We were a Costco family. Until yesterday.

We live very close to a BJs and I was suckered in by the free trial membership. I went in with no intention of actually joining, but a friend told me they sell Pampers at BJs, a brand Costco doesn't carry. As the mother of two kids under two, that's a major drawback.

Anyway, I was going to go buy some Pampers and be done with it. But after a brief sales pitch by the woman in customer service, I was sold. For $45 I got a 14-month membership (with a money back guarantee if I don't like it) plus a $10 credit, lowering the membership fee to $35.

The woman handed me a plethora of coupons, $5 off Pampers, $3 off Bounty paper towels and on and on.

Here's the bonus: BJs also accepts vendor coupons, something this mother of two babies has plenty of! An hour and $228 later, I was out the door. My total coupon savings? $39.50, exactly the price of a case of Pampers! -- Missy Diaz

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