10 Things To Buy at Costco This Fall If You Live on Social Security

Living on a fixed income can be a challenge. In fact, if you’re a retired empty nester, you might not think you need to spend the money on a Costco membership.

Find Out: 7 Best Kirkland Items Retirees Should Buy at Costco Before Winter Hits

Learn More: 9 Ways To Spend Less and Grow Your Wealth in 2024

On the surface, it’s easy to understand this theory, as your budget may be tight. As of January 2024, the estimated average monthly Social Security retirement benefit was $1,907, according to the Social Security Administration.

However, Costco offers a whole lot more than bulk food items. Nonperishable goods, those with a long shelf life and other items are often significantly cheaper at Costco than other stores. So in honor of National Savings Day on Oct. 12, we wanted to explore the potential savings at Costco a little more closely.

Even saving a few dollars per item can amount to significant savings over the course of a year. Keep reading to discover 10 things to buy at Costco this fall to maximize your Social Security benefit .

Trending Now: Boomers Hold Half of U.S. Wealth-- So Why Are Thousands Living Without Homes?

Prescriptions

You might not realize it, but Costco has a pharmacy — and it offers savings opportunities. Many popular medications are discounted by up to 80%, which can add up fast.

Simply visit the pharmacy page on the Costco website and type in the name of your medicines to comparison shop. If you decide to have them filled at Costco, you can pick them up in-store or sign up for them to be delivered by mail.

Explore More: 5 Dollar Tree Items Retirees Need To Buy Ahead of Christmas

Eyeglasses

Replacing your eyeglasses can be expensive, but not when you shop at Costco. Choose from a huge selection of optical frames for $59.99.

Lenses do cost extra, but they’re made from Single Vision High Index 1.60 lens material — thinner, flatter and more optically correct than standard plastic lenses. Plus, they’re equipped with an anti-reflective treatment, scratch resistant and have a UV filter.

Hearing Aids

If you wear a hearing aid, Costco has you covered. Choose from a variety of options, including Rexton — starting at $1,499 — Philips HearLink5090 MiniRite and Charger Plus — starting at $1,499 — and the Jabra Enhance Pro 20 — starting at $1,599.

When you purchase a Costco hearing aid, you’ll also get free remote follow-up services to help with any adjustments.

Gift Cards

Give yourself the gift of savings.

Costco sells discounted gift cards that can allow you to save money on everyday purchases. For example, you can get a $100 Instacart eGift card for $79.99, two standard or digital AMC Black Tickets — plus a $20 eGift card —  for $39.99 or four IHOP $25 eGift cards for $79.99.

Fall Clothing

Update your fall wardrobe without breaking your budget. Costco has plenty of cozy items to choose from for both men and women.

For example, the Tommy Bahama Men’s Two-Piece Lounge Set is just $21.99 and the Kirkland Signature Men’s Performance Quarter Zip is $16.99. Additionally, the 32 Degrees Ladies’ Lounge Pant two-pack is $16.99 and the Kirkland Signature Ladies’ Long Sleeve Slub Tee two-pack is $21.99.

Toilet Paper

At first glance, a Costco-sized order of toilet paper might seem like too much for your household. However, as long as you have a place to store it, buying in bulk can offer savings.

For example, a 30-pack of Charmin Ultra Strong Toilet Paper is $32.99 at Target, but this same item is $29.99 at Costco.

Paper Towels

They won’t expire, so stocking up on paper towels in bulk can make sense — even if you live alone.

You can get 12 individually wrapped rolls of Kirkland Signature Paper Towels — two-ply, 160 sheets — at Costco for $22.99. Not quite the same value, 12 rolls of Up&Up Make-a-Size Paper Towels — two-ply, 150 sheets — is $23.99 at Target.

Mouthwash

Buying mouthwash in bulk might seem excessive, but it has a decent shelf life. Specifically, unopened bottles can last two to three years, according to Oral-B.

Therefore, you can’t go wrong with a three-pack of Crest Pro-Health Advanced Mouthwash — each bottle is 33.8 fluid ounces — available for $12.99 at Costco. In comparison, one bottle of this mouthwash is $8.29 at CVS, so this is a pretty deep discount.

Allergy Medicine

If you’re susceptible to fall allergies, you may seek relief in the form of over-the-counter allergy pills. Costco offers seriously competitive prices, so you don’t have to choose between feeling your best and staying on budget.

Offering indoor and outdoor allergy relief, non-drowsy Kirkland Signature Aller-Fex Antihistamine — compare to Allegra Allergy — offers 180 tablets for $34.49 at Costco. Notably more expensive, a 30-count pack of Allegra Allergy pills is $25.49 at CVS.

Incontinence Products

If you rely on incontinence products, shopping at Costco can save a lot of money.

For example, Costco has a 92-pack of Depend Fresh Protection Plus Incontinence Underwear, with options for both men and women, priced at $52.99. Walmart offers a similar item — with options for both genders — Depend Fresh Protection Incontinence Underwear for $52.96, but you don’t get as much for your money.

The men’s version only has 40 pairs of underwear, while the women’s style has just 72.

Prices and availability are accurate as of Oct. 11, 2024, and are subject to change.

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com : 10 Things To Buy at Costco This Fall If You Live on Social Security