Saving money is a big reason why so many people choose to join Costco. But in many cases, saving money boils down to using the right shopping strategies. With that in mind, here are some tips to maximize your savings at Costco this October.

1. Don't go overboard on Halloween

At this point, Costco has had Halloween items, from decorations to costumes, in stock for a good number of weeks. And while you'll find bulk candy at Costco all year, right now, there's an even wider selection of junk food that's perfect for trick-or-treaters.

But as tempting as it may be to spend big on Halloween since it's a fun holiday that only comes once a year, you don't want to bust your budget in the course of celebrating it. Remember, the winter holidays are right around the corner. And you probably want to reserve some funds for the many gifts you'll no doubt need to buy.

So put some thought into your Halloween purchases at Costco. If you don't tend to get a lot of trick-or-treaters visiting your house, maybe buy one sack of candy instead of two. And while it's fun to decorate your lawn with zombies and witches, if you're trying to conserve funds, get creative and decorate with items you already have. For example, old white sheets do an amazing job of doubling as ghosts.

That said, being strategic with the credit card you use on your Halloween purchases at Costco could also result in savings in the form of cash back and other perks. Click here for our list of top credit cards that offer big rewards at Costco.

2. Don't go when it's the most crowded

Shopping at Costco when the store is jam-packed with people isn't just unpleasant -- it could also lead to poor financial decisions.

When you're feeling stressed because you can't comfortably access the aisle you need, you may be inclined to rush through it and miss out on a sale that could save you money. And on the flip side, if you're itching to get out of the store because you're overwhelmed by the crowds, you might grab items off the shelf quickly without checking the expiration dates, leading to wasted food and money.

A better bet? Visit Costco when it's less likely to be filled to capacity. For the most part, that means staying out of the store on weekends and shopping on a weekday if you can swing it. And if your schedule is really flexible on weekdays, aim to go early in the morning or in the evening, as you may find the crowds to be pretty thin by then.

3. Say no to the free samples

Free food samples are generally considered a major perk of shopping at Costco. But they also have the potential to lead to impulse buys.

Say you're going about your shopping when you're offered a sample of aged cheddar cheese. It may not be something you'd normally buy. But if that bite is delicious, you might grab a block of it on your way out of that aisle. That may be good for your taste buds, but not your wallet.

If you want to save money at Costco this month, you'll need to steer clear of impulse purchases. And since the store's free samples can easily lead to those, you may want to say no to those as well.

Saving money at Costco this month could set you up with more spending cash for the winter holidays or give you more breathing room in your budget in general. So it pays to employ these tips all month long -- and, where applicable, beyond October as well.

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We're firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers. The Ascent does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from The Ascent is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.Maurie Backman has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Costco Wholesale. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

The 3 Smartest Ways to Save Money at Costco This October was originally published by The Motley Fool