Several years of high inflation have made the cost of living more expensive than ever for seniors on a fixed income. A recent survey by the Senior Citizens League found that 43% of respondents said their household expenses increased by more than $185 per month in 2023.
Having a discount warehouse club membership has been a longstanding strategy for seniors to save money — and Sam’s Club is arguably one of the best places to do it.
Here are five Sam’s Club deals that can help seniors’ personal finances.
1. Prescription drugs
Many Sam’s Club locations have a full-service pharmacy, making it convenient for seniors to do their grocery shopping and get prescriptions filled at the same time. Not only is the pharmacy convenient, but you’ll likely save money using it.
All Sam’s Club members receive discounts on prescription medications. The company says its prescription drug prices are up to 80% off retail prices and average out to be a 65% discount.
Sam’s Club Plus members receive additional perks, including a 30-day supply of more than 600 generic drugs for $10 or less. There are even a handful of generic prescriptions that cost $0 with the Plus membership. Spouses are also eligible for the pharmacy discount, and if you have a pet, your Sam’s Club Plus membership will give you an 8% discount on pet-specific medications.
2. Half-priced membership
Admittedly, this deal is for anyone, not just seniors. But if you don’t already have a Sam’s Club membership or know someone who needs one, now is the time to buy it. Sam’s Club currently offers 50% of its basic membership, meaning you’ll pay just $25 for a full membership year.
If you’re on the fence, here’s what you’ll get with a Sam’s Club membership:
- Access the warehouse club stores and online deals
- Fuel discounts
- Access to same-day delivery with online shopping
- Complimentary membership for one person in your household
You had better act fast if you want this deal. The half-priced membership deal expires May 1.
3. Eyecare discounts
Almost all Sam’s Club locations have eye services, where you can get an eye exam, choose frames, order glasses, and buy contacts. The great thing for seniors is that Sam’s Club eye exams are some of the cheapest available.
The average eye exam costs about $61 at Sam’s Club, much lower than the national average of $95. Both the basic and Plus memberships allow you to order glasses and contacts, but the Plus membership offers additional discounts, including 20% off a complete pair of prescription glasses and sunglasses.
4. Restaurant gift cards
Because of inflation’s rapid rise over the past few years, dining out is more expensive than ever. But a Sam’s Club membership can help you stick to your budget.
I found a three-pack of $25 gift cards to Darden restaurants — which include Olive Garden and Longhorn Steakhouse — on the Sam’s Club website for just $71.98. That’s a $3 savings, which could save you $72 over an entire year if you go out to eat twice per month.
There are also good deals on fast food gift cards. A four-pack of Wendy’s $15 gift cards (worth $60) only costs $47.98. That’s more than $12 in free food!
5. Hearing aids
Sam’s Club members can get free hearing tests, consultations, hearing aid cleanings, and warranties when buying hearing aids through the warehouse club.
There’s a wide variety of hearing aid prices on the company’s website, and I found hearing aids for as little as $175. Sam’s Club says its membership can save people hundreds of dollars on the price of these devices.
How to find the best deal at Sam’s Club
If you’re looking for even more deals at Sam’s Club, you should follow two online accounts: The Krazy Coupon Lady and The Grocery Lady YouTube account. Both of these sources regularly discuss Sam’s Club deals.
Additionally, signing up for the office Sam’s Club email newsletter is a great way to find out when discounts and promotions are available. There are even some exclusive deals that are online for newsletter subscribers.
And if you’re not keen on looking for deals online, you can do it the old-fashioned way and peruse the aisles until you find something you like at the right price.
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