Shopping mission: Accomplished!

I began this week with my bank account perilously close to zero. I had precisely $200 left until payday (Friday). I had a few things to get for our upcoming U.S. Thanksgiving celebration on Thursday. I made the decision to go to Costco to get some of these things. What I did was this: make a list, and withdraw the $200 cash and vow to exit that store with at least some of that money left.
Costco can be a real minefield for the cash strapped. When I first started shopping there, I used to blow $300-$400 each time, and rarely examined the costs too carefully. Now, I always go there with a list, and I am more diligent about checking the unit costs. My experience has showed me that while there are definitely some good deals at Costco, other things are not so differently priced as your average big box store. I also find that you have to be able to dodge the diversions, the things that they keep on the ends of the aisles which often turn out to be impulse purchases.
So I brought my list, my cash, and my Blackberry to do some quick calculations in the aisles. I felt a bit weird doing the calculator thing in the store, but it was a good idea! I found myself well under budget ($110) and was able to get a couple of the optional items on my list. Total cost: $180. I walked out with a measly $20 until payday, which still isn't great, but my shopping mission was accomplished.