4 Things To Buy at Walmart Before Fall If You Live on Social Security
Written by
Cynthia Measom
Edited by
Zuri Anderson
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When you’re relying on your Social Security income, every dollar counts. And with the average benefit check at about $1,861 per month, savvy senior shoppers know they can stretch that money further by going to Walmart.
With summer winding down, now’s a good time to get last-minute deals on seasonal stock or prep your home for some fall favorites while there is still an abundant supply. Within the discount store chain’s aisles, you’ll find everything you need without going over budget or compromising on quality. Here are the four best things to buy at Walmart with your Social Security check before fall.
Over-the-Counter Medications and Supplements
Walmart’s prices on brand-name medications and supplements can be hit or miss. However, as healthcare is one of the biggest expenses in retirement, it’s good to know if you shop Walmart’s Equate-brand products, you’ll often see significant cost savings.Â
For example, Equate’s Arthritis Pain Relief Acetaminophen comes in a 325-count bottle for $14.44. If you were to buy the Tylenol brand of the same medication, you’d pay $22.97 for 225 tablets — or approximately $0.06 more per tablet than the Walmart brand.
You can see similar savings when buying supplements. If you take Centrum’s Silver 50+ Multivitamin Supplement, it retails for $8.13 for a 125-count bottle or around $0.07 per tablet. However, you can purchase a 450-count bottle of Walmart’s Equate-brand version for $13.77 or approximately $0.03 per tablet. That’s a price point that won’t cause a headache.
Personal Health and Hygiene Items
When shopping for personal care items, like hand soap, shampoo or feminine-care products, compare the prices of Walmart’s Equate items to your favorite name brands.
Equate Liquid Soap in a 50-ounce container is priced at $2.97, while Dial liquid soap is $5.97 for 52 ounces. Walmart also carries a variety of Equate-brand shampoos, including dandruff-relief shampoos. Equate Medicated Dandruff Shampoo is $4.84 for an 11-ounce bottle, or $0.44 per ounce. The Selsun Blue version is $7.92, which is about $3 more and $0.72 per ounce.
Household Cleaning Supplies
Cleaning supplies are a staple, and you shouldn’t pay more for them than necessary. That’s why Walmart’s Great Value brand is the way to go for retirees living on a fixed income.
A 32-ounce bottle of Great Value All-Purpose Cleaning Spray is $2.77. The same size of Lysol All-Purpose Cleaner is $1.20 more at $3.97. Another savings example is Walmart’s Great Value Glass Cleaner priced at $2.77 for a 32-ounce bottle, while the same size bottle of Windex Glass Cleaner is $3.97.
Throw Blankets
Fall weather means air conditioner usage decreases and the need for warmth increases, so best to be prepared. When you’re shopping for seasonal essentials like warm throw blankets, you can find some great deals at Walmart.Â
The Mainstays Cozy Plush Throw Blanket is 50 inches by 60 inches and costs $7.34. If you’d rather a textured blanket, the Mainstays Cozy Textured Plush Throw in the same size is $9.82. To compare, the slightly larger Better Homes & Gardens Textured Velvet Plush Soft Fleece Throw is 50 inches by 72 inches and is priced at $18.24.
Caitlyn Moorhead contributed to the reporting for this article.
Editor’s note: Prices are accurate as of Aug. 5, 2025. Prices and availability may vary by location.
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