The last thing you want in retirement is the hardship of unexpected expenses such as a property tax hike or outrageous medical bills. But what about the everyday purchases that eat into your varying sources of income as a retiree?
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According to the most recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average retiree spends $52,141 per year in total expenses, which is about $4,345 a month. That’s a lot, which is why it’s important to make every dollar count when spending in retirement to make sure you can get the most for your money. That’s where Walmart can help.
To identify the Walmart items that are too good to pass up for retirees on a fixed annual income budget, GOBankingRates consulted a dietitian, a travel expert and an average Walmart shopper while scouring for the best picks from influencers dedicated to the world’s largest retailer.
Azova UTI Test and Telehealth Bundle
Some of the best must-have picks for those living on retirement income come from Walmart bloggers and influencers Bethany and Amanda, the minds behind Whoa, Wait. Walmart? Among their top choices is the Azova, At-Home UTI Test, and Telemedicine Kit Telehealth bundle which is currently $18.99.
According to Medical News Today, urinary tract infections are most common and most serious in older adults, and the Azova bundle gives you UTI test strips with a telehealth consultation for accurate results in two minutes and a same-day prescription if needed. Some of the best long-term care stems from taking preventative measures to help avoid more costly expenses in retirement down the road.
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FoodSaver Vacuum Sealing System
The WWW duo also recommends the FoodSaver system. While $129 might seem like a splurge for a retiree on a budget, Fortune reports that people in the average household waste one-third of the food they buy, throwing away $1,500 per year. The vacuum sealing system keeps food fresh five times longer, which means retirees could stand to save hundreds per year — and the FoodSaver could pay for itself in just a couple months.
RationalKitchen says it also saves you money by letting you buy in bulk, freeze large quantities, eliminate freezer burn and extend the life of leftovers.
Great Value Skinless Atlantic Salmon Portions
Food costs are one of the biggest living expenses to factor into your retirement planning. Now that you have your vacuum-sealing food-preservation system, it’s time to cook with age-specific health in mind.
“A heart-healthy diet is a good idea for people of any age, but it becomes even more important as we approach retirement,” said Catherine Rall, registered dietitian and founder of Happy V. “As we age, our risk of heart attack, stroke and other heart-related issues only gets higher. One of the key components of a heart-healthy diet is lean protein, especially fish since it’s so rich in omega-3 fatty acids and good cholesterol. The trouble with fish is that it’s usually quite expensive and doesn’t keep well when it’s fresh. Luckily, Walmart has frozen salmon filets for less than $11 per pound.”
Made Easy Kit Pill Case
In your retirement years, even when you hit the road, skies or cruise ships, you can never really take a vacation from your prescription pills. And with one $8.49 purchase, you won’t have to.
“If you need to bring your medication on your trip, this pill case from Walmart is your perfect partner,” said travel expert Vadim Garr, CEO and founder of Boatcrowd. “Having this on your travels ensures that you can take your medication on time and can bring other OTC medicine for head, stomach and body aches.”
Great Value Over-the-Counter Medications
Design and historic restoration expert Amanda Groebner is the co-owner of TimeWorn Wood — and she does nearly all of her shopping for her personal and business life at Walmart. For her, the best place for retirees to save money is in the over-the-counter or prescription medicine section.
“Walmart’s Great Value brand offers a range of over-the-counter medications at a fraction of the cost of name brands,” Groebner said. “From pain relievers to allergy medications, these products are essential for retirees looking to manage their health without overspending.”
Mainstays Kitchen Essentials
Nearly every item in Walmart’s Mainstays kitchen line holds a rating of 4.5 or better. And since cooking at home is one of the best ways to save money, retirees would be wise to invest in these low-cost, well-made essentials.
“The Mainstays line includes everything from cookware to utensils, providing high-quality kitchen tools at affordable prices,” Groebner said. “For retirees who enjoy cooking or baking, these items offer great functionality without breaking the bank.”
Equate Beauty Products
The in-store brand also can save retirees money in the beauty aisle without skimping on quality.
“Walmart’s Equate brand offers a wide selection of beauty and personal care items comparable to higher-end brands,” Groebner said. “Retirees can enjoy premium products at significantly lower prices, from moisturizers to shampoos.”
A 1.7-ounce jar of Equate collagen moisturizer costs $4.88. Walmart sells the same size container of the same product from L’Oreal for $8.98 — and that’s on sale from $11.49.
Marketside Fresh Produce
Like Great Value salmon, Walmart’s produce aisle offers retirees the chance to stay healthy while saving money.
“Walmart’s Marketside brand offers fresh, quality produce at competitive prices,” Groebner said. “For those on a retirement budget, incorporating fresh fruits and vegetables into their diet becomes more accessible, promoting a healthier lifestyle.”
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 8 Things You Must Buy at Walmart on a Retirement Budget
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