There’s one simple trick to consistently cheaper petrol – a Costco membership.
Frankly, I’m not a fan of the Costco model. I resent paying someone for the privilege of shopping at their stores, but with the escalating cost of petrol, I might change my mind.
Costco can be up 20 cents a litre cheaper than other providers although the outlets are known for becoming congested during peak periods.
Costco membership is $60 and I can’t remember the last time I filled up my car for under $90. If I can save up to 20 cents a litre on that, I might have to take it.
Read: Six-week Christmas savings challenge
As a family, we did not find Costco much of a saving. The size of the products was simply overwhelming and we constantly overspent on things we didn’t end up using. Giant apple pies look great, but after half a dozen slices or so you’re over it. And often the specials at the regular chains worked out cheaper.
Costco works for businesses, organisations or even large families that do bulk catering and want economies of scale; for the rest of us, I’m not sure it’s worth it.
Christmas crisis
Expect more shortages before Christmas.
The industry has been warning about a shortage of potatoes due to a bad season and flooding and Ritchies IGA chief executive Fred Harrison told Seven News he has been told to expect more supply shortfalls in coming months.
“We met with Simplot, which are a major manufacturer and supplier, and there are major, major shortages at the moment for items such as corn, cauliflower, broccoli, beans, peas, carrots and, most of all, potatoes,” Mr Harrison said.
“It’s your classic mixed vegies. And of course that’s going to impact the humble French fry, as well.”
Simplot supplies frozen products, but its issues indicate how the tight supply chain has no buffer to the shortages.
Read: One supermarket offers double rewards for Christmas
Mr Harrison said Simplot told him the issue could last six to 12 months.
“We’ve had constant issues with potatoes now for the last 12 months, so there’s not really been a stage where there has been surplus in the system,” he said.
Mr Harrison said he was considering buying limits.
“I think it is going to happen. I mean, we may have to go to the customers and [limit them to] two or three packs of frozen vegetables,” he said.
Ritchies is IGA’s largest group, with 78 stores, most of them in Victoria.
Cherries are also expected to be in short supply for Christmas.
This classic Christmas fruit is facing heavy demand as wet weather and rising input costs are placing heavy pressure on growers.
The excessive rain also increases the chances of the fruit splitting, rendering it largely useless for retail sale.
If you live near a cherry-growing area, it may pay to find a ‘pick your own’ grower rather than rely on retail sales.
This week’s deals
IGA
Sensible: OMO liquid laundry detergent 4l, selected varieties, $20, save $22. This is an amazing special. Buy now and keep squeaky clean well into the next year and maybe the one after that.
Indulgence: Cadbury Dairy Milk Box, half price at $6. All the chains will be amping up their Christmas ranges now so expect more of these gift specials. I suspect it’s still overpriced at $6 considering they come in at 220g and a 360g block is $3.50. But hey, all that shiny packaging right?
See the catalogue here.
Read: Bad money habits could cost you $10,863 a year
Coles
Sensible: Patties Party Pack, 30 pieces, 1.25kg, was $13.50, save $3.40. Great to have in the freezer for quick entertaining. Always a good space filler for a buffet.
Indulgence: Nestle Quality Street tub, $14, save $14. Is it even Christmas without a Quality Street tin or tub? Everyone has a favourite and mine is those long, yellow caramel ones. The only challenge here is saving them until Christmas Day.
See the catalogue here.
Woolworths
Sensible: A great range of gardening products, half price, including potting mix, weed killer, Seasol and fertilisers. It’s gardening season but no need to drive to a warehouse for your basic gardening needs with this week’s specials. I mean, haven’t we all had an emergency potting issue?
Indulgence: Green National Christmas candles, gingerbread and Christmas pudding scents, $16. Are we going too far with the Christmas spirit with Christmas candles? Probably, but they both sound delicious and we’re here for it.
See the catalogue here.
Aldi
Sensible: Stocking fillers for the grandkids. There’s a great range, from simple DIY crafts to art kits and all manner of chocolates and ornaments. I also love that Aldi offers popular books at affordable prices, and this week it’s Spot books, loved by toddlers everywhere.
Indulgence: Corte Carista Prosecco and Corte Carista Prosecco Rose $9.99. Australians have taken to prosecco well, like Australians to alcohol, but this is an affordable gem. It rates highly and goes down a treat.
See the catalogue here.
Do you have a Costco membership? Do you think it’s worth it? We’d love to hear your opinion in the comments section below.
Costco… Best way to take advantage of the prices (for bulk items) is to shop in force. 4 people at least! Agree on what you want and go for it. Fill the car up while you are there. Pity they dont offer cheap EV recharges so your car can be “refuelling” itself while you shop.
When you have finished shopping go to one person’s house and split up the booty!
There are some pitfalls with this… Resist the temptation to enter a shopping competition with your friends. Say “no” if you really don’t want it! The others can still get it. Take note of prices so there’s no arguement about who bought what.
Now if you have a home loan and you have all your money in a “Home Equity Loan”, pay for all your friends’ Cosco stuff on your credit card (that should give you up to 55 day’s interest-free period). Then get the cash from them for their share. Put the cash in your home loan account. So it offsets you home loan for up to 55 days. Then you pay off the crdit card as usual.
The problem with Costco is that it’s a long way from where I live. In fact, the “local” Costco is a long way from where anyone lives! So you have to factor in travel costs and time.
These are some great tips Jeff! Especially the ‘resist temptation’ bit. It’s hard at Costco, there’s so much to choose from.