Retirees should take advantage of these Costco Perks!
Considering that half of all older adults live on less than $29,740 a year and older households getting less than $50,290, budgeting becomes a tricky assignment in retirement. But luckily, that’s where Costco comes in. It’s the superhero of all savings!
Whether you’re a seasoned shopper or a newbie at this warehouse club, there are plenty of perks that make a membership worthwhile, especially for seniors.
So, even though Costco doesn’t offer senior discounts, grab your enormous shopping cart, and let’s dive into why this store is the ultimate playground for frugal seniors. These 5 Costco perks will become your budget’s new best friend.
Costco perk: Discounted health services
As we reach our golden years, health becomes wealth! The good news is that Costco’s pharmacy is well-known for competitive prices on prescription meds. In fact, they’re often much lower than those at your average pharmacy.
Costco’s version offers a wide range of budget-friendly solutions, including deep discounts on over-the-counter items like supplements and vitamins and free health screenings.
Another fantastic Costco perk is that the warehouse club’s Hearing Aid Centers and Optical services offer considerable savings on eyewear and hearing aids. And comprehensive eye exams can cost significantly less than those at private optometry offices.
You can even find frames beginning as low as $59.99. And Costco’s high-quality, low-cost hearing aids frequently come with free cleanings and check-ups. Talk about some Costco perks, right?
Costco perk: Unlock exclusive benefits
Getting a Costco membership means more than the chance to buy large quantities of your favorite goods. It’s your entry into a world of exclusive advantages designed to increase convenience and save money at the same time.
Costco perk: Access to home and auto services
Costco provides useful home and auto services that can help facilitate your lifestyle. If you’re a member, you get to enjoy competitive pricing at their Tire Center, which includes sales and services like tire balancing and rotations.
Costco’s home installation services also offer inexpensive solutions for big upgrades, like custom closets and water filtration systems, guaranteeing both affordability and quality.
So whether you wish to upgrade your home theater system or install new appliances, Costco has your back because they ensure that their members get the best deals backed by reliable customer support and solid warranties.
Costco perk: Save on travel
Now that you’ve entered retirement, traveling more may be on your wish list. Well, Costco Travel can provide you with a passport to some major savings.
If you have a membership, you get access to exclusive deals on cruises, vacation packages, and rental cars, frequently at rates significantly lower than anywhere else.
Whatever type of vacation interests you, Costco can probably make your travel dreams come true without burning a big hole in your retirement savings.
Costco perk: Save big on bulk basics
Costco is well-known for being the holy grail of bulk buying, resulting in significant savings on daily essentials.
By shopping there, you can reduce your trips to the store because you’ve got a pantry that’s fully stocked with enough laundry detergent to last through the next presidential election… or, at the very least, a year’s supply of toilet paper!
The ample parking and spacious aisles can make shopping more of a delightful adventure than a boring chore.
Costco perks to maximize your shopping strategy
Knowing when and what to buy at this warehouse club can lead to more Costco perks. Here are some strategic tips you should know about:
-Get a Costco credit card: If you’re already a Costco member, consider applying for the warehouse club’s credit card. This card can permit you to earn cash back on your purchases at Costco.
It offers bonus cash back across different spending categories, maximizing your reward potential each time you shop there.
-Plan around sales and coupons: Look for Costco’s monthly coupon books. They offer instant savings that will be applied at checkout. Planning your shopping list around these deals can lead to significant savings.
-Take advantage of the Kirkland Signature brand: Costco’s Kirkland Signature brand offers high-quality products at lower prices.
These items, from vitamins to groceries and even clothing, are priced lower than national brands but frequently come from the same high-quality sources.
So, brush off that Costco membership card and dive into a whole new world where retirement savings meet adventure. At Costco, it’s not just about pinching pennies.
It’s about enriching your retirement years with value, quality, and maybe even a little extra room for those delightful splurges.
Remember, every aisle offers a new opportunity to make the most of your budget. Who says you can’t have your cake (or that delicious hot dog combo) and eat it too?
Bonus: Top credit card to use at this warehouse club for extra Costco perks
If you usually shop with a debit card, you could be missing out on hundreds, maybe thousands of dollars every year.
There are quite a few versatile credit cards available that offer huge rewards in certain places, including Costco, and are rated the best cards of this year by finance experts because they offer big sign-up bonuses and impressive cash rewards.
Also, you’ll save on credit card interest because all the recommendations we found include a competitive 0% interest period. Here are a few top picks you should consider:
Wells Fargo Active Cash Card
-Good for Flat-Rate Cash Rewards
This credit card has earned a 5-star rating from experts, and we understand why. It offers a best-in-class unlimited 2% cash rewards rate and would be highly rated based on just that.
But it also delivers two more highly sought-after features: a $200 cash rewards sign-up bonus after spending $500 within the first three months. And an ample 12 months from account opening of 0% intro APR on qualifying balance transfers and purchases.
After that, it’s 19.74%, 24.74%, or 29.74% Variable APR. You don’t usually see this combination of perks in one card. Add that to the fact that you get all this for a $0 annual fee, and this card becomes a no-brainer for many people.
Chase Freedom Unlimited
-Good for Unlimited Cash Back with Bonus Categories
This credit card is one of the best options to use as your primary credit card. To begin, it has top-notch unlimited cash-back fees. At a minimum, you’ll earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on everything you buy.
But on top of that, you’ll also earn an unlimited 3% on dining, including takeout, and drugstores, and an unlimited 5% on your travel goals purchased through Chase Travel. But that’s not all.
New cardholders earn an extra 1.5% cash back on everything they buy, up to $20,000 spent in the first year!
That equals 4.5% cash back on drugstores and dining, 6.5% on travel booked through their rewards program, and 3% on all other purchases up to $20,000 spent in the first year.
And there’s even a cherry on top! You’ll get 0% Intro APR for 15 months on balance transfers and purchases.
Keep in mind: There’s a right way to swipe to get the most out of these Costco perks!
Credit cards with 0% intro APR offers and rewards are wonderful, but remember, they’re merely tools to help you maximize your spending. The motto to follow when taking advantage of credit cards is:
-Choose a card whose rewards are right for you.
-Pay off your card in full every month.
-Don’t spend more than you already would.
Need help staying on top of your finances? This Clever Fox Budget Planner can help!
Have you considered these Costco perks? Don’t forget to share your thoughts with us in the comments section below. And if you found this article useful, we highly recommend you also check out: 5 Worrying Reasons to NEVER Make Major Purchases on Your Phone