Bulk buying: yes or no?

I am all about saving a penny and having lots of food/stuff on hand. But beware of bulk purchases they are not always the best deal.

My fav bulk items from Sam's and other stores: *note: I love Costco, but the closest one is 45mins away.

• Member's Mark Baby Wipes- awesome deal on wipes and they are a good product. I highly recommend them for everyone, not just families with a diapered child. Wipes are amazing for cleaning sticky fingers, faces, steering wheels, spills on clothes, carpets, furniture.....everything!
• Krustez Pancake Mix- best deal on quick and easy, just add water pancake/waffle mix. Much better deal than buying those small boxes at the grocery store.
• Mrs. Buttersworth Syrup- At Sam's you get two large bottles. I keep a small bottle in the cupboards that we refill regularly. *note- we like the fake buttery taste, instead of the real deal maple syrup.
• Eggs- Usually are a better deal in the giant packs instead of just a dozen. 
• Oscar Mayer Turkey Bacon- You get 3 packs in the box. It is not greasy like real bacon, but just as tasty and way cheaper. 
• Member's Mark Toilet Paper- BEST DEAL AROUND! Seriously, people give your bum a break from using awful toilet paper just cause you think you're saving a buck. You're not saving anything! You get 45 rolls of soft, sturdy 2ply paper. 3 squares of this are all that is needed to keep you fresh and clean. Leave the "prison paper" on the shelves and switch to this. Your buns will thank you. 
• Member's Mark Bottled Water- 40 bottles for $3.98. Ten cents a bottle.
• Target Diapers, BIG BOX- I am a huge fan of Target's polka dot diapers. They are a great value and hold it all in. I don't usually put them on my newborns, just because their bums require a little something extra. But once a size 2 they become, it is Up & Up (Target brand) diapers all the way. 

Tip: When shopping at a bulk store watch for sales and in-store coupons they feature. I have gotten amazing deals on kids' bag drinks, Ocean Spray Craisins, and a variety of other items that are not usually a guaranteed better deal in bulk. 

Bulk Items you want to be sure to price check:

• Bulk cereal- We are starting our summer of pantry living with 44 boxes of cereal, so you know we eat A LOT! But you should wait to buy most cereals until they are on sale and be sure to check their "price per ounce/pound". That number is featured on the side of the price tag on the store shelf. Many times the largest boxes are not the lowest price per pound. Also our grocery stores feature different cereal brands every week. There is always something on sale and frequently there are coupons to increase those savings. 
• Laundry Soap
• Shampoo
• Multi-packs of Deodorant
• Zipper Bags
• Tin Foil, Plastic Wrap
• Bread
• Cheese
• Lunch meat
• Fruit Rolls Ups, Fruit Snacks
• The list goes on.......

Here's the rules.

1. Know what your family likes to eat, and what prices are typical. That way when an item is on sale you can tell whether you are actually saving money. 
2. Clip your coupons regularly and keep them in an easy access location in case you find an unexpected sale.  
3. When you find a legitimate great sale STOCK UP! That cereal your kids love is on sale for $1.44, awesome. Don't buy 2, buy 4. When pasta goes on sale for $0.44, great! Don't buy 4, buy 10. 
4. Check best buy dates on really great deals. I once found Rice Krispies on sale for $0.10 a box. No joke. Well they expired that week. Thankfully there isn't much to go bad in that cereal. So I bought a ton and we made Rice Krispie treats for every occasion in the next month or so. But you don't want a cart full of refrigerator rolls that will expire in a week unless you plan on cooking them all up soon. They won't last. 
5. Take your own reusable bags. My grocery stores gives me $0.05 for each one. Its not much but its worth the extra savings. 
6. Always check the "price per pound/ounce" on the shelf sticker. That will help you know what the true comparable price is for all the different sized items to choose from. 

Happy Shopping!