Thinking about joining a “Meat of the Month” club? Wonder if you’d do better buying meat this way or to buy it in individual portions as you need it? Let’s take a look at one Meat of the Month club found on the Internet and see just what it is they’re offering. ...

The Meat of the Month club found at Westerns-Smokehouse.com proffers an assortment of meat goodies every month of the year for a seemingly mere $399.00. In January you receive a three-and-a-half pound assortment of summer sausages, cheeses, and a jar of “spice” mustard. Priced alone: $34.95.

In February, this Meat of the Month club sends two 12-ounce rib eyes, which if bought separately, would be $59.95. March brings forth a 3-pound (average weight) hickory-smoked, boneless ham with a $34.95 individual price tag. April? This month you get six 8-ounce hickory-smoked pork chops that sell alone for $32.95. In May, “gourmet” bratwurst arrives – an average 3-pound package – that goes for $26.95 when sold alone. June: 2 ½-pounds (average) of hickory-smoked barbecued ribs ($32.95 sold separately).

July ushers to the doors of Meat of the Month club members a 1-pound (approximate weight) box of hickory-smoked beef jerky the Westerns-Smokehouse.com offers at $36.95 when they sell it individually. Six pounds (approximate weight) of slab bacon that sell for $36.95 when offered alone arrive in August. September’s “Snacker’s Special,” another summer sausage/cheeses/mustard basket, which goes for $28.95 when purchased separately, heralds the fall season.

For October, Meat of the Month club members receive a 3-pound hickory-smoked chicken of average weight. November brings a 4 to 6-pound smoked turkey that sells individually for $38.95. And finally, December rolls around and a smoked, bone-in 7 to 8-pound ham arrives at your doorstep that sells alone for $42.95.

With a total of $407.45 when bought separately, Meat of the Month club members enjoy a savings of $107.45. Of course, you don’t get to choose your meat – they choose it for you. But many gladly give up the freedom to choose for the savings. On the other hand, at this site’s regular prices, which can only be termed “high” (as with most online meat purveyors’ Web sites), if you have that much money, what’s a measly $107.45? As always, only you, the consumer, can decide.