16 Items Retirees Should Buy at Walmart

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Walmart is a great option for retirees who are on a budget now that they’re working with a fixed income.
Updated Feb. 29, 2024
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Walmart store entrance

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If you’re retired, you may be working within a fixed budget and looking for deals to help you keep more cash in your wallet. Shopping at Walmart can be a great way to save money on everyday essentials.  

The retailer has any number of household items — as well as food, drinks, and other needs — at a discounted rate compared to other stores. And with more than 4,600 locations in the U.S., you likely have a Walmart that’s conveniently close.

So, the next time you head to Walmart, put these items on your shopping list that are perfect for retirees.

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Ready-to-cook meals

Rido/Adobe mature woman using microwave oven

Now that you don’t have to feed a whole family, save money on groceries at Walmart with easy frozen meals that are perfect for one or two people.

If you choose wisely, frozen meals can be healthful and easy to make. And you don’t have to worry about a messy cleanup when you’re done.

Pick up name-brand entrees or grab something under Walmart’s in-store label to save more money.

Dollar items

anoushkatoronto/Adobe festive decoration sold at Walmart mall

Walmart’s Dollar Shop is a great place to find some one-of-a-kind treats for only $1 to $5. You may be able to get some cheap home decor or find special seasonal items for an affordable price.

The items are constantly changing, so check back during each visit to see if there’s something that catches your eye.

Prescription medication

The Toidi/Adobe Walmart Pharmacy sign inside Walmart store.

Walmart’s pharmacies carry a number of generic prescriptions that can save you money compared to the name-brand versions.

Walmart has generic drugs to cover common issues like cholesterol, diabetes, and blood pressure for only $4 for a 30-day supply, or $10 for a 90-day supply.

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.

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Paper products

caftor/Adobe mature couple chooses paper towels

You can pick up everything from toilet paper to paper towels for a bargain price at Walmart. The store’s Great Value brand covers all kinds of paper products at a more affordable cost than the name brand.

Pro tip: You may want to consider earning extra income in retirement to help pay for luxury items that you can't afford on your retirement income alone. 

Cleaning supplies

Kateryna/Adobe gray-haired woman is holding a bucket with detergents and rags

Cleaning supplies are also covered under the Great Value brand, helping you save cash while keeping your home clean.

Check out the shelves for deals on cleaners for surfaces in your bathroom or kitchen, as well as bargains on window cleaner and dish detergent.

Cereal

Stockphotoman/Adobe General Mills Cheerios

Now that you’re retired, you have more time to spend at home in the morning for breakfast. Think about grabbing some cereal from Walmart’s shelves to enjoy.

And if you can’t part with name-brand favorites, you might be able to get them for less at Walmart.

Greeting cards

JJ'Studio/Adobe woman holding happy birthday card inside superstore

Now that you’re retired, you have more time to write to friends or family. A greeting card is a great way to make someone smile.

While you’re at Walmart, consider stocking up on cards for things like birthdays and anniversaries. That way, you have a stash ready to go for celebrations.

Holiday items

leekris/Adobe decorative pumpkins filled with assorted Halloween chocolate candy made by Mars

Holiday items are a fun way to make both your indoor and outdoor spaces more festive. Grab Halloween costumes, Easter eggs, and centerpieces for your next Thanksgiving dinner from Walmart.

Remember to check out Walmart’s selection for the December holidays, including a Christmas tree, ornaments, or the perfect accessories for New Year’s parties.

Wine

Nattakorn/Adobe senior couple enjoy drinking and clinking glass of wine

Walmart has its own private label for wine. The Winemakers Selection brand features wine for about $10 per bottle, and you can even pick up some for less than that.

It would be the perfect thing to serve when you have friends over for a mid-week party, now that you don’t have to worry about going to work the next day.

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Storage bins

trekandphoto/Adobe cluttered but organized clean suburban garage

Get some storage bins from Walmart so you can seize control of all those items you plan to keep for the long haul, or for items you need to properly store in your basement or closet for use later on.

Pro tip: Buying items in large quantities when they are on sale and keeping them in storage bins for later use can save you money and reduce lower the financial stress of living on a fixed income.

Laundry detergent

Roman Tiraspolsky/Adobe Tide detergent on a store shelf

Get some affordable detergent at Walmart. The retailer has a wide selection of name brands. Or, check out Walmart’s Great Value brand to see if you can save a little more.

Frozen vegetables

ColleenMichaels/Adobe older woman in a pink hoodie shopping in the frozen food section

As you age, make sure you’re getting the best nutrients from your food to protect your body. Check out Walmart’s frozen vegetables, which can be a great side dish for meals.

Some of the options come in microwave-safe pouches, so you can steam the veggies right in the bag in your microwave.

Coffee maker

DC Studio/Adobe  senior man pushing on french press while preparing coffee for breakfast

Walmart has a selection of coffee makers for everything from a huge pot to a one-cup maker if it’s just you drinking a mug of coffee.

Furniture

fizkes/Adobe senior homeowner lady resting on soft comfortable couch at home

Spending more time at home may make you want to rearrange your living space. Or perhaps you’re moving and need different furniture in your new place now that you’re retired.

Check out Walmart for some simple solutions for your home, including tables, bookshelves, chairs, and more.

Moving supplies

Prostock-studio/Adobe retired senior man packing stuff in box indoors

For some people, retirement means moving somewhere else to enjoy their new post-work life. Check out Walmart for anything you may need to make the move easier, such as bubble wrap, boxes, and more.

Also, pick up some markers from Walmart’s office supplies section. That way, you will know where everything is when you get to your next home.

Photos

e_serebryakova/Adobe  elderly woman looks at your picture in the album made many years ago

Deck your retirement home with special shots of loved ones and favorite moments. Walmart has affordable photo printing options that can help you save over pharmacies or possibly even printing them out on your own.

Bottom line

You can enjoy your retirement by finding easy and affordable ways to save money at Walmart.

While shopping at Walmart can cut your costs, you also can help your bottom line by finding ways to make extra money, such as getting a part-time job or developing a side income.

Remember, you can still be “retired” while working occasionally for both the extra money and a little fun.

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