Warehouse clubs aren't for everyone. Eight years ago, I had no desire to shop at a warehouse club until I got a free membership to BJs Wholesale club through an employer.
Not everyone will want to grocery shop once a month, but if you give it a shot, you may feel the time and money it saves is worth it. Of course, you could grocery shop at any local grocery store once a month, but I find it easier to get it done at a warehouse club.
I decided I could get the best deals there when I started couponing and looking for clearance and discontinued items at BJ's.
However, it wasn't until I started running this blog that I realized I had been shopping at BJ's Wholesale Club all wrong.
Of course, you may think or know someone with common complaints about warehouse clubs.
- Why pay to shop there?
- They don't even give you grocery bags.
- They check your cart painfully slow before you leave
EVEN WITH these three truths, I can personally tell you that you can shop at BJ's Wholesale Club for much less. I can't personally speak for other warehouse clubs because every time a price comparison comes up, BJs are much cheaper.
If you follow the blog here or even in our Facebook group, you will soon see that BJ's marks TONS of stuff down. This is because they are constantly moving products to keep up with what people are buying, and for us frugal, money-saving folks- it's a lifesaver.
- READ 13 Secrets You Didn't Know About BJ's Pricing
- 7 Things to Never Buy From Wholesale Clubs
- 5 of the Worst Things to Buy at BJs
Of course, you are reading a website dedicated to BJ's deals here. I post numerous deals a day just about excellent prices at BJs, and I have been a long-time shopper at Aldi and my local grocery store.
I have price-compared items for years, and I'm still here sharing daily deals at BJ's. I even price compare them here on the blog, so you know if BJ's is a better deal or not.
How to Tell if Once a Month Grocery Shopping at a Warehouse Club is Right For You
Know Your Prices
You have to know what is a good deal. If you are new to grocery shopping, you may not know that $4 for a cereal box is a rip-off. Or that buying Organic butter for $6 a pound at your local grocery store is way too expensive.
- Tip: Start by using the price comparison search tool here.
You have to start watching prices and explicitly looking at unit prices. This takes time but with technology today, following deal blogs make it much more manageable. You are already one step ahead of the game because you are on BJ's money-saving deal blog.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD YOUR COPY NOW!
Think about how far a warehouse club is from you.
Again BJ's gas is the cheapest in our area, and they often run gas promotions. Like right now, in June 2017, you can save an extra $0.25 off a gallon of gas when you buy two participating P&G items.
Things like this make it worth the few extra miles when I can stock up on food and gas. Yet it is something to consider when saving how far the trip is.
Family Size
If you are a family of two, you may want to look at the cost of a membership ( even though you can get a $ 40-year membership with a $25 BJs gift card deal here) and see if it will outweigh the amount of shopping you do there.
The clearance items and all the seasonal items they have at excellent prices will keep me as a member even when my daughters are grown up and moved out.
It is a personal preference, but sometimes warehouse shopping isn't just about the grocery savings. The seasonal items and electronics can make your membership worth it, no matter your family size.
Storage Space
You will need a space for all your cans, boxes, and other goods when you shop once a month at wholesale clubs.
For example, when buying a few different types of meats at a warehouse club, you will need to ensure you have enough freezer space. I always break up my beef into one lb. sections, wrap them up and then stick all those into a freezer bag.
Why Should You Shop Once A Month
Monday:
Oh, we need milk. Better run to the store and get some.
Tuesday:
Oh darn it, I need spinach for this dish I'm making. But, first, I have to run to the store.
Wednesday:
Wait, didn't I get toilet paper?
Thursday.
Oh, you know the drill!
Shopping once a month can get you organized and save money and time. It all starts with a good list.
- You may want to check out How to Create the Perfect Grocery List in 10 minutes.
Why Shopping at BJs Monthly Can Be A Good Idea
- You will stock your pantry with the staples you use all the time.
- You will have a better idea of what you will eat—no more last-minute meal planning.
- Your food budget will stretch the entire month.
- It allows for bulk buying.
- It's a real-time saver! I have stopped shopping at three stores and am now doing all of my grocery/household shopping at BJ's, and it saves me time and my brain power 🙂
- Planning and buying in bulk always saves you money
How Do I Get Started?
This may take a bit of your time but will be worth it in the long run. First, you want to make two lists:
- One – Things you always like to keep on hand – think pasta, rice, ketchup, etc.
- Second – Items you will need for the current month.
The second one you will get from your meal planning. This can be as detailed as you like, or like me, you may have an idea of what your family wants each month, and your main meal preparation is relatively repetitive.
You can check out my meal menus here if you need some inspiration.
Don't stress over this part. Do what works for you but also keep in mind a bit of planning now is going to benefit you in the long run. And once you tweak your system, it should run like a well-oiled machine.
What Should I Buy?
The nice thing about grocery shopping at BJ's once a month is you can quickly get what you need in the amount you need. What you buy is, again, going to depend on your meal plan for the month, but there are always things it is just wise to have plenty of on hand.
So here are some items to get you started.
Don't forget that BJ's is the ONLY warehouse club that allows manufacturer coupons. Here is a list of all the coupon deals this month at BJs.
Canned Goods
- Coffee or Tea
- Peanut butter
- Pasta Sauces
- Canned soups (especially Cream of (fill in the blank)- suitable for so many things
- Canned vegetables and fruits
- Jams & Jellies
- Canned beans (for things like quick and easy refried beans)
- Condiments, mayo, salad dressings, ketchup, mustard
- Cooking oils
Dairy – These items keep 3 – 4 weeks easily
- Butter
- Eggs
- Cheese
- Yogurt
Dry Goods
- Baking goods – sugar, flour, yeast, etc
- Pasta – have several different kinds on hand.
- Oatmeal, cereals
- Rice
- Nuts, granola
- Crackers
- Snacks – chips, etc. – you may have to hide these from the family to make them stretch!
Frozen Foods
- Fruit
- Vegetables
- Meat (buy fresh & freeze)
- Meatballs, chicken nuggets, etc
- Pre-made meals for emergencies (lasagna etc.)
- Pizza
- Waffles, pancakes
Household Items
- Paper towels
- Toilet Paper
- Ziploc Bags
- Baby/hand wipes
- Garbage bags
- Dish soap
- Laundry soap
Personal Items
- Hair care – shampoo, etc
- Deodorant
- Feminine Products
- Soap, body wash
- Toothpaste, mouthwash
Produce – These will last when stored someplace cool & dry.
- Apples
- Potatoes, regular & sweet
- Cabbage
- Onions
- Carrots
- Winter Squash (butternut, etc.)
You can always check the price of these items at BJs in my price book.
Pulling It All Together
Start today by writing down the things you know you go through each month.
How many eggs do you eat, what do you typically eat for breakfast, etc.? Then look at your menu for dinner. A two-week rotation of meals can be good. That way, you only eat the same thing twice a month—plan for stuff like busy sports nights.
Then break down your meals into the ingredients you need to buy. See which ones you can buy in bulk. Keep in mind buying in bulk is usually advantageous but not always! Compare unit pricing to see if it saves you.
Put It Into Action
- Go through your pantry and freezer and list what is there—no sense buying what you already have. Use up current stock first.
- Make your list.
- Clean out the fridge before you go shopping.
- Try to shop without little ones along.
- Consider shopping and buying with a friend for the things in bulk. For example, condiments are a fantastic price at BJ's, but even two big jars of mustard may expire before you use them.
- Add the fresh or perishable things you will need for your first week of meals.
BJ's is a fantastic store for putting this system in place. You can buy in bulk, fresh – whatever you need. You may also find stores like Aldi are fantastic for produce. Another great idea is to look at the coupons/ clipless coupons and marked down items at BJ's every month and plan your meals around those items.
Sign up for a FREE 90- Day Trial to BJ's here.
FREE PRINTABLE SHEETS TO HELP ORGANIZE YOUR MONTHLY SHOPPING TRIPS
- Free Printable Shopping List– Get all the items you need with a space to write what coupons you're using.
DOWNLOAD YOUR MEAL PLANNER PRINTABLE PACK HERE
Leave a comment below by answering one of the following questions:
How Often do you grocery shop?
If you do not shop once a month are you going to give this a try?
Did you find this helpful?
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We are once a week shoppers. We used to shop at Walmart 100% of the time but now we’re mostly at BJs every other week and supplemental trips to Walmart on the off weeks. I’d love to switch to monthly shopping, and that’s ultimately my goal ?
Great Article!!
Im learning alot from your blog.thank you much…I found you through your Facebook
Hi Kellie! I am so glad to hear that!
I need to get back to bjs!
Thanks for the information. Very good read. I usually don’t shop at BJ though I do have a membership I will planning a visit next shopping trip
we shop once a week but do big monthly hauls. Thank you for your post and great advice!
I shop weekly but deff plan on shopping less and meal planning thanks for all your advise
I typically do one large trip a month, then fill in trips each week.
I love all of this helpful info provided. I shop about twice, sometimes three times a month and will definitely use some of these useful ideas to better organize and take advantage of great bargains.
I grocery shop at least once a week. I usually only buy things when they are at the lowest cost using coupons and rebates. I buy my meat in bulk from BJ’s and use my vacuum sealer so I can freeze for as long as needed. I check this site every day for new deals and even take a quick glance in the parking lot before I head in the store!
I found your post helpful. I need to meal plan a little bit more. I will start taking inventory of food we have. I think that will help.
I love BJs I shop there all the time especially when both of my children were in diapers
I love shopping at BJ’s and try to make it once a month. I usually refer to your blog for all the latest deals because you break it down and make it so easy!
I usually shop once a month except for milk, we always run out of it.
I’ve had my membership got about 4 months and still cannot get myself to coupon !!!! I get so lazy after work, kids and life!! but I have to get my act together! That’s the reason I got it!!!!
I’d love to shop BJs regularly but can’t afford it. I keep my membership because I do go in often for 3 places, home, mom and work. Most purchases are coupon matchups thanks to you Tasia, milk and rotisserie chicken. ? Thanks for everything!
I shop multiple times a week. I would love to try to pare it down today be bi weekly. Thanks for the tips!
I shop once a week but do a major haul every other month. Thank you for your post and great advice!
I have to tell you that I’ve been a BJ’s shopper for years and also a couponer for years and your site is by far the best for matchups at BJ’s – thanks so much!
I have commented before but I forgot to add a few thoughts to my older post. As mentioned before, I grocery shop weekly. I’m always looking for a great deal and find this very helpful. I moved to a new state this past year and haven’t been able to head to BJ’s since moving here. I shopped there regularly prior to my move, but I never even thought about shopping monthly before this article. I also had a second baby since moving so shopping has become a lot more difficult as far as having the fluidity of coming and going to the store when I only had one child. My husband stays home with the kids while I grocery shop which helps, but I can’t chase deals as frequently as a used to. The great thing about BJs is the sales last monthly so I’m not pressured to get there like a normal grocery store trying to meet a shopping deadline with deals that will end at the end of the week. I would most definitely give this monthly shopping trip a try to see how it helps us and saves us money. The formula deals are great by the way!!
Thank you so much Amanda for sharing your shopping habits with us. I totally hear ya on the kids and how grocery shop changes. I would give monthly a try and see how meal planning can lighten the load.
We currently shop twice a month at BJ’s. We buy our meats, cereal and produce mostly. But definitely shop with the coupons whenever they come on the mail.
I try to shop weekly but sometime its hard i normallywind up.forgettingsomething. Definitely will try monthly.
I try to get tips on sales and coupons to save money for my family. I have a long way to go but I have learned a lot. Thank u for taking your time to help us.
I shop once a week at BJ’s. I buy bread and milk every week and then I can space the items I want from the coupon books.
I shop once every other month or when good deals are posted by you.. thank you for keeping me up-to-date ???
We have a new BJs that just opened! I used to shop there when I lived in a different city. I will probably go 2x a month – less overwhelming for me to do the coupon thing, buy gas, etc.
I shop once a week , but we are a family of 5 . We have 2 adult children in the home and a 7 yr old. We go through a ton of food and water a week that i am refilling once a week at bjs.
I shop usually once a week or 3 times a month depending on sales, I have a good stockpile of personal items so I only shop for food and it’s more a reason so I can get out of the house alone when hubby comes home ? I live almost across the street from bjs so it’s an easy go to.
Enjoy your evening. I enjoy your posts!
This was definitely wonderful advice. I typically shop at BJs once a month and pick up little things from the grocery store once a week. We just usually don’t have a ton to spend in one trip to BJs so i get staples there.
Meal planning is definitely the smartest way to go. It’s helped keep us within our grocery budget.
We shop once a month at BJ’s and do as needed for milk and fresh veggies locally, usually Publix
Sadly I get lost in the organization and budgeting. I also enjoy couponing at stores and shopping sales, so it’s a hobby for me as well.
Glad to stumble on this site/facebook page! Just got my own place (finally) so saving money where I can is a necessity. Can’t wait to stock up using all my coupons and tips! 🙂 thanks
I go about every 2 weeks to keep produce fresh. Staples of course last longer. I like to see all the new items also.
I love this store. And thank you for all your blogs
Sometimes I do great! I shop once a week and get everything I need. I don’t mind my Monday morning shopping excursions by myself. But then you have weeks like this week where I swear, I’ve been to Wal-Mart E-V-E-R-Y D-A-M-N D-A-Y! and each trip is at least $20. So wasteful. My husband and I just got ink in our printer to start printing your bonus coupons and shopping lists. I hope it works.
Lots of helpful information and useful links! I usually shop twice a month at Bjs and once a week at grocery store. Excited to dive deeper in this info to start saving even more money! Thank you!
I grocery shop once a week, we just don’t have the storage space right now for once a month shopping. I would love to get there, as it would help out budget tremendously! Thanks for the tips
I go shopping at least once a week, but I live to just browse the store to see what’s new.
It’s a great idea and I have tried it before but I find that I get overwhelmed with all of the planning. Then what happens is I have no time to go out without my three-year-old. She runs off on me in the store and then I end up spending all kinds of extra money getting things she wants just to get her to behave! With a family of six I’m going weekly. I’m pretty good with dinner meal planning but it’s the rest of it that throws me off.
This is amazing! Im starting this summer!!
I shop once a month on a fixed income from my husbands disability. Without buying in bulk no way would we make it and this site helps me save so much & time on the matchups before I go.
Love this page! Uses my 1st manufacturer coupon when I shopped today…well 3 for a 3 pk of sunblock on top of his coupon. Neber even knew they took them, thanks for all the help!
I would like to shop once a month but things like milk and fresh fruits and vegetables don’t last that long. Sometimes I just buy frozen organic fruits and vegetables. BJ’S has great organic at great prices. Only one moneymaker in our home so I want to save more money and not make multiple trips to store.
Hi Tasia. Thankful I found this comment area. Thank you for all the useful information.
I think i am on your site more then facebook , lol and i am on facebook 24/7. I love everything you have done and continue to do for us , thank you so much !!!
What a GREAT article! So many good tips! Thank u for taking the time to write it 🙂
I shop at least once a week sometimes twice. Cutting back might be a good way to spend more time doing other things. This article was very helpful.
I currently shop every two weeks.. shopping monthly intrigues me but also makes me nervous bc I feel like there’s things when I shop every two weeks that I’d like fresh on the second week, bananas and other fruits…
I love BJs for my cat food and litter. When you have a coupon, you can’t beat their prices!
I need to get going on the couponing!!! Ty for the great tips.
Thanks for the tips I need all the help I can get! 🙂
Thanks for the tips! I am a newbie
I usually go to BJs every 2 or 3 weeks and stop at Aldi, Target, or a local grocer for fresh things (or things they just don’t carry at the club) in between trips. I feel like it’s probably too much shopping and I should cut down. With 2 year old twins and a full time job, I don’t plan my trips like I used to.
We are in bjs atleast once a week. With 3 kids we are always out of something.
Love the great info you share with us.
I find myself stopping at the store almost everyday and I hate it. I will definitely try shopping monthly because time is money. I found your blog to be very helpful because I am struggling daily to think of something to make for dinner. For some reason I never really thought having meals on a two week schedule and I think it’s a great idea and nobody will be sick of the same old thing. To be honest with you I have always questioned if it was worth me keeping my BJ’s membership active and since I have found your group I now realize that I have been overlooking the great deals to be had at BJ’s so I thank you.
I shop about once a week but after reading this I am going to make myself shop once a month. I really like the meal planners. I think that they will definitely help me save money. This article was really helpful and I thank you for taking your time to help us.
Great advice here! I shop once a month and it’s awesome. However, we are a family of 2 these days (empty nest) and don’t need as much. The best part is that we really do save the cost of the membership on gas alone. It’s always the cheapest around!
We shop multiple times in a month. We have a little one and both are working. So, my husband makes multiple trips to BJs. It is 2 exists away but still I don’t like this system of going without a list. I will share this article with my husband and will try to go once a month. Thanks for the tips.
New to couponing at bjs. Im a mother of 4 teenagers. Boy can they eat!!!! Bulk is the way to go. Thank you very much for all the effort put in to posting and keeping us up to date!!!
I am seriously going to consider going once a month. I’m so over shopping a few days per week. I spend more because I see stuff we don’t really need and wonder why I’m over budget. After reading this article it doesn’t seem so overwhelming. Thanks for all the great tips and ideas.
I go once a month, but sometimes I have to make it 2. I love the low prices on the catfood, cat treats also the litter. I buy a cartful of just that, I have 6 cats and I feed the stays outside. It gets expensive but at BJS,i can afford it,seeing I live on a fixed income . BJS is my first choice to go shopping!!
I shop twice a week mostly because my mom likes to wander around.
I go to BJ’s once a month for paper goods, meat, and cheese… maybe more if I forget things. Lol. I get our produce from a small local market once a week.
I found this article very helpful. Our bjs just open and I purchased a membership in hopes that it will save my growing family some money. I usually go grocery shopping once a week and spend anywhere between 150-250 (family of 4 and one on the way). I am utilizing your website as much as possible for coupon match ups and deals. I will definitely be giving this a try. Thank you for sharing!
Due to the distance I have to drive for BJs we go once a month. Anything I need in between I get at local grocery stores.
I like all your tips… love saving money ?
This is such an awesome resource! I do a big shop the beginning of the month and usually at the half of the month we restock on fresh items like bread milk fruits and veggies. Still trying to get the meal planning under my belt. Thanks for this though I feel it will really help!
I try to shop once a week but I do need need to try to do once a month. Might have to try your suggestions. I get stressed out trying to plan for a month but I know that in the long haul it will me time, money and energy. Thanks for sharing!
These are some great ideas, I will try to incorporate a lot of them. I do try to stock up at BJ’s on things I can store & use in a reasonable time!
We shop at BJ’s 3-4 times a month. We need a case of yogurt every 2-3 weeks. Also need items like string cheese, sour cream, lunch meat and milk, so only shopping there monthly really wouldn’t work for me. My little guy is “friends” with some of the people who hand out snacks and work at the snack bar. This is the only store he likes to shop. With three growing boys, I stock up on whatever is on sale.
We grocery shop once a week as we go through lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, we usually include a stop at BJs. We are empty nesters so this is our thrill for the week lol. I have actually saved quite a bit for ourselves and stocking up my grown children on easy deals you have provided. I have a small family & friends FB group where I share items I know they use. Thanks for all your hard work.
Laurie that is so sweet of you. I’m so happy to hear the site is helping so many others!
Thanks for the tips! I found the article helpful and hope to get better about meal planning and cutting down on last minute trips to the store and overpaying for an “easy” dinner option.
BJ’s is only 3.2 miles from my home, so we usually are there about 3-4 times a month armed with coupons and usually a list. Some of these trips I utilize the Pick Up and Pay which is a great time saver for non perishables. I stock up , but not crazily when things we use are on sale or in season. When fresh blueberries and rasberries are at rock bottom prices in July/August, I freeze enough to get thru the winter to enjoy with oatmeal and baking. In fact, it feels weird to buy things that are not on sale! There are a few things I get at my local ShopRite. For example , a 5 lb bag of carrots at BJ’s would be too much for 3 people. I also buy bulk organic steel cut oats at Whole Foods about twice a year, its the cheapest place to get that! I tend to buy whats on sale with coupons and utilize most meal planning around that. I would love to get into freezing some dump meals for my crock pot, but haven’t been able to get to it yet. I live in the suburbs which means all the main food stores, BJ’s. Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods and ShopRite are all within a 7 mile radius.
I shop once once a month for most of our stuff. T.p. , paper towels, laundry stuff, meat, canned goods ect… and I will go back every week to get fresh fruit, salad, and veggies and milk because my kids live on milk. Lol. It use to annoy me till I planned out meals i wanted to make with what I had and wrote down what I lacked to make the rest of my meal plans. This was such a good article. I didn’t know they excepted manufacturer coupons too!!!,?? and great tip on going kidless, it’s stressful. Lol
I grocery shop weekly for essentials ie: milk, meat and salad ingredients. And gas weekly. I do the bulk of paper towels etc monthly. I have yet to really get into meal planning… ? Awesome article and great info as always!!! ?
I think of shopping all the time but never have enough time. I think I should give this a try and see about getting myself more time.
I found this extremely helpful, thank you!
When I first got the the US I started looking into couponing and really hit it off. As far as personal items I usually stock up on free items so that’s a good thing. But for food I find that are cheaper/free deals for food that’s usually not so good for you! We eat a lot of fresh produce so, for that, I go to a farmers market nearby and I usually get 4 full bags of produce for $25-$30 which is pretty good. For the rest of the stuff I started going to BJ’s after finding this group and have been learning a lot about stacking manufacturer coupons with clipless and store coupons. My shopping time is usually my alone time so I do enjoy going every week. I’m thinking about trying the monthly shopping trip to try it out but maintaining the farmers market weekly too because their prices are the best! Let’s see how it goes!
In the summer time that is what we do too. What I do not get from my own garden I will go to the Farmer’s market and then just go to BJ’s for all the pantry items.
Hello! I found the article very helpful. I shop at least twice a month with some small in between purchases here and there. I will try to sit down to make a list of things I need.
I generally shop once a month, with some side trips to pick up forgotten items or perishables that I ran out of in between trips. Your printable lists should help me with this – Thanks!
I don’t shop once a month, but more once or twice a week (which is down from 3-4 times a year ago). You are very right, too; it is a huge money saver!!! And as our family of 2 becomes a family of 3 this fall I am looking forward to the deals I can find on diapers and baby products in addition to our every day needs!
I’m very glad you wrote this article because I have been feeling like a real slacker of a mom over the last few months when realizing I never find myself in a grocery store. On the other hand we always miraculously have food though…. I have just completed my first year of membership at BJ’s and did not put 2 +2 together until you wrote this LOL! I guess I just didn’t even realize how much easier my life was getting. I started with picking up school snacks (which last forever if you buy enough) and ventured out from there. Now I do a large bulk of our shopping there that works out to be…… about once a month!!!! I feel much better now 🙂
I love the comment – leave the little ones at home??? thank you for the inventory worksheet – I need that, I always forget the little things.
I shop once a month and always stock up. Use coupons as much as possible. Love all the great deals at BJ’s. Not only do I get food there but also vitamins and other health related items. It’s better than a supercenter for everything you need in larger quantities and much cheaper too. Everyone should at least try it.
I LUV SHOPPIN AT BJS 4 MOS THINGS MY FAMILY USES. LUV SEEIN HOW MUCH I SAVE EACH MONTH. I DEFINITELY RELY ON MAKIN LIST WHILE GOIN THRU MY FRIDGE N FREEZER.
I do one big grocery shopping trip a month with multiple smaller trips throughout the month. This was helpful but I’m not sure I can stick to once a month shopping. I like being in the stores, especially when I’m solo (no kids).
Certain things are way cheaper at BJs. I just came to learn which items are the better deals through years of shopping there. I shop there about 2-3 times per month depending on what we need at the time. I’m not great at planning ahead with groceries.
I didn’t realize how much I could get at Bj’s that supported my healthy lifestyle in an amount that supports what my nutrients that I need for the week are for my husband and I – I would spend double what I do at BJs for the same amount of food at other local stores – we buy tons of the produce and fruit every week , not to mention the rotisserie chicken , and we got a killer deal on ham after Easter !!
Great Article…. I shop once a week but would be great to get it all done in one trip a month! Thanks for the tips!
I try to shop at bjs a couple months a year. It’s hard for me to find the money I feel you sometimes need to stock up on bulk items. I find myself just heading to the local grocery store instead. When coupling, how many newspapers inserts do you buy?
HI Melanee, I buy two or three when there is more than one insert. I check the Sunday coupon preview to see what coupons I know I will use. If there aren’t any in the Sunday newspaper I use I will print them. The majority of my coupons are online that I print.
I shop at BJ’s once every two weeks and sometimes once a week. I am definitely going to check out your meal planning and grocery planning lists, do you have options available for vegetarians? I feel this is why I go to the store so much is that we are buying fresh produce and vegetables, certain produce I have found is excellent frozen buying in bulk at BJ’s though. It’s probably why I also I’m doing a full-fledged garden this year!
We shop twice a month, we like to eat fresh organic food (spinach , salads..) and those barely last more than a week or so. I do plan our 2 weeks meals and that s really help to stay organized and I don’t need to rush to the store every once in a while to get something not on my plan.. The article was very helpful and thanks for the tips 🙂
I’ve gotten better at plannin out my BJ trips once a month but still visit the local grocery store at least once a week. Usually more. I need to work on sticking to our meal plan and not changing things. I’ll give these printables a try. Thanks!
Right now I’m shopping 2-3 times a month, mainly for fresh fruits and vegetables. I am going to try the once a month plan and just hit up my local produce place to fill in the gaps with fresh produce.
I shop every 2 weeks ..I have tried to meal plan but the hubby seems to put a wrench in that all the time..if he takes a day off work he will cook dinner but not what I had planned or he orders a pizza and wings ..of course I have to clean up after he cooks – ugh ..I’m grateful he tries to help – but ?…I do have to try harder to put blinders on as I find I’m an impulse shopper, if I go to grab a gallon of milk I come out with spending $50 and 2 bags of groceries…
Great article. I have been couponing for over 40 years, and BJ’s is a good place to do that. I go about once a month to BJ’s, but also go to some other local stores to use double coupons and get loss leader. My daughter and I go to BJ’s together and split packages that neither of us could use all of before they go bad, so that really helps also. The one thing we do that you did not mention is we use “free” coupons there. Sometimes when you write or call a manufacturer to compliment or complain they send you a coupon for a free item. We take these to BJ’ also and gets lots more product for our “money”. When you combine these with the BJ’s coupons it is really a win. Thanks for all your work.
I shop Bj’s once or twice a month and definitely the best place to get gas. Yesterday I paid 2.14 and everywhere else was 2.35. I’ve definitely increased my Bj’s shopping since following you on fb. Having an “expert” match the deals is a huge help:-) My Publix shopping has decreased. Mainly I get BOGOs when I can stack mx and publix coupons. They opened a Lucky’s Market nearby and their weekly produce deals are so inexpensive and good quality.
Hi love your ideas! I shop once a week at bjs. My kids love to drink milk, and with a family size of 5 I really need to buy in bulk! I love the coupons, I save average of 20 to 30$$ every trip, mostly on diapers and wipes???. Most done with them tho then on to potty training. But I love bjs and I have tried sams club but it doesn’t even come close to what you save at bjs!! Thanks for the help ?
we go shopping to bj’s at least 2 x a week because we eat a bunch of fresh produce and vegetables. usually spend $50 a trip without coupons
I’m a household of two and have seen a significant change in my grocery budget. I use lots of coupon match-ups and wait for the bargain on the membership.
My biggest save for us would have to be Eucerin lotion and Dove soap.
So, don’t be discouraged if your household is small as well as your budget. It’s worth it!!!
Thank you for the encouragement, Kat!
I currently shop once or twice a week, but I just joined BJs, so hoping to go less often. It’s really frustrating to have to go to different stores to get the best prices on everything. 🙁
It gets old quick 🙂 Thanks for stopping by Christine.
I wish I could get organized enough to only shop once a month! This article had really great tips though so maybe I’ll give it s try! Thanks for posting this!
I go every week to 10 days – mostly for fresh vegetables and fruit.
I shop twice a month so I make sure I have everything I need. Because if I shop only once- I might forget a few things.
I can give this a try and buy in bulk all the snacks, cheese, ham, and prepackaged frozen snacks we eat at home. I usually buy the snacks at bjs but like once every two months.
I do my normal grocery shopping at Harris Teeter because they sell stuff in small packages and not in bulk and as a family of 2 and a half, a lot of food goes bad.
I also need to do more meal prepping.
This guide was really useful. It’s a matter of meal prepping-buying in bulk- and eating everything you buy.
I thought the article had lots 9f interesting tips! I’m still learning to price compare between BJs and Aldis. For instance, I think Aldi has the better deal for flour and sugar, but BJs has a better deal when it xomes to light brown sugar and powdered sugar. But for products I use more of BJs does provide great savings with coupons like Bigelow Earl Grey and Always pads. I’ll print out the free printable sheets posted here when I get the chance. Thank you!
I usually stock up on staples-canned stuff, paper goods, cleaning supplies, shampoo soap etc…once a month but I still go shopping once a week. I’m a creature of habit and there are just some things I need to pick up weekly. Stocking up does make the ‘weekly’ trip much quicker however! I’ve gotten away from meal planning –really need to go back to that! I’m getting tired of opening fridge and thinking “what’s for dinner!”
I shop at box clubs too! I find it much easier to buy in bulk and I am always looking for the great deals!
I try to shop once a month a BJ’s or Costco – I switch back & forth according to my needs, coupons, etc. I wish my BJ’s had a gas station – because Costco is further away & they don’t post any special savings for fuel when you shop there.
BJ’s is my favorite place to stock up on paper goods, laundry soaps, cat litter as they always have the brands I like to use. My biggest issue is organizing before heading out, so thank you for the Printable BJs shopping trip & monthly inventory lists! I’m certainly going to use them this month.
I love the clipless coupons at Costco, so I don’t have to remember to use them – do you think BJ’s is going to start using all clipless soon?
Hi Gail! That is a bummer you do not have the gas station. It is such a nice feature. I hope the printables help. I enjoy the clipless coupons too. Supposedly word on the street is that BJs is going to be having more coupons online something like we load them to our membership card kind of deal. I suppose it all depends on the sale of it and what happens there. 🙂
I don’t shop once a month, but I may give it a try.
Thanks for stopping by Sara. 🙂
I usually try shopping once a month but u know with one thing or another I end up going to the store every other week but it’s always for something small or a quick trip..But I love the tips and advice that u gave when it comes to shopping I will def put those into effect in my life
I hear ya Jessica! Life tends to do that once in awhile 🙂 Thanks for stopping by.
I have found that knowing your prices is essential no matter where you shop. Many people believe that ‘everything’ at a particular store is the lower price. Heck, I was shocked to see items at Walmart that were off the chart prices compared to other supermarkets, etc. So, I always check around.
That being said, toilet paper & paper towels are my main savers @ BJ’s. I have also noticed that the coupon books often overlap on dates with occasionally having a coupon for charmin and bounty in both. So, I try to make my purchases for those items when I have several coupons for them.
When I was in a better situation financially, I used to always bulk shop once per month. Now I need to go more frequently because I just can’t afford to front the money. I also can no longer afford to buy meat, even at the warehouse lower prices. Honestly, I don’t understand how anyone is affording meat these days… 🙁
Raeann I completely agree. Knowing your prices is so essential. I went to Walmart a couple months ago with a handful of coupons ready to get some deals. I walked out with NOTHING because everything wasn’t a deal. We have to be smart shoppers. Stores like Walmart and Aldi being known for cheap prices can slip in higher amounts for the shopper who thinks everything is deal there. The truth is not everything is a deal at these stores.
Good read!
Very helpful thank you. With a family of six I’m finding I have to go shopping sometimes twice a week as we’re running out of food. I need to buy more food at a time for much less -this will definitely help thank you!
So glad you found it helpful Jana 🙂
I grocery shop weekly. I stock up on toiletries, paper products, and some dry and canned foods so I don’t buy those weekly. I only purchase fresh fruits, vegetables, milk, and some meats weekly. I do bulk buy meats when the price is right and freeze it. I did find this article helpful and I would love to give the bulk shopping once a month a try. My only challenge would be rearranging my pantry to accommodate the items purchased. I have two children (a toddler and an infant) so it would help out a great deal to make one solid trip a month! I can also try a different method of meal planning to make things easier.
I was shopping weekly with a trip or 2 back to the store during that same week! Since joining BJ’s I’ve reduced it to twice a month with a single trip to a local grocery store for milk or fresh produce. I would love to shop once a month. Taking kids grocery shopping is painful! Thanks so much for sharing these great tips and lists!! I will definitely give it a shot 🙂
Same here before shopping at BJ’s I had to go weekly to get the sales and sometimes I would stock up on pantry items but boy am I loving how much of my sanity I am saving by shopping one store or like you said picking up produce at our local grocery store or farmer’s market! Thanks Katie!
I shop every week, we eat a lot of fresh food, including spinach, and a BJ’s bag of apples barely lasts a week in house with 2 boys (they are only 7 and 5!). I would LOVE to shop once a month, it would be great to free up so many weekends from this routine! I am going to figure out how to try to maybe at least go every other month.
We meal plan on our calendar, that I absolutely love, but I will be using your inventory tracker, I am so guilty of overbuying! Thank you for that!
I did go to BJ’s for just this last week of groceries, sticking to my list and buying (almost) all fresh food and still walked out of there for less than I spend at Aldi’s!
You know I love Aldi but the last time I went it was the SAME price as BJ’s and then I still had to go to BJ’s to get my paper products and animal food. It’s another reason I love just shopping one store. But I always want the best deal so that is the struggle as well. lol. I hope you find that inventory tracker useful. It is amazing sometimes what you find hiding in the cupboards that can make a complete meal. Thanks for stopping by Brandy!
I go to BJs at least once a week. It’s right in front of my kids school so it’s a quick trip. Usually looking for the clearance products that are advertised. Love this site to find out about all the goodies.
I do my actual grocery shopping about once a month but gonna start following your once a month plan!
I grocery shop a few times a month because there are certain items I use that aren’t available at Bj’s. I do a BJ’s run every month or so with a list and coupons. I’ll definitely be trying out the resources you shared at the end of the article. Thanks for everything you do, it’s obvious you put a lot of hard work in to it! 🙂
Thank you Meghan. Hope the printables are helpful for you. 🙂
I try to shop once a month, but sometimes find it difficult, especially with growing kids.
Hi Michele, I hear ya. It can be a challenge for snacks but for help with meal planning it is a huge time saver. 🙂
I shop every week, we go through a lot of milk 🙂
But I stock up on essentials when they are on sale and love to shop my pantry
Thanks for stopping by Jana!
Thank you for sharing about their June gas promotion! The drive is the one thing that stops me from shopping there.
You’re welcome Patricia!
I am new to bjs. Ive been twice so far. Both times I bought paper towels, toilet paper, water, meat and some produce. I’m trying to learn the tricks to help my buget last longer. For instance the last time I went I did the online shop and pickup. I did not know there was a surcharge of $2. Ugh. I have much to learn!!!
Really? Ours has never charged me a surcharge! I will have to look into that and see if that is region specific.
I love shopping once a month. It makes life so much easier but you do have to be very organized so you don’t forget what you have.
Great advice! I shop a couple times a week right now and I find that it is mostly the result of poor meal planning. I will definitely give this a shot!
Thanks John. At first, the whole planning thing can seem time-consuming but when you get it figured out once it is much easier each time and the mental stress of always shopping and meal planning gets exhausting. The once a month shopping idea can really eliminate that and help to save money.
I love this page. I follow it weekly to catch the deals. Thank you for taking the time to do this.