September is almost over, and if your monthly budget is stretched to the max, we've got you covered with the best ways to save money at Walmart.
Retirement gave you the freedom to sleep in, go on an extended vacation, or have lunch with a friend any day of the week. But it also put an end to impulse purchases and unnecessary extras. That's what makes shopping for deals an important part of your new routine.
Now that autumn is in the air, Walmart is stocked with a bounty of fall finds at bargain prices. So if you're ready to start shopping, here are our top 10 picks for retirees to snag before September ends.
Editor's note: Prices and availability are subject to change and may vary by location.
Get a protection plan on all your appliances
Did you know if your air conditioner stops working, your homeowner’s insurance won’t cover it? Same with plumbing, electrical issues, appliances, and more.
Whether or not you’re a new homeowner, a home warranty from Choice Home Warranty could pick up the slack where insurance falls short and protect you against surprise expenses. If a covered system in your home breaks, you can call their hotline 24/7 to get it repaired.
For a limited time, you can get your first month free with a Single Payment home warranty plan.
Betty Crocker Super Moist Apple Cider Delights Cake Mix
Price: $1.86
Pass on overpriced cakes from budget-breaking bakeries and expensive upscale shops. Now that you're retired, you have time to bake your own goodies at home. But if you're not a from-scratch cook or are just looking for a convenient alternative to spending extra cash on a long list of ingredients, snap up this boxed bargain.
Get the sweet apple cider flavor of the fall favorite in this mouthwatering mix. Simply add eggs, oil, and water and bake. The 13.25-ounce pack makes either one cake or 24 cupcakes.
For $1.86, you'll have cash leftover to pick up a 16-ounce container of Pillsbury Cream Cheese Seasonal Frosting ($1.96) or Betty Crocker Rich and Creamy Vanilla Frosting (also $1.96).
Kodiak Microwavable Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Protein Muffin
Price: $2.17
Make a muffin in one minute. This isn't a basic baked breakfast buy. The hearty, fall-flavored find contains 12 grams of protein per serving. Made with 100% whole grains, pumpkin, and maple syrup, the 270-calorie cup is a healthier alternative to donuts or fatty fast food egg sandwiches.
In a rush? Just add milk or water and microwave for 60 seconds. It's that easy to make your morning meal.
Don't wait too long to grab this deal. Even though Walmart usually stocks the brand's Blueberry, Cinnamon Roll, and Double Dark Chocolate flavors, Pumpkin Chocolate Chip is a limited-edition option that's only available this fall.
Mainstays Warm Apple Pie Candle
Price: $4.97
No time to bake a pie? You can still fill your home with this fall fragrance. An amazingly affordable array of autumn-scented candles just landed on Walmart's shelves, and we're obsessed with this apple, cinnamon, and spice item.
Deck your halls for Halloween and add this boo-tiful ghost-camo accent to your holiday interior decor. If you prefer a classic look, Walmart also sells the same scent in a more traditional wicker-basket-patterned jar.
For under $5, the 13-ounce three-wick pick is a budget-friendly bargain you might not find elsewhere. Compare Walmart's low price to $22.95 for a similar selection (the three-wick "Warm Apple Pie" candle) from Bath & Body Works.
The Big Plushie Throw
Price: $14.97
Wrap yourself in comfy, cozy warmth or add this plush product to your living room decor. Instead of wasting your savings on expensive slipcovers or new upholstery, simply drape the ultra-soft blanket over your sofa, love seat, or armchair and give your space an easy (and affordable) autumn upgrade.
The 50-by-70-inch throw is available in festive fall plaid patterns, deer designs, and other stylish seasonal prints. Not sure which one to choose? Priced at under $15 each, you can afford to snag a few different color-combo options.
Score serious savings on this budget-friendly Walmart buy. We spotted a slightly smaller 50-by-60-inch Buffalo Check Throw at Pottery Barn for $69.
Ceramic Cat Soap Dispenser
Price: $6.97
Halloween is almost here. Don't wait to snap up fall holiday home decor. Items like this cute cat soap dispenser are already flying off store shelves. Fill the pump with hand soap, lotion, or shampoo.
Why waste money on expensive accents that you only use for a few weeks every year? This cute ceramic cat is a bargain for under $7. While we didn't spot the identical item at other stores, we found comparable Halloween pumps that were significantly pricier than this budget-friendly buy.
JCPenney sells an Avanti Black Cat Soap Pump for $12.99, and Kohl's Way to Celebrate Halloween Ghost Soap Pump costs $16.99.
Great Value Pure Pumpkin
Price: $2.18
Pumpkin spice everything season is in full swing. Instead of overspending on ready-made bakery buys, whip up your own pumpkin pie at home.
We understand that you probably have a favorite family recipe for this fall staple. Whether you add a few extra pinches of a secret spice blend or have another mystery add-in, the most delicious desserts all start with one thing: Pure pumpkin.
We spotted this 15-ounce can from Walmart's private-label generic line for $2.18. In comparison, Target sells the identical item from Libby's for $2.39. Even though $0.21 may not seem like major savings, every penny counts.
Yellowstone Canto Blue Collection Stoneware Plate
Price: $5.98
Yellowstone fans need to nab this rustic stoneware salad plate ASAP. Inspired by the hit series, the ceramic Canto line has a cowboy-chic vibe that is sure to get plenty of attention. And bonus, it's also microwave- and dishwasher-safe.
This 8.5-inch plate may look pricey, but you can snap it up for under $6. That could leave you with cash to buy a full set or grab the other pieces from this classic collection: The Canto Blue Reactive Ceramic Mug ($5.98), Reactive Ceramic Dinner Plate ($6.97), Reactive Ceramic Cereal Bowl ($5.96), and Reactive Ceramic Serving Bowl ($15.98).
My Texas House Fall Wreath
Price: $29.97
Live wreaths wither within weeks, making these expensive items a waste of your retirement savings. Pick up this faux floral for under $30 and hang it for years to come.
The 24-inch artificial hydrangea accent features neutral tones and a standout seasonal style. We give this pick 10/10 for its luxe layered texture, elegant aesthetics, and low price point. Display this festive find over the mantel, in your entryway, or almost anywhere else indoors.
While almost $30 may not seem like the best value, consider what you could pay at a specialty store. Williams-Sonoma sells a slightly larger 30-inch Fall Pumpkin and Maple Leaf Faux Wreath for $139.95.
Dr. Teal's Toasty Caramel Retreat Pure Epsom Salt
Price: $5.87
Fall fragrances go well beyond Walmart's home decor and candle aisles. If you hurry, you can snag this three-pound bag of "Toasty Caramel Retreat" scented Epsom salt for under $6.
The magnesium sulfate soak features a rich blend of essential oils that soothes the senses while relaxing tired, sore, and achy muscles. Don't worry about unnecessary ingredients with this brand-name buy. Dr. Teal's mix is paraben- and phthalate-free.
Customers praise this autumn-inspired item online. Shopper Brandon wrote a rave review, posting, "With this Toasty Caramel Epsom Salt, I feel like I'm in a bakery about to have one of my fall favorites. The fragrance isn't overpowering, but it is very sweet."
Get a protection plan on all your appliances
Did you know if your air conditioner stops working, your homeowner’s insurance won’t cover it? Same with plumbing, electrical issues, appliances, and more.
Whether or not you’re a new homeowner, a home warranty from Choice Home Warranty could pick up the slack where insurance falls short and protect you against surprise expenses. If a covered system in your home breaks, you can call their hotline 24/7 to get it repaired.
For a limited time, you can get your first month free with a Single Payment home warranty plan.
Great Value Caramel Apple Coffee Pods
Price: $3.97
Pass on pricey PSLs this year and brew your own seasonal sipper at home. Retirement doesn't always leave much room for extras. And the added cost of limited-edition coffee blends could put you over budget. But you can save some serious cash on this 12-count pack of pods from Walmart's store brand.
Get one dozen of the 3.9-ounce cups for under $4 right now. The subtly sweet caramel apple flavor is the perfect way to welcome the day.
Keurig sells a 10-pack of The Original Donut Shop Nutty + Caramel K-Cups for $20.99. Pick up a 15-ounce bottle of Great Value Cinnamon French Toast Non-Dairy Coffee Creamer ($3.56) or a 16-ounce bottle of the "Original" ($3.48) with the money you save on Walmart's generic.
Bottom line
Don't wait until September ends to nab these deals. Before you know it, Walmart will swap autumn items for winter gear.
Whether you're updating your home with festive fall finds or stocking up on snacks, our favorite superstore selections could help you keep more cash in your wallet. So if you have some wiggle room in your budget, these affordable options make shopping easy.
Walmart's everyday low prices aren't the only way to save. Here are our top tips for retirees who are living on a fixed income: Choose generics over brand names, only buy what you can reasonably use to avoid food waste, and ask about AARP's discount for the Walmart+ annual membership fee.
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FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment.
Our partners do not influence how we rate products.
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