On the news this morning, I was a bit shocked to hear someone advocating a new investment strategy: buying bulk. The person being interviewed pointed out that buying the items one always needs, in large amounts, represents a better savings, and thus “investment income” than any financial investment scheme available.
We have always bought in bulk whenever possible. We do it for a variety of reasons. Being blessed as sound financial strategy just sweetens it for us.
I hear you saying it (so many people do): “Shopping at Costco is ridiculous—I don’t need to buy a case of [name any consumer product] at a time!” This often-heard opinion may get a laugh in comedy clubs and cocktail parties, but it indicates to me that the speaker has done very little critical thinking about the state of our world. Modern society has become a hostage to the concept of just-in-time supply. Bulk suppliers such as Costco and, most likely, your local grocery store (just ask!) offer a buffer against that potentially catastrophic practice.
I admit that storage can be an issue for those who buy necessaries in bulk, particularly for urban apartment dwellers. Many families simply don’t have room to store goods until they’re needed. I address this in Finding Storage Space for Bulk Purchases.
Michelle prepares to haul bulk goods over the trail (Photo: Mark Zeiger).
