15 Walmart Items Retirees Should Buy Before the End of August

Retirement gives you extra time, but not extra cash. Instead of wasting your savings on overpriced specialty stores, save money at Walmart this month on the best end-of-summer and early autumn bargains.

We shopped the superstore and rounded up the top deals retirees need to nab before August ends. Shopping strategically at the end of summer can help stretch your budget across more than one season. 

Look for practical everyday items alongside a few inexpensive fall treats, and prioritize purchases you know you will actually use. That way, a low price can translate into real savings instead of another impulse buy. From fall fragranced candles to sinfully sweet snacks, here are 15 Walmart finds that won't break the bank.

Editor's note: Prices and availability are subject to change and may vary by location.

Price: $4.97

Fill your home with festive fall fragrances. You don't have to wait for the leaves to change colors just to nab this autumn item. The three-wick spice, cypress, and amber 13-ounce jar is in stock right now.

Score serious savings this August. Compare Walmart's under-$5 price to $22.95 for Bath & Body Works' "Fall Farmhouse" 14.5-ounce jar.

A seasonal candle is also an easy way to refresh a room without spending on a full decor makeover. Place it on a coffee table, mantel, kitchen counter, or entryway console to bring a touch of autumn into the space. If you already have fall decorations stored away, this inexpensive addition can help tie the look together without adding much to your seasonal decorating budget.

Price: $0.50

Walmart's 10.5-inch plastic etched Halloween plates are finally back on the superstore's shelves. And at $0.50 each, you can afford to grab one of each. Choose from skeletons, haunted houses, pumpkins, and bats.

These seasonal plates can do more than dress up a Halloween dinner. Use them for snacks during a scary-movie marathon, serve desserts at a fall get-together, or set a few out when the grandkids visit. Because the designs are sold individually, you can mix the patterns instead of committing to a matching set. At this price, a handful of plates can add plenty of festive personality to the table while keeping your seasonal decorating costs low.

Price: $5.97

You still have a few more weeks of outdoor entertaining left in the season. That's why we added these cute cocktail picks to our list. The fun fruit shapes have a quirky playfulness that's perfect for your next party.

Don't save them only for drinks. Cocktail picks can also make a simple snack spread look more polished without requiring much extra work. Use them with olives, cheese cubes, berries, small sandwiches, or other bite-size appetizers at your next gathering. They can also come in handy for brunches, birthday parties, and casual family get-togethers. A playful serving accessory like this is an inexpensive way to make everyday food feel a little more festive.

Price: $3.97

Start decorating for fall and snap up this six-by-six-inch tabletop sign.

The wood tone and leaf motif have a subtle warmth that elevates almost any space. Display the festive frame on your mantel, dresser, desk, or kitchen counter.

Because this decoration is compact, you don't have to rearrange an entire room to make space for it. Pair it with a candle, a small pumpkin, a vase, or other fall accents you already own. You can also move it from the living room to a guest room, kitchen, or home office as the season progresses. At under $4, it's an easy way to add a little autumn atmosphere without investing in a large piece of seasonal decor.

Price: $2.86

Barbecue season hasn't wrapped up yet. So don't forget the snacks on your next Walmart haul.

These limited-edition Liberty ridged barbecue chips have a tangy zip that pairs perfectly with burgers, hot dogs, grilled chicken sandwiches, or steak.

Bring the bag to a Labor Day picnic, serve it alongside sandwiches for an easy lunch, or pour the chips into a bowl for guests during a backyard get-together. Ridged chips also have a hearty texture that works well with dips, making them useful for more than just a cookout side. Since the flavor is a seasonal selection, grabbing a bag now is an easy way to try something different without committing much of your grocery budget.

Price: $8.68

Enjoy end-of-summer outdoor activities without worrying about your skin. This two-pack of broad-spectrum, water-resistant (up to 80 minutes) SPF 50 sunscreen spray is a steal for under $9. A single bottle from Banana Boat costs $13.19 at CVS.

Keep one bottle at home and another in a beach bag, golf bag, or car so you are less likely to head outdoors without sun protection. Spray sunscreen can also be convenient for covering areas such as arms and legs before walks, yardwork, pool days, or outdoor sporting events. Summer may be winding down, but sunny days do not disappear when September arrives, so this is an item you can continue using well into fall.

Price: $10.97

Treat yourself to this indulgently sweet shampoo. If you're not a fan of pumpkin spice, the sumptuous scent of hazelnut and shortbread cookies has major fall vibes without going overboard. And bonus, Native's gentle formula is silicone-, sulfate-, and paraben-free.

A seasonal beauty product can be a small way to change up your routine without spending on a larger fall splurge. The bakery-inspired scent also gives you an alternative to the pumpkin fragrances that dominate store shelves this time of year. Keep it in your regular shower rotation or pair it with a coordinating conditioner if you enjoy matching scents. At just under $11, it can also make a useful little host or care-package gift for someone who loves autumn fragrances.

Price: $3.82

Holiday baking season is right around the corner. That makes now the perfect time to stock up on low-priced basics like this heart-healthy 48-ounce bottle of vegetable oil.

For $3.82, the generic is a budget-friendly buy. A smaller 40-ounce bottle from Crisco costs over $1 more ($4.92).

Vegetable oil is one of those pantry staples that can disappear quickly once cooler-weather cooking begins. Beyond cakes and cookies, keep it on hand for frying, sautéing, homemade dressings, and other everyday recipes. Buying a larger bottle now can also mean one less basic ingredient to remember when holiday grocery lists start getting longer. Before stocking up, check what you already have at home so a good deal does not turn into duplicate pantry clutter.

Price: $11.97

The rising cost of fresh ground beef shouldn't stop you from enjoying the last few barbecues of the season. Instead of wasting money in the refrigerated section, snap up this eight-pack of frozen smashed burger patties for under $12. At that price, you'll have cash left over to grab a bag of buns and a block of cheddar cheese.

Frozen patties are also handy when you want a quick meal without planning a trip to the meat counter. Keep the package in the freezer for an impromptu cookout, an easy weeknight dinner, or a casual meal when family visits. And grilling season does not have to end with summer. You can cook burgers indoors when the weather cools, so any extras do not have to go to waste.

Price: $16.97

Pass on pricey PSLs and brew your own fall Starbucks selection at home. Walmart just rolled back the price on this multi-pack, and now you can get 20 K-Cups (total) of Pumpkin Spice, Caramel, Maple Pecan, and Holiday Blend coffee for less than $17.

A variety pack is especially useful if you like seasonal coffee but do not want to commit to a full box of a single flavor. Rotate through the different options throughout the week, or put the assortment out when guests visit so everyone can choose a favorite. Brewing at home also gives you control over how much milk, creamer, or sweetener goes into each cup. Keep a few pods aside for later in the season if you want the fall flavors to last beyond August.

Price: $2.77

This limited-edition summer flavor is almost sold out. But you can still toss the 27.9-ounce can of beans into your cart.

Not sure about the apple pie-baked beans combo? The seemingly strange mashup has a sumptuously sweet taste that is unexpectedly amazing. One Walmart shopper raved, "Oh my goodness, so good! I was nervous that this was gonna be like too artificial flavor! Nope."

If you're curious but unsure how to serve them, treat the beans like a sweet barbecue side. Pair them with burgers, grilled chicken, hot dogs, pulled pork, or another savory main dish so the sweeter flavor has something to balance it. A limited-edition can is also an inexpensive conversation starter for a cookout, especially if your guests enjoy trying unusual seasonal foods.

Price: $2.44

Save money on pumpkin spice coffee, muffins, cookies, and more. Instead of buying ready-made items, add a pinch of this bargain cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, clove, and ginger blend into just about anything.

A premixed spice blend can also save cabinet space if you do not want to buy several individual jars for recipes that call for only small amounts. Try it in oatmeal, pancakes, French toast, whipped cream, or warm drinks when you want a quick dose of fall flavor. You can also sprinkle a little into baked apples or other simple desserts. Keeping one inexpensive jar in the pantry makes it easy to give everyday breakfasts and treats a seasonal twist without paying cafe or bakery prices.

Price: $11.88

Wrap yourself in cozy warmth or use this stylish chenille throw to add some autumn ambiance to your home's interior.

The 50-by-60-inch blanket is available in Washed Stone Plaid, Washed Indigo, Sage Green Plaid, and Papyrus Beige color combos.

A throw is one of the easiest seasonal pieces to work into a room because it is both decorative and useful. Drape it over the back of a sofa, fold it at the foot of a bed, or keep it within reach of your favorite reading chair. The neutral and plaid options can also blend with decor you already own, which means you do not need to replace pillows, curtains, or other furnishings just to create a cozier fall look.

Price: $3.48

Indulge in this fall find. The classic golden sponge snack cake is back with a pumpkin spice cream autumn twist. Hurry and scoop up the eight-count box while you can. This limited-time treat won't last long.

The individually portioned cakes make an easy addition to a lunchbox, afternoon coffee break, or fall-themed snack tray. You could also put a few out when friends or family stop by instead of buying a full bakery dessert. Seasonal snacks are best treated as a fun extra rather than a reason to overhaul your grocery list, and this under-$4 box gives you a relatively inexpensive way to sample the pumpkin spice trend while it is on shelves.

Price: $3.96

Satisfy your sweet tooth. The beloved brand's soft caramels just got an autumn upgrade. The limited-edition candies feature the famous fall pumpkin spice flavor that you're looking for. But that's not all. This August, you can also get the 8.57-ounce bag in Cinnamon Creme, Maple Creme, or Caramel Apple.

Keep a few pieces in a candy dish for guests, tuck some into a bag for an on-the-go treat, or use the seasonal assortment as an inexpensive addition to a fall gift basket. Buying one bag instead of several different autumn sweets can also give you the seasonal flavor you want without filling the pantry with too many treats. If pumpkin spice is not your favorite, the other fall-inspired flavors give you a few alternatives at the same time of year.

A fixed income doesn't have to stop you from shopping. Whether you're living on just Social Security or your investments have seen better days, superstores like Walmart make it easy to save.

Don't wait until September to snag these deals. Even though it's still August, Walmart's new fall merch won't last long. And if you're still searching for summer stock, you're in luck. Check out the retailer's clearance end-caps for unbelievably affordable offers.

The smartest seasonal bargains are the ones that fit your existing budget and routine. Before checking out, compare prices, check what you already have at home, and prioritize staples or seasonal items you know you will use. A low sticker price can be tempting, but skipping unnecessary purchases is still one of the easiest ways to keep more money in your pocket.