A Frugal Shopper’s Guide to Walmart: What to Buy, Not Just What to Avoid

By Jessica

Frequently Asked Questions for the Savvy Senior Shopper

Even with all these tips, you might still have a few questions. Here are answers to some common queries that come up on the path to becoming a frugal shopping expert.

Is Walmart always the cheapest option?

No, not for everything. While Walmart’s slogan is “Save Money. Live Better,” and they offer consistently low prices on many items, they are not always the absolute cheapest on every single product. Local grocery stores often have weekly “loss leader” sales on produce, meat, or dairy that can beat Walmart’s prices. Drugstores like CVS or Walgreens can have exceptional deals on personal care and cleaning supplies if you know how to combine their store rewards with manufacturer coupons. The smartest approach is to be a flexible shopper. Know Walmart’s strengths (pantry staples, generics) and compare their prices on other items against the weekly ads from other local stores.

What is the best day of the week to shop at Walmart?

For the best experience, try shopping on a weekday morning, like a Tuesday or Wednesday. The stores are typically restocked early in the week after the busy weekend rush, so shelves will be full. More importantly, the crowds will be much smaller than they are on evenings or weekends. This gives you the time and space to read labels, compare unit prices, and carefully check the clearance aisles without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.

Should I get a Walmart credit card for savings?

Walmart offers a credit card that gives you a percentage back on your purchases, especially for shopping on their website. It can be a way to save an extra few percent. However, this strategy only works if you are committed to paying the entire balance in full every single month. Retail credit cards carry very high interest rates. If you carry a balance from one month to the next, the interest charges you pay will quickly wipe out any rewards you earned, and then some. If you always pay your bills in full, it can be a useful tool. If not, it is a dangerous trap to be avoided.