11 Things Retirees Should Always Buy at Costco

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Seniors shopping at Costco
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Weekly runs to Costco bring to mind crowded parking lots, parents and kids loading up carts in aisles full of bulk-sized items and lots of standing in long lines.

But the warehouse store is also a great place for anyone looking for great deals, including retirees. Members of that group aren’t necessarily looking to fill up a pantry or closet with food, but they’re still looking for discounts as they manage budgets during their post-working years.

Take a tour through the aisles with us as we look at some of the many items retirees should be getting at lower prices at Costco — if they don’t mind the long lines.

1. Prescriptions

Costco pharmacy
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You don’t have to join Costco to take advantage of its generally low drug prices, as we detail in “7 Ways to Shop at Costco Without a Membership.” But joining brings additional perks for retirees looking to save on prescription drugs.

For example, Costco members who don’t have health insurance, or who have insurance that doesn’t cover certain drugs, can take advantage of the Costco Member Prescription Program. The retailer describes it as “a prescription drug discount card program that provides eligible Costco members and their eligible dependents with the ability to obtain lower prices at participating pharmacies.”

Retirees who have Medicare as their health insurance also can browse Costco-preferred pharmacy plans right on Costco’s website.

2. Eyeglasses

Older woman in eyeglasses
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Whatever your optical style — eyeglasses, contact lenses or sunglasses — you can find it for less at Costco. The retailer has an optical department, where you also can get an exam and help in choosing what’s best for you.

Costco says it also accepts most insurance vision plans, and you don’t even have to be a Costco member to see an optometrist there.

3. Vitamins and supplements

Costco deals
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Always talk to your doctor before trying any new vitamin or supplement. But after that, look to Costco.

The wholesale club offers an extensive selection of vitamins, multivitamins, dietary supplements and herbal supplements. Whatever you might need, Costco is bound to have it at a decent price, if not the best price — especially if you take advantage of sales.

Costco regularly offers additional discounts that it calls “Member-Only Savings” or “Warehouse Savings” but that are essentially sales, as we detail in “14 Ways To Squeeze the Most From Your Costco Membership.”

Money Talks News managing editor Karla Bowsher — who never shops at Costco without first checking the sales — says these discounts always include numerous price cuts on supplements. For more, check Costco’s current sales.

4. Hearing aid batteries

Otolaryngologist putting hearing aid in woman's ear
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The cost of hearing aid batteries can quickly add up, but you can get significant savings on premium quality hearing aid batteries from Costco’s house brand, Kirkland Signature, at warehouse locations that have hearing aid centers.

These locations also offer free hearing aid cleanings and check-ups, among other services.

5. Mobility aids

Son pushing his father in a wheelchair
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For seniors who need help staying on the move, Costco offers good deals on wheelchairs and walkers.

The retailer even sells medical alert systems.

6. Gift cards

Discounted gift cards on display at a Costco
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Heading out to eat? Need gift cards for the grandkids? Be sure to check Costco first. It’s one of few places where you can buy gift cards for less than their face value — often 25% off or more.

Restaurant gift cards are most common at Costco, but you can also find digital gift cards for gaming, for example.

7. Golf balls

Golf course
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Playing golf regularly and briskly walking the course rather than riding in a golf cart can boost your cardiovascular health and reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Before you hit the green, grab yourself a few dozen golf balls at Costco for a reasonable price.

8. Mattresses

Couple jumping on bed, holding hands
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Finding the right mattress is critical to battling insomnia and soothing aching bodies, and Costco lets you choose from a wide variety of brands, types and sizes — as well as bedding.

If you’re confused about which way to go, Costco has a handy buying guide.

9. Car rentals

Senior driver
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Keep this in mind for your next trip: It’s not well-known that you can utilize Costco for renting cars, but doing so could save you.

Costco Travel offers a Low Price Finder search tool that lets you compare the rates of big companies, from Enterprise to Budget, to find your best price — one-stop shopping.

10. Cruises

Cruise ship in Sydney, Australia
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Buy your next cruise vacation through Costco. You can book cruises to a variety of places and with a variety of cruise lines. The Costco Travel website lets you explore options by destination, cruise line and duration.

11. Caskets

Funeral
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They aren’t exactly enjoyable items to shop for, but a variety of caskets go for less than $1,200 at Costco.

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