If you’re a retiree living on a fixed income, grocery costs are probably one of your biggest monthly expenses. That’s why where you shop matters, especially if you want to stretch your dollars further without sacrificing quality.
GOBankingRates spoke to Ray G., a retired research consultant who lives in Spring Hill, Florida, who said Walmart has become his go-to store for everyday essentials.
“I have been buying groceries from Walmart for several years because of both price and convenience,” he said. “I order online and pick it up when ready.”
Here are the everyday items Ray regularly buys at Walmart to save money.
Ground Beef and Ground Turkey
Protein is a staple in many American households. Ray often purchases ground beef and turkey from Walmart due to their affordability compared to other nearby grocery stores. This has helped him keep household meal costs under control without cutting back on quality.
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Packaged Lunch Meats and Cheese
Deli items are other things Ray frequents Walmart for meaningful savings.
“Prices are generally 20% to 30% less expensive than the local Publix store,” he said. Packaged lunch meats and cheese can be costly elsewhere, making Walmart his go-to store.
Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
While some shoppers assume lower prices mean lower quality, that isn’t the case for Ray. He regularly buys fresh fruits and vegetables at Walmart. When you’re trying to eat healthy on a budget, affordable produce can make a big difference over time.
Soda, Bottled Water and Snacks
Ray also stocks up on Pepsi and Coke products, bottled water and snack items like chips. And Walmart’s everyday pricing allows him to shop without overspending.
Canned Goods and Spices
Canned beans, canned chili and spices are pantry staples that offer long shelf life. Ray includes these items in most of his Walmart orders, noting that they’re reliably cheaper than at competing stores and easy to keep on hand for quick meals.
Paper Towels and Toilet Paper
Household essentials like paper towels and toilet paper are always on Ray’s shopping list. While warehouse clubs like Sam’s Club or Costco may offer similar prices, he said Walmart wins on convenience and selection.
“Other stores might have similar pricing, but not as extensive a selection and for me, not as convenient,” Ray said.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: I’m a Retired Boomer: 13 Things I Always Buy at Walmart To Save Money
