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Many people start to worry about money once they retire and stop working. And that’s understandable.

It’s not easy to go from earning a paycheck to living on a fixed income. So any expense you pay for is something you should be getting great value from. And that extends to Costco.

The good news is that retirees can actually benefit from a Costco membership in a number of different ways. Here’s how you can make the most of your Costco membership.

1. Load up on vitamins and supplements

The need for vitamins and supplements can increase as you get older. But all of those over-the-counter pills can get expensive.

Enter Costco. Buying vitamins and supplements in bulk could help you save money while also lowering the risk of you running out too soon.

As one example, the regular price for a 200-count bottle of Schiff Move Free Advanced Joint Supplement costs $27.99 at Costco.com, which brings the price per pill to $0.12. And that’s just the online price. At a Costco store, you’re likely to pay less, since online prices are commonly marked up a bit to account for the cost of shipping and handling.

On Amazon, that same product is now on sale for $17.84 for a 120-count if you sign up for Subscribe & Save. But even with that discount, which is 41% off the usual price, you’re still paying $0.15 per pill.

2. Use the right credit card for your purchases

Costco is known for its low prices. But did you know that using the right credit card when you shop there could result in even more savings?

Take a look at this list of the best credit cards for Costco. Using one of these cards could put extra cash back in your pocket, allowing you to save even more money at a time when you may be on a pretty tight budget.

3. Book your travel for less

Being retired gives you more time to travel. Another great way to squeeze more value out of your membership is to book a vacation through Costco. You may find that you not only save money, but get access to unique itineraries and travel deals you won’t find elsewhere.

Plus, when you book travel through Costco, you get the help of experienced travel professionals who can help you narrow down your choices. So if you’re not sure which vacation package best meets your needs, all you have to do is call and ask.

4. Fill up your car at a lower price per gallon

Even if you’re retired and no longer drive to work every day, you need to fill your tank at some point. And when you do, getting gas at Costco could lead to tremendous savings.

Not only is Costco’s gas typically less expensive than what you’ll pay at nearby fuel stations, but it also carries the TOP TIER™ certification. This means it’s designed to clean your engine and lead to superior performance. Put another way, filling up at Costco might give you more miles per gallon, allowing you to stretch your budget nicely.

5. Shop when the store is least crowded for a better experience

Costco tends to be a nightmare on weekends and during certain hours of the day. Some people have no choice but to hit Costco on a Saturday morning, or on a weekday evening once they’re done with their workday.

But as a retiree, you likely have more flexibility in your schedule to visit the store when it’s most quiet. That generally means shopping during the day, or when the store first opens. Plus if you visit Costco during the day when people are at work, you’ll have less competition once those free food samples become available.

If you’re on a fixed income, it’s important to make sure you’re getting great value from your Costco membership. Use these strategies to maximize your savings and make your Costco shopping experience even better.

Top credit card to use at Costco (and everywhere else!)

We love versatile credit cards that offer huge rewards everywhere, including Costco! This card is a standout among America’s favorite credit cards because it offers perhaps the easiest $200 cash bonus you could ever earn and an unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases, even when you shop at Costco.

Add on the competitive 0% interest period and it’s no wonder we awarded this card Best No Annual Fee Credit Card.

Click here to read our full review for free and apply before the $200 welcome bonus offer ends!

We’re firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers.
Motley Fool Money does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from Motley Fool Money is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.John Mackey, former CEO of Whole Foods Market, an Amazon subsidiary, is a member of The Motley Fool’s board of directors. Maurie Backman has positions in Amazon. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Amazon and Costco Wholesale. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.