5 Great Money-Saving Products To Buy at Walmart
Written by
Rebecca Neubauer
Edited by
Jenna Klaverweiden
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When people think of saving money at Walmart, they usually think of the “Rollback” signs or the low price of a gallon of milk. However, the real secret to mastering your budget isn’t just finding the lowest price today; it’s about investing in products that eliminate recurring costs in the future.
By spending a little more upfront on items that replace disposables or reduce utility bills, you can save money in the long run and plug the leaks in your bank account. Here are five types of products available at Walmart that will pay for themselves many times over in the long run.
Brita Water Filtration Pitcher
One of the most common money leaks in a household budget is the habit of buying cases of bottled water. Not only is this environmentally taxing, but the cost per gallon is astronomical compared with tap water. Walmart carries a variety of Brita pitchers, sized for the occasional glass of water to the whole family’s water needs.
By switching to a filtration pitcher, you are paying much less for clean, crisp water compared with plastic bottles. Even when you factor in the cost of replacement filters, which Walmart sells in value packs, the savings over a year can easily reach hundreds of dollars for a typical family.
LED Light Bulb Multipacks
If you are still using old incandescent or halogen bulbs in your home, you are essentially burning money every time you flip a light switch. Walmart’s Great Value brand offers some of the most competitive pricing on LED multipacks in the retail market.
LED bulbs use up to 75% less energy than traditional bulbs and can last 25 times longer, per the U.S. Department of Energy. While a pack of LEDs costs more than a single old-fashioned bulb, the investment can be recovered quickly through your monthly electric bill. Furthermore, because these bulbs can last nearly a decade with normal use, you won’t have to spend money on replacements for years to come (or climb up a ladder to change the bulbs either).
Equate Brand Over-the-Counter Medications
One of the easiest ways to save money at Walmart is to stop paying the brand name tax in the pharmacy section. Walmart’s Equate brand offers everything from ibuprofen and acetaminophen to allergy relief and sleep aids.
By law, generic medications must contain the same active ingredients and provide the same therapeutic benefits as their brand-name counterparts. When you compare a bottle of Equate ibuprofen to a name-brand bottle, you’ll often find that the Walmart version is much cheaper for the exact same pill count and dosage.
For families who deal with seasonal allergies or common aches, this switch alone can save significant money over the course of a year.
Bulk Dry Goods
The way food is packaged often dictates its price more than the food itself. Small, pre-seasoned or instant portions of grains are significantly more expensive per ounce than bulk options. Walmart’s Great Value brand offers massive 20-pound bags of white rice and pinto beans for a low price.
When you look at the unit price on the shelf tag, you’ll see that buying in bulk can reduce the cost of these staples to just a few cents per serving. These items have a long shelf life and serve as the nutritional foundation for hundreds of different meals. By shifting your shopping habits toward these bulk staples, you can drastically lower your weekly grocery bill without sacrificing nutrition.
Programmable Thermostat
Heating and cooling are typically the largest expenses on a home’s utility bill. Many people waste money by keeping their homes at a comfortable occupied temperature even when they are at work or sleeping.
While high-end smart thermostats can cost hundreds of dollars, Walmart sells basic programmable thermostats for a fraction of that price. These devices allow you to set a schedule, so the heat or air conditioning automatically dials back when you aren’t home. According to the Department of Energy, you can save as much as 10% a year on heating and cooling by simply turning your thermostat back 7 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit for eight hours a day.
This simple device can pay for itself within the first few months of use.
Editor’s note: Pricing and availability may vary depending on location.
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