Going out to shop with a budget is quite a challenge, and Rosmy, a Cuban living in the United States, knows this well. On her latest trip to Costco, Aldi, and another local store, the numbers got out of hand: the plan was to spend $300, but the total exceeded $600.
"Today we're going to visit Costco and see what we can buy with $300, which is our budget for today. I can tell you that we went over budget, but I bought everything I needed," she said in the video she shared on her TikTok account, @rosmy_f4.
Among the purchases at Costco, she mentioned tortillas, oil, tomato puree, sauce, juices, ham, meat, diapers, and even a cake to celebrate her anniversary. At Aldi, she added fresh products like potatoes, bananas, sausages, and ground beef, and at the third store, she bought milk, yogurt, and nougat. In the end, she spent $393 at Costco, $211 at Aldi, and $44 at the smaller store.
A few weeks ago, Rosmy also went viral by expressing her frustration with the prices at Costco, where she spent $339.15 on 23 items, mostly toiletries. This sparked a debate about whether shopping at that store is truly worth it. Once again, her followers had plenty to say in response.
"Everything has gone up, my God, and the saddest part is that you go for 3 things and come back with 20," "Well, you bought quite a few things at both markets," "I always go over budget at every market; I don't even know where to shop anymore," "I believe you; you spend a lot and buy little because everything has increased," "Costco is for bleeding you dry, hahaha," commented some users, reflecting a mix of empathy and humor about the situation.
And you? Do you also think that basic shopping is becoming an impossible mission?
Frequently Asked Questions about Shopping at Costco and Aldi by Cubans in the United States
Why did Rosmy overspend her budget on her purchases at Costco and Aldi?
Rosmy had a budget of 300 dollars for her shopping at Costco and Aldi, but she ended up spending over 600 dollars due to the need to purchase all the items she required, including staples, diapers, and even a cake to celebrate her anniversary. This situation highlights the challenge of staying within a budget in light of current prices.
Is Costco a good option for shopping economically?
Perceptions of Costco vary among consumers. Some users believe that Costco is expensive but offers quality and long-term savings, while others prefer alternatives like Aldi due to their more affordable prices. The experiences shared on social media reflect divided opinions about the value of shopping at Costco.
How do high food prices affect Cubans in the United States?
High food prices restrict the purchasing power of the Cuban community in the United States, forcing them to adjust their budgets and seek more affordable alternatives. Many express their frustrations on social media, highlighting the impact of inflation and the cost of living on their daily experiences.
What products did Rosmy buy during her visits to Costco and Aldi?
At Costco, Rosmy purchased items such as tortillas, oil, tomato paste, sauce, juices, ham, meat, diapers, and a cake. At Aldi, she bought fresh products like potatoes, bananas, sausages, and ground meat. She also visited a local store where she bought milk, yogurt, and nougat, thus completing her list of necessary purchases.
What economical alternatives to Costco are available for Cubans in the United States?
Alternatives like Aldi and Sam's Club are seen as more affordable options for Cubans looking to reduce their food expenses. These stores offer competitive prices and quality products, making them appealing choices for those aiming to make the most of their budget.
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