5 Items Middle-Class Retirees Should Never Buy at Sam’s Club

Sam's Club Warehouse. Sam's Club is a chain of membership only stores owned by Walmart. stock photo
jetcityimage / iStock.com

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Sam’s Club offers plenty of smart buys, but not every item offers a good deal for middle-class retirees.

Some products cost more than what you can get at other retailers, don’t last long enough to justify the price or create waste instead of value. Steering clear of these picks can help stretch a fixed budget and avoid unnecessary spending.

Utz Mini Twist Pretzels

  • Price: $7.84

Utz mini twist pretzels is an item middle-class retirees should consider skipping when wanting a crunchy snack. The 60-ounce container may hold a lot of pretzels but will likely get stale before all of them are consumed. When considering pretzels, retirees may want to opt for a smaller quantity available at a local grocery store that will stay fresh while snacking.

Energizer Recharge PowerPlus AA and AAA Batteries

  • Price: $29.98

Budget-conscious retirees who don’t need a surplus of rechargeable batteries should avoid purchasing the eight-pack Energizer Recharge PowerPlus AA and AAA batteries for almost $30. Instead, they could consider Rayovac rechargeable AA and AAA four-packs for $10.24 each at Walmart, which can save $9.50.

Bananas

  • Price: $1.47

Sam’s Club offers Dole bananas that come in a 3-pound bunch, but retirees should think twice before purchasing them. Bananas can last three to seven days depending on ripeness, but completely yellow bananas usually last only a couple of days at room temperature before brown spots begin to show. To avoid wasting fresh produce, retirees should consider buying just a few bananas at a time at a local grocery store.

Philips Sonicare DiamondClean Replacement Toothbrush Heads

  • Price: $54.98 (regularly $64.98)

A pack of eight Philips Sonicare DiamondClean replacement toothbrush heads are on sale for $54.98 at Sam’s Club. Instead, middle-class retirees should check out toothbrush heads that are compatible on Amazon. An eight-pack of Brushmo diamond-shape whitening replacement toothbrush heads cost $18.95, which is a savings of over $36.

Athenos Crumbled Traditional Feta Cheese

  • Price: $7.28

Athenos crumbled traditional feta cheese comes in a 24-ounce container, but once feta cheese is opened, it’s often recommended to use it within a week. Retirees should skip this size Athenos feta cheese and instead purchase a smaller container at a local grocery store. This will reduce waste and keep the cheese fresh during consumption. 

Editor’s note: Pricing and availability may vary depending on location.

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