11 Items Retirees Should Never Skip at Costco

Now that you’re retired and on a fixed income, you may have a budget or are looking for deals to maximize your retirement savings .

Costco could be a great place to find the deals on products you use. Budgeting where you can means being able to spend money on experiences to help you enjoy retirement even more.

If you want to make the most of your budget, here are 11 items that you might consider buying at Costco.

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1. Eyeglasses

Costco Optical is located in many of its stores and offers a variety of frames and lens options, as well as contacts and sunglasses. An on-site optometrist is available for exams or updating your prescription.

The savings may help you manage your money. However, you will need a membership to take advantage of the retailer’s discounts on eyeglasses.

Pro tip: Even if you don’t have a Costco membership , you can make an appointment with a Costco optometrist.

2. Vacations

Being retired may leave you more leisure time to start traveling more. Maybe you want to spend several weeks traveling around Europe or take the grandkids to Disneyland for a few days.

Check with Costco Travel, which offers various options, including hotels, car rentals, and travel packages to help you save money on travel .

3. Golf equipment

Booking a golf trip through Costco? You might need some equipment to go on that vacation. Costco offers golf clubs and all the supplies needed for the course.

Major golf enthusiasts should check out Costco’s golf simulator so they stay up to par at home.

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4. Prescription drugs

The Costco pharmacy is another place you can save money and take advantage of discounts even if you don’t have a membership.

But there are additional deals to being a member if you pick up any medication from its pharmacy, especially if you enroll in the prescription program. This program also includes medication for dogs, cats, and other beloved pets.

5. Vitamins

Costco has great deals on vitamins for people in every age range and can be found for almost every need. You can choose from discounted name brands as well as Costco’s Kirkland Signature. Their selection of supplements is also impressive.

6. Vaccinations

Doctors recommend that older people should get additional vaccines for illnesses like shingles, pneumonia, or the flu, all of which are provided by Costco.

They also have coronavirus vaccines and booster shots. The retailer allows walk-ins but encourages people to make an appointment online and print out a copy of its immunization consent form that you can fill out before you arrive.

7. Hearing aids

Costco stores also have a Hearing Aid Center with knowledgeable staff to assist in hearing aid needs. In addition, they offer support with follow-up appointments for adjustments — remotely or in person. You can pick up hearing aid batteries at your local Costco as well.

8. Nuts

Costco has all kinds of bulk snacks to choose from, but it’s their nut selection that may be of particular interest.

Nuts are a good source of healthy protein, and great for older adults because they have been shown to possibly ease joint pain as well as potentially help with heart and neurological health.

9. Restaurant gift cards

If you’re already going to a popular restaurant for a senior discount, take advantage of discounted gift cards to pay for your meal. Costco offers these cards for less than face value.

You may be able to grab $100 worth of gift cards and pay $20-$25 less than that depending on the restaurant you choose.

10. Medical aids

It may surprise you to know that Costco has a wide variety of items to help with mobility and medical aid.

You can find walkers or wheelchairs through Costco to help you stay mobile, as well as medical alert devices. You can even get a shower chair to help you in the bathroom.

11. Caskets and urns

Yes, it’s a topic we don’t often like to discuss, but it will eventually be something we all need to deal with. You may want to consider checking with Costco as you prepare any end-of-life plans.

The retailer offers several different options for both caskets and urns, which may cost less than local funeral parlors.

Bottom line

Older adults may find some great deals at this retailer, especially if you’re retired and on a fixed income. There are products that you can save a lot of money shopping at the warehouse retailer, even if you don't need to buy the bulk items.

Costco offers so many — useful, everyday items and bizarre products you can buy at Costco that you may have never suspected. All of the savings are certainly a welcome surprise.

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