5 Money Wasters at Walmart

While everyone under the sun has a varying opinion about Walmart there are still quite a few people who swear by the store. In fact, I've had several people come to my workshops saying Walmart is the only store they will shop at. Well, the downside to that is you are likely not getting the best deals all the time. It is so important to shop smart and know your prices. I do shop at Walmart too but I did want to let you in on 5 things that I believe will actually cost you more money when buying them at Walmart.

{5 Money Wasters at Walmart}

1. Electronics: If you're looking for a new TV be sure to break out the ads and price shop. Walmart typically has general low prices but not necessarily the lowest prices. Plus, if there are specific features you are needing then it is best to visit a store that offers the latest information along with great deals. If you just want an extra TV for a spare bedroom and need a quick low price then Walmart is your store but you want a top of the line high end television then it is best to shop an electronics store during major sale times like Super Bowl season.

2. Clothing: If you are a smart shopper, then you likely know that you can buy name brand clothing even cheaper than Walmart prices. For example, I picked up a new pair of pants at The Limited for $9.99 on clearance then another pair at NY&Co for only $6.99. But, if I were buying pants at Walmart, I would be paying $19.99 or more. Sometimes, the 'cheaper' looking stores are not necessarily the cheapest on price. It pays to shop around.

3. Clearance Items:  Again, know your prices! Shopping those oh-so-famous Walmart clearance aisles will likely not save you as much money as you think. Recently, I scoped out the clearance aisles for toys and noticed many of them with huge red clearance stickers were only .50-.75 cheaper than the normal price. If you don't know your prices, that sticker can fool you into thinking you are getting a good deal. In saying that, I do find good deals in the clearance section from time to time but I've come to realize that more often than not, the items just aren't cheap enough.

4. Home Decor: If you have been thinking about redecorating, you may want to think twice when you stop by Walmart. Why? Again, they do have general low prices but certainly not the lowest. When you follow sales of others stores (such as Target) you could land a much better deal. Since Walmart does not offer regular sales, other stores can often shoot lower every now and again. Then, when you think about the 40% off coupons offered by Hobby Lobby on a regular basis well, Walmart just can't compete with that.

5. Makeup: I was in a dilemma this past weekend and ran into Walmart to buy mascara. I knew as I was buying it that it was not the best deal. Your typical drugstores like CVS or Walgreens have weekly sales plus Register Rewards or ECBs which really cut the the price. Even with a coupon, I bought my mascara for $6 which really bothered me when I know I can get a BOGO deal quite often and score it for half the price at a drugstore.

What's the point? You have to know your prices before you shop no matter where you are going. Many times the stores that look cheap or even 'feel' cheap are not offering up the best deals. Obviously, shopping around sales and coupons can make all the difference in the world. Next time, you stop by your favorite supercenter, check out those prices before you buy and don't be fooled by clearance stickers!

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