Walmart is known for low prices on everything from electronics to clothing. The Great Value brand is often comparable to name-brand products in food and paper goods. For retirees on a budget or those who live in areas with limited shopping options, Walmart is often a go-to for groceries and more.
“My tiny ‘burg has a population of 5,200, where Walmart is the place to shop for almost everything,” said Diane Howe, a 67-year-old retiree who runs the YouTube channel High Mileage Preparedness. “I go there multiple times a week [and] the bulk of my shopping budget is spent there, just above Tractor Supply Company and Lowe’s.”
“It’s the only game in our town,” said Cathy Clamp, a novelist over 60 whose husband is retired. Clamp said she’d be willing to travel for higher-quality and still finds many Walmart products meet their needs. “I admit to being a ‘brand snob.’ I won’t compromise on quality even if it costs more,” she said.
These baby boomers generously shared their favorite Walmart finds.
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1. Great Value Canned Goods
Howe said she compares the sugar and salt content on canned goods before purchasing and often finds the Great Value brand to be just as healthy and the better deal.
“If Great Value is available as a comparable canned product at a better price, I go with that,” she said.
Clamp said the canned corn is “pretty good” and that the Great Value canned refried beans are “really good” and are still made with lard, just like Rosarita and Old El Paso, which are bestselling name brands.
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2. Great Value Spices
Great Value dried spices, including basil and garlic, meet Clamp’s expectations at lower prices than national brands.
“I’ve tried a lot of the Great Value items,” she said, noting that not all the products taste as good as national brands, so it might take trial-and-error to find your favorites.
3. Great Value Paper Goods
Finding household goods that work as well as pricier name brands can help retirees stretch their budget. Howe noted that Great Value paper goods, including paper towels and toilet paper, are consistently reliable.
“All my paper products are Great Value,” she said. “They are a better bargain, pricewise, than national brands and the quality is, for the most part, comparable.”
4. Pet Food
Clamp buys national brand dog and cat food from Walmart, noting that the fast turnover on store shelves means her pets are getting fresh products. She said she prefers not to buy pet food online, since she can’t be certain about the quality and freshness.
“I buy Blue Buffalo for my indoor cats, who have health issues and need specialty food. Our barn cats get Purina Naturals and I used to buy Purina Pro Plan from Walmart when we had dogs,” she said.
5. Seasonal Goods
Clamp makes sure to hit Walmart after every holiday to stock up on clearance candy and home decor items. “Chocolate has become so expensive, and it’s a staple in my house,” she said.
Smart seniors refuse to spend more than they have to on holiday decorations too. Depending on the store location, Walmart’s after-Christmas selection is often vast enough that you can replace worn-out decorations or add new items to your collection at a discount.
“Outdoor decorations only last a couple of years, anyway, even in decent weather,” Clamp said.
Why spend more on seasonal goods — or any items, for that matter — if Walmart’s quality is the same as you’ll find anywhere else?
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: I’m a Retired Boomer: Here Are 5 Things I Always Buy From Walmart To Save Money
