5 Signs You Should Cancel Your Sam's Club Membership

For many shoppers, a warehouse club can be an investment that offers significant savings. Buying food and everyday essentials in bulk could make it easier to stay on budget. But a Costco or Sam's Club membership isn't a fit for everyone. Here are a few signs that may suggest you should cancel your Sam's Club membership to avoid wasting money.

1. You're not shopping there often

To get good value out of your Sam's Club membership, you'll want to visit your local club at least a few times throughout the year. How often you'll need to shop depends on your needs, budget, and storage availability. If you're finding that you only visit once or twice a year, it may not be worthwhile to continue paying for an annual membership. Instead, you might consider shopping at other affordable stores like Trader Joe's or Aldi to keep your grocery spending to a minimum.

2. You're overspending

If you're not careful, overspending can become an issue that negatively impacts your personal finances. No matter where you shop, it's best to plan your trips and make a list first. If you don't do this, it can be too easy to overfill your cart and spend more than you can afford.

It's easy to overspend at warehouse clubs because many great deals will catch your eye. You might also feel tempted to try new products you don't need. If you're spending more than you can afford and are worried about accumulating credit card debt, it's probably time to say goodbye to your Sam's Club membership.

3. Your household has downsized

A warehouse club membership can be worthwhile for larger households. Buying in bulk is easier when you live with multiple people who will use everything before it expires. Getting value from a Sam's Club membership can be more challenging for solo shoppers and couples, as it may take longer to use everything purchased before it goes to waste. If your household has recently gotten smaller (say, if a child left for college), you may want to reconsider your membership.

4. The items you prefer to buy aren't sold at Sam's Club

Not every item you usually buy will be available at your local club. If some items you typically buy aren't sold at Sam's Club, you may want to try similar alternatives. But if that's not working for you and you prefer to get your usual products or go-to brands from other retailers, you may want to cancel your membership so you're not wasting your hard-earned money.

5. You've moved and no longer live near a Sam's Club

A Sam's Club membership can be well worth the cost if you have a store location near you. But if the closest club is too far of a drive or not in an ideal location, it may not be a good fit for you anymore. If you've moved or are planning to soon and still want a warehouse club membership, you may want to see if a Costco is nearby instead.

How to decide if a Sam's Club membership is right for you

Not every shopper will benefit from becoming a Sam's Club member, and that's okay. If you're trying to decide if you should continue paying for a membership, consider your shopping and spending habits to determine if the cost should still be included in your budget.

If a Sam's Club membership no longer makes sense for you, there are other ways to save money when buying groceries and household essentials. Shopping sale items, sticking to your list, and purchasing store-brand items could help you keep more money in your checking account. Plus, using a cash back rewards credit card is an excellent way to earn rewards on your spending.