Tips like these helped us pay off $127K in debt. You can read our story in Slaying the Debt Dragon: How One Family Conquered Their Money Monster and Found an Inspired Happily Ever After.
Oh Walmart. You entice me with your low prices. You amuse me with your *ahem* interesting shoppers. Walmart is actually a bit of a hike from our house so I don’t go there every week but when I do, I’m using these strategies to make the most of the experience (and occasionally taking pictures of hilarious bumper stickers I see in the parking lot). Here are the best ways to save money at Walmart.
Coupon Overage
Walmart is one of the only stores that gives you “overage” for your coupons. That means if you have a coupon good for $1/1 and the product is only $0.97, you’ll receive $0.03 back in change. Most stores only value the coupon for the product’s price point.
Fuel Savings
If your Walmart location has a Murphy USA gas station, grab a gift card on the way out of the store. You’ll save $0.03 (sometimes even more) per gallon by buying one.
Printable Coupons
On its website, Walmart features a number of printable coupons that you can use in stores. I will say that Walmart has a pretty tight coupon policy and at times I have had trouble using coupons in store. Don’t be afraid to ask for a manager if you are confused or denied a coupon. The worst thing they could say is no. You can find Walmart’s full coupon policy here. If you shop frequently at Walmart, it might be a good idea to print out the policy and keep it in your purse or coupon binder to clear up any confusion at the check out. Be courteous but be firm.
Free Samples
Walmart routinely offers free samples on its website. These samples often arrive with coupons in the packaging. Be sure to check the box thoroughly before you pitch it. When they are available, free samples and further savings from Walmart can be found here.
Special In Store Events
From time to time, Walmart will host events in store. The events will vary from store to store so it’s a good idea to check out your store’s happenings online. Enter the zip code and set your browser to remember your store. I just learned that individual stores also have their on Facebook pages so scroll down and look on the right hand column of the website to look for the link for your home store.
Price Matching
Walmart has a ridiculously competitive ad matching program. If you shop there regularly, you should definitely study the Ad Match Guarantee. Items must be specific; however, you no longer have to have the physical ad with you to garner the lower price.
Consult the Experts
If you’re a regular Walmart shopper you also need to check out the site I Heart the Mart. You’ll find tips to match coupons to sales, a forum to talk about shopping strategies, items you can pick up for under a dollar, clearance alerts, and more.
Do you shop at Walmart? How do you save? Leave me a comment and let me know!
My book is now available: Slaying the Debt Dragon: How One Family Conquered Their Money Monster and Found an Inspired Happily Ever After. You can also check out Inspiration to Pay Off Debt: 30 Days of Encouragement from the Queen of Free
This post contains an affiliate link. That means when you get a great deal or maybe even something for free, you also help our family pay off our mortgage early. And for that, we royally thank you!
Wal-Mart is a godsend to our debt budget. We have one down the street and I use the savings catcher app every time. Have gotten over $15 back with a dozen trips so far! Love mine since they offer full grocery as well.
You can also double what you receive back via the Savings Catcher if you redeem it using an American Express Bluebird card. You basically use it as if you are loading a gift card, and it doubles your earnings!
I didn’t know that, Oooo,I am going to check that out! Thanks!
Why not, right? No fees, so even if they cancel the doubling later you’re not out anything to have the Bluebird card.