A 20-year Costco member and shopping expert reveals her secrets to saving money and time.

I can tell you about the best time and not-so-good time to go to Costco.

Here are my top five:

1.

Costco Storefront

Simply Recipes / Adobe Stock

If you could’t make it to Costco midday,come in on weeknights an hour before closing.

Unless you’re fond of crowds and practicing patience, you’re better off avoiding weekends at Costco.

The sample stations entertain my kids so I can get down to business stocking up on groceries.

But the snacks are more than just a delicious perk.

Use them to test-drive new dinner solutions before committing to Costco-sized quantities.

Watch for samples ofprepared meals, marinades, and other delicious dinner shortcuts.

Check the Price Tags

Consider this a cheat sheet to save money on mealtime essentials:

4.

You also don’t need to clip coupons, as the discounts are applied automatically at checkout.

Seasonal Items on Sale

The center aisles and displays at Costco are seasonal treasure troves.

The key is to act fast.

Seasonal items disappear quickly and often don’t return until the following year, if at all.

If you end up regretting the purchase, Costco’s return policy is famously generous.