Don't go hungry.
- List BEFORE — stick to it.
- Buy fresh produce + dairy at regular grocery.
Costco vs Aldi vs Walmart
Costco — best for bulk + meat + members-only specialties. Aldi — best for cheap regular groceries. Walmart — middle ground, biggest selection. Many senior households use ALL three. No need to be loyal.