Do you want your tax refund to help you get some fantastic deals? Getting a refund from the IRS at tax time is a good feeling. You have a bit of money to do “something” with… after putting some of it away in savings, of course.
To make the best use of your tax refund, you may want to plan a trip to Costco, where you’ll be able to take advantage of numerous shopper hacks and savings opportunities.
What should you buy at Costco with a tax refund that’s going to be well worth the investment?
Earn 2% cash rewards at grocery stores and Costco
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Luggage
One of the ways to best invest for your future self is the ability to travel, whether it’s across the state or around the world. Having a quality piece of luggage (or two) is a must.
Costco typically has a range of on-brand and off-brand options, including popular names like Samsonite, American Tourister, and Traveler’s Choice. You may even find some great deals and discounts on luggage at Costco.
Air Fryer
Costco stocks some of the best brands in small kitchen appliances. If you’ve always wanted to have an air fryer (for healthy and quick cooking), this is the ideal time to pick one up.
They run sales on them from time to time, but you’ll also have the flexibility of choosing from a range of models and styles, including larger countertop ovens and smaller basket-style air fryers. That’s an investment that’s sure to get put to good use.
Recliners
Look for Costco sales on recliners throughout the year if you’ve thought about adding a high-quality chair to your den. They offer both fabric and leather-style models in a range of colors and styles to meet most needs.
Chances are good you’ll find some nice upgraded models to buy with your tax refund, including power models, coverings of high-quality leather, and even USB ports.
The quality is excellent, which means you can count on this investment to last for years to come.
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Travel
Take a look at Costco Travel. It’s one of the simplest ways to give yourself the much-needed break and sightseeing experience you need.
To make your money go the furthest, check out the limited-time deals, which often offer significant discounts on fantastic locations. You can also book all-inclusive trips through Costco, which could help you save even more.
Freezer
You may know that buying bulk at Costco is an excellent way to save money shopping throughout the year. So… with your "extra" money, buy a freezer for your home.
Costco typically has appliances from well-known brands like GE, Samsung, and Frigidaire, some priced at under $400. Once you buy one, you can use it to help store all of those big savings you get throughout the year on meats and veggies.
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Cleaning products
Costco is noted for its bulk-sized cleaning products, but using your bonus money to buy them up could mean not having to worry about laundry detergent, cleaning supplies, or paper goods all year.
The non-consumable area of Costco, including these aisles, tends to have some of the lowest markups, which translates into big savings for most people. If you have the room, stock up!
Mattress
Without a doubt, a good night’s sleep is often well worth the investment.
Costco mattresses tend to be on sale in the first quarter of the year. You’ll find numerous brands you know, like Sealy, Casper, and Beautyrest, and many models are available, including some of the more modern hybrid-style mattresses.
They may even ship it right to your house for you, so you don’t have to worry about hauling it home.
Camping gear
Explore the outdoors with the people you love to be around the most when you use your increased budget to buy all of the camping gear you need from Costco.
They have it all, including air mattresses, tents, shelters, camping chairs, and camp kitchens. It’s often priced well and available in-store at this time of the year.
When you want your investment to go the furthest, purchase some of the high-quality sleeping bags here, which are priced highly competitively.
Laptop
Costco almost always has a discount or deal or two on laptops and computer systems. Their electronics are high in quality, and they often are priced more competitively than other brands.
Lenovo, HP, ASUS, and Dell are just some of the brands you’ll find. If it’s time to buy a new laptop or pick one up for your child’s graduation gift from high school, shop the deals at Costco.
They also have a line of gaming laptops for those who want to have some fun…. And, always check out the dollar-off discounts and rebates.
Get a protection plan on all your appliances
Did you know if your air conditioner stops working, your homeowner’s insurance won’t cover it? Same with plumbing, electrical issues, appliances, and more.
Whether or not you’re a new homeowner, a home warranty from Choice Home Warranty could pick up the slack where insurance falls short and protect you against surprise expenses. If a covered system in your home breaks, you can call their hotline 24/7 to get it repaired.
For a limited time, you can get your first month free with a Single Payment home warranty plan.
Wine cooler
Many Costco locations are noted for their huge wine selection and affordable pricing.
If you have pretty significant money coming your way, why not purchase a wine cooler for your home and then fill it with your favorite Costco varieties?
They offer most cooler styles, including under-the-counter wine coolers, stand-alone coolers, and large, refrigerator-style versions.
Once you purchase one of these, you can then take advantage of the wine discounts Costco runs on name-brand wine and liquor.
Tires
There are times when you need to be practical. Buying tires may not sound like lots of fun (unless you’re planning road trips and camping adventures), but it’s one of the best ways to cut car costs while using extra money in your budget.
Costco nearly always has a deep discount on tires available at their stores, often keeping costs far below what you could expect to pay at most other retailers. These are name-brand tires, too.
Bottom line
Take a few minutes to consider what you should do with any unexpected extra money that comes your way. Put some in the bank, cater to any needs around the house, and then look for deep discounts on the items you need and want.
By using one of the cash back credit cards, you can also get more for your money, free shipping to your home (for many items), and some money back throughout the year.
It’s easy to make your money go the furthest it can go at Costco.
More from FinanceBuzz:
- 7 things to do if you’re barely scraping by financially.
- Are you a homeowner? Get a protection plan on all your appliances.
- 6 genius hacks Costco shoppers should know.
- Learn how you can escape the paycheck-to-paycheck grind.
Lucrative, Flat-Rate Cash Rewards
FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
Current Offer
$200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases
Benefits
- Low spend threshold for its welcome offer — $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
- Cell phone protection benefit (subject to a $25 deductible)
- Can redeem rewards at an ATM for literal cash
Drawbacks
- Foreign transaction fee of 3%
- No bonus categories
- Select “Apply Now” to take advantage of this specific offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
- Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.
- Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.
- 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 19.49%, 24.49%, or 29.49% Variable APR thereafter; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and fee of 3% then a BT fee of up to 5%, min: $5.
- $0 annual fee.
- No categories to track or remember and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
- Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge.
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