Comments on: Secret Millionaires, Thrift Shopping and Your Brain on Costco

By: Susan Lee - FL

Susan Lee - FL — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 13:15:16 +0000

I agree. I stick to my list always. I hate to spend money is why. And when I can get chicken breasts for around $2/lb., that’s a deal around here. I walk right by the fancy, shiny things in the entrance area without a glimpse. I’m stuck in the 70′s so I have no interest whatsoever in electronics or jewelry and buying pants or blouses off a table without a fitting room isn’t my bag either. I don’t buy processed or packaged foods, just whole foods. So, I’m pretty safe in the warehouse because I want that great per pound deal on real food. Everyone has their own personal responses to the shiny, pretty things but for me it doesn’t do a thing….. not a shopper. Perhaps I’m a hunter/gatherer?

By: Kris-ND

Kris-ND — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 17:47:07 +0000

I have never lived near a Costco(although when I go home to visit my grandma, she always takes me, so I do know what they are ) but when I lived on the other side of the state where we had a SAMS Club, I had to be very strict about staying with the list, or I could come home with an entire cart of stuff that I don’t even want, let alone need..lol

There were some things that we used to buy in bulk that were cheaper than any other place we had access to, and I used to buy alot of my homeschool supplies at SAMS, but once we found out that Tractor Supply sold the exact dog food our Dane(s) ate, we starting weaning ourselves off, and then let it laspe when we were going to move anyway.

I love stories like you posted Katy. Makes you feel all warm and squishy inside. I remember several years ago reading a story about someone who put a valuable gold coin into a Salvation Army Kettle. It always seems like those kinds of things are even more special because they are anonymous and totally unexpected.

We have people here who have become almost overnight millionaires because they sold mineral rights on their property. It really warms your heart to see frugal people, who didn’t change their lifestyle, not only be able to put their grandchildren through college, but spend a big chunk of that money donating it vs updating their kitchen.

I believe you should keep or spend your money as you like, but it does a heart good to see how some people choose to spend that money.

By: Deb

Deb — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 23:20:08 +0000

After examing about a year’s worth of Costco receipts, we reached the conclusion that we weren’t saving at Costco at all. Impulse purchases were gobbling up any savings we might have realized – we didn’t hesitate to let the Costco membership go. Truthfully, there are good deals there, but it’s difficult to stick exactly to the list. Instead, we buy in bulk at other stores now such as Winco, Bob’s Red Mill, and I’ve found that great deals can be had at discount grocery stores such as Grocery Outlet.

Thrift store prices are definitely up in larger metro areas such as Portland. In the smaller town I moved, which is to 1 hr north, prices are still reasonable. Recently at the local Goodwill I found a virtually NEW, 6 piece set of LeCreuset cookware (yes, the enamel covered cast iron pans w/lids) – for $34 for all. It was all I could do not to get hysterical with joy when I found them.

Good thrift store deals are still out there, but seems they are getting harder to find.

By: Karen

Karen — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 21:22:58 +0000

Yeah, it’s something when thrift stores mark prices UP. Our local Savers usually has reasonable prices, but about a quarter of the items there are so ridiculously priced that I think they must be pricing them while drunk or something. A failed art project for 7.99? Headless statuettes for 9.99? Personally, I’d throw both of these away , and always wonder who is buying them.

By: tammy

tammy — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 20:34:59 +0000

Can’t do the Costco / Sam’s Club route for two. We do purchase dog chow, canned dog food and chew bones for Mr Kronk at Sam’s Club. Much cheaper than the store. I wanted to pick up mayo and ketchup last time we were there but realized we’d never use it up before the date expired? Now WHERE did I put my 50 gallon drum of cooking oil?
LOL

By: Kari Dahler

Kari Dahler — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 18:20:04 +0000

I have to chime in about Costco. Yes, Costco can be a dangerous place if you don’t stick to your list. For those who can, it can really be a great and frugal way to shop. The quality of their meats and produce greatly surpasses that of most grocery stores, but a lot of us can’t get through the large packages before the things go bad. My neighbor friend and I have started splitting groceries, and I have to say it’s been working out great! We get better food at lower prices, ( always better to buy in bulk!), and by sharing nothing gets wasted.

By: Molly On Money

Molly On Money — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 14:22:21 +0000

I love thrift stores BUT the town I’m in now the Goodwill along with the other thrift stores are incredible overpriced. The other day I was at one of many thrift stores we have and found a pair of rubber boots from Target (which I had bought at Target about 2 weeks prior for $17.99). This thrift store was selling them USED for $19.99!
What is a girl to do!

By: Jeanne Grunert

Jeanne Grunert — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 12:47:42 +0000

I loved this story too yet the media distortion was unbelievable. One tv reporter scoffed at the idea that anyone could live this frugally and amass that amount of money. “She just got lucky with the stock” was his dismissal. What arrogance. He’s probably $20k in debt and jealous. I say Go Frugality! Go financial freedom!

By: Kristen@TheFrugalGirl

Kristen@TheFrugalGirl — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 10:25:59 +0000

My husband usually does our Costco shopping too…I send him with a list, and he rarely does impulse buying.

And it saves ME running an errand with four kids, and for that I am eternally grateful!

By: SimplyJo (aka 365girl)

SimplyJo (aka 365girl) — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 07:46:46 +0000

http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/green-diy-tutorials-upcycle-your-clothing-1920088.html

In reply to your shout out for articles – I received this last night which I thought was interesting – Jo x