I’m Retired: Here’s What I Never Leave Sam's Club Without

What do frugal retirees buy at Sam's Club? When on a retirement budget, is it even worth buying a membership to the bulk retailer?

To find out, I spoke with Mary R., a retiree in Maplewood, Minnesota, who visits Sam's Club about 12 times a year to stock up on household staples. While Mary is a devoted bargain hunter who primarily shops at Aldi, she turns to Sam's Club to save big on many pantry and freezer goods.

With a sharp eye on prices, Mary knows exactly what's worth the trip. Here's what she never leaves Sam's Club without.

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

Price: $22.98

Mary lives alone and appreciates the product's quality and value. "It's just like Charmin," says Mary. "I love it."

This is especially helpful for seniors who appreciate reliable household essentials. Stocking up on non-perishable goods like toilet paper means fewer trips to the store — and never worrying about running out.

Price: $4.98

Move over, Costco. Sam's Club has its own five-buck-cluck. One rotisserie bird can last Mary several days, as it's easily incorporated into many different meals. And stocking up on ready-to-eat options is a convenient way for Mary to enjoy more of her hobbies.

Price: $14.68

As a daily coffee drinker, Mary never skips the coffee aisle at Sam's Club. She buys Folger's in bulk for her morning brew, which means she can stay energized throughout the day.

For under $15, Sam's Club's price means seniors can maintain their coffee kick without worrying about running low on caffeine — or their retirement budget.

Price: $13.92

Mary travels regularly during retirement to visit friends in Mexico and her daughter's family in Iowa. She appreciates having large stocks of shelf-stable foods on the ready, including freezeable proteins like shrimp.

Price: $13.94

Sam's Club frozen fish is another solid choice, says Mary. She doesn't have to worry about it going bad and always has a healthy meal option on hand.

Mary also appreciates that Sam's Club makes it easier to keep her kitchen stocked with food that can't spoil while she travels in retirement.

Price: $0.49 per pound

The retail giant has great prices on bananas, says Mary. When she visits Sam's Club, she always buys a large bunch.

And although she lives alone, Mary makes full use of every bunch: "When they get too ripe, I use them for muffins."

Additionally, bananas offer various health benefits for seniors. As an excellent source of potassium, fiber, and vitamin B6, the fruit can be beneficial for regulating blood pressure, improving digestion, and more.

Price: $16.98

Dishwasher tablets are another stock-up item for Mary. She favors Cascade because, according to her, "it's the best brand for dishwashers."

Since Mary lives alone, these tablets make the dreaded chore of dishwashing much more convenient. With 95 ActionPacs in the tub, there's no need to worry about restocking for a while, either.

Price: $5.98

While T-shirts last longer than groceries and other consumables, when Mary does need tees, she stocks up at Sam's Club to benefit from the great prices.

For retirees like Mary, stocking up on basic T-shirts is an easy clothing option that's convenient, versatile, and can be worn for any occasion. They're also great for layering, which can be especially helpful with age-related shifts in body temperature.

Price: $3.98

Mary commonly stocks up on bottled water, although she says it depends on what she has on hand and whether it's a good price.

For under $4, having quick access to a caseload is convenient when traveling or road-tripping to Iowa to visit family members.

Price: Varies by location

Fuel is another of Mary's Sam's Club must-buys. "There's no line for gas for me!" she notes, and with family she often visits in Iowa, she knows she can stock up at Sam's to get a better deal compared to other gas stations.

While prices vary based on location, members can usually expect to save five to 10 cents per gallon. For seniors looking to stretch their retirement budget, these savings can add up.

Just like Mary has her favorite Sam's Club picks, she's just as clear about what she avoids buying at the retailer.

For eggs and milk, Mary prefers Kwik Trip for better prices and quicker service. It's convenient for when she's coming back from a vacation and wants to grab them on her way home, she says.

Additionally, Mary avoids buying garbage bags at Sam's Club. "If I bought more there, the garbage bags would last me two years," she says. Instead, Mary goes to Walgreens for smaller packages.

"It's such big bulk there [at Sam's]", says Mary. "It's just me." And while she doesn't buy all goods in bulk, she still finds it well worth her time to belong to Sam's Club for some items, despite some items being more valuable for big families.

With a sharp eye for deals, Mary has a smart approach to bulk shopping. She prioritizes essential items that offer real savings and avoids anything that doesn't suit her retirement lifestyle.

Because regardless of how many people live in your household, who doesn't want to stock up on all their essentials — quickly and cheaply — all in one go?