Walmart has once again passed Amazon as the biggest retailer in the known world. With that said, it constantly surprises me how many shoppers assume the Walmart price is the lowest, thus there is no need to try and find ways to save even more. Well, I’m here to tell you that the low everyday price at Walmart is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to saving a buck or two. Here are 9 awesomely clever ways to save money at Walmart, aka Wally World.

Crack the Walmart Price Tag Code

Did you know you can tell if a clearance item at Walmart is about to get even cheaper simply by looking at the price tag?

According to an anonymous Walmart employee tip, here is what you need to know to crack the price tag code:

• Price ending with a 7 is typically the original price. Examples include $2.97 or $5.57. Know that you’re paying full price if you see a price ending in 7.
• Price ending with a 5 or 0 is the 1st markdown price. Examples include $3.25 or $45.00. This price is better than the above obviously, but not the cheapest the item may potentially go.
• Price ending with a 1 is the FINAL markdown price. Examples include $4.91 or $57.01. This is the holy grail at Walmart and is the cheapest price the item will go.

The key takeaway from this information is to check inventory levels and buy accordingly.

If you find a product with an ending price of 5, and there is ample inventory on the shelf, it will probably be worth your while to wait and come back when it is even cheaper.

See Also: Shop Smart at Walmart: Employees Tell Me the Smartest and Dumbest Buys

Look For Clearance Deals (Not in the Clearance Section)

So this tip is gonna sound a little counter-intuitive.

Don’t go looking for the best clearance deals in the actual clearance section at Walmart, especially when shopping for consumer electronics.

Instead, look down low in the glass cases/cabinets in your local Walmart’s electronics section.

I got this tip from a current Walmart employee who said, “Most marked down, high end electronics are held in cabinets near or under their respective items.

Most reduced items are not displayed and rarely have price tags.

Ask to see their clearance specifically in cases. At the change of major seasons many older model items will be switched out for newer ones.”

Turns out this is where they store excess inventory, and they also use the glass case as a theft deterrent.

I personally have found big deals on Samsung tablets, GPS units, high-end external hard drives, and Bluetooth speakers. All of which were priced below Amazon.

It should also be pointed out that not every Walmart is set up with the cases/cabinets in the electronics department but it’s always worth a look.

See Also: 7 Target Clearance Tips: Learn How to Save BIG at Tarzhay

Find Screaming Refurbished Deals

A fantastic way to save money at Walmart, especially on electronics, is to buy refurbished items that still come with the manufacturer’s warranty.

But how do you find these refurbished deals? It actually couldn’t be easier, yet most Walmart shoppers have no clue how to find them.

All you have to do is simply type in “Refurbished” into the search bar on Walmart.com and you’ll instantly be connected to some amazing deals.

Right now you can find a refurbished HP laptop for $100 off, a Xbox One console for $40 off, and a 39″ Vizio LED HDTV for only $169.99. Pretty awesome savings.

Shop Early in the Morning

When it comes to scoring a clearance deal on bakery items, produce, and meats you’ll want to shop early.

This is especially true for grocery meats according to CBS News. “Normally, by 8 a.m., the meat department has discounted their meat, and you can grab some great deals.”

By early, I mean try to shop on weekday mornings between 8 – 9 a.m..

Employees typically do their clearance markdowns early in the morning.

So by shopping early you get “first dibs” and save money on meat, bread, fruits, and vegetables.

Some of the items may be nearing their “sell by” date but if you’re planning on eating the item that day (or the next) it doesn’t really matter.

PRO TIP

When shopping for meats, look for packaged meat with a Sell By Date of today’s or tomorrow’s date and politely ask an employee if they can mark it down for you. 99% of the time they’ll print out a yellow Clearance price tag to put on the meat, which will save you a whopping 40% off the original price. If you have the freezer space, this is a great time to stock up and save BIG.

See Also: We Breakdown the Walmart Return Policy So It Makes Sense

Get FREE Money Back on Coupons

From the Walmart site, “If coupon value exceeds the price of the item, the excess may be given to the customer as cash or applied toward the basket purchase.”

For example, if you use a coupon at Walmart for $2 off a box of Fruity Pebbles, and the cereal is on sale for $1.75, you’d actually get $0.25 back to be used on the balance of your purchase.

Even Fred Flintstone would like that deal. BTW, in case you hadn’t guessed, I love me some Fruity Pebbles.

Score Free Shipping on Orders Under $35

Unfortunately, Walmart has a free shipping threshold of $35 or more to qualify for free 2-day delivery.

This often leads to overspending as shoppers fill up their virtual basket with stuff they don’t really need, just to qualify for free shipping. Not smart.

Instead, consider using the Walmart Free Store Pickup program which gives you the ability to order online, and in most cases, pick up from your local store on the same day for NO charge.

Once you place your online order, just wait for a Walmart app notification, text, or email when your order is ready to be picked up.

Then just notify them via the Walmart app that you’ve parked in the designated spot and a Walmart associate will bring your order to you.

Get an Online Walmart Price Match

If you’re not taking advantage of Walmart’s “90 Day” Online Price Matching Policy you’re probably leaving money on the table when shopping online.

Here is what you need to know:

• Walmart will price match 28 online retailers, see full list below.
• To request your online price match visit their Customer Service page or call them directly at 1-800-966-6546.
• Walmart WILL NOT do an in-store price match, online only.

Here are the online competitors that they will currently price-match: Academy.com, Amazon.com, Autozone.com, Babiesrus.com, Basspro.com, Bedbathandbeyond.com, Bestbuy.com, Cabelas.com, Chewy.com, Dickssportinggoods.com, Dollargeneral.com, Familydollar.com, Homedepot.com, Jcpenney.com, Kmart.com, Kohls.com, Lowes.com, Michaels.com, Newegg.com, Officedepot.com, Oreillyauto.com, Pepboys.com, Petco.com, Petsmart.com, Sears.com, Staples.com, Target.com, and Walgreens.com.

By becoming a price-match pro you’ll always get the lowest price around.

Be sure to use the ShopSavvy app to check for a lower price, both online and at stores in your local area.

See Also: How To Score the Elusive Walmart “Online” Price Match

Find “Hidden” Deals on Walmart.com

Let’s be honest, the Walmart site is not the easiest to navigate and can be darn right frustrating.

This is especially true when trying to find their online clearance section as they often fail to place the link “above the fold” in their site navigational structure.

The solution to this problem is simple, yet little known among bargain hunters.

All you have to do is type “Clearance” into the Walmart.com search bar and you’ll get instant access to all of their clearance deals.

A few of the hidden deals that I found include $29.99 Apple EarPods for $9.49, a $129.99 Lifetime Basketball System for $79, and a $7.99 Insten HDMI cable (2-Pack) for only $2.49.

Never Pay Full Price for Walmart+

Walmart+ is a game changer for many shoppers as it gets you free grocery delivery, free 2-day shipping, a free Paramount+ account, and up to 10 cents off per gallon of gas at Walmart and Sam’s Club gas stations.

A subscription will run you $99/annually unless you know what you’re doing.

Specifically, every June and early-November for about a week, Walmart slashes the price in half down to $49.

Always wait until June or November to sign-up and save an EASY fifty bucks.

Also, if you’re on any kind of government assistance you can get Walmart+ for ONLY $49 all year long.

Ask the Reader: I hope these tips can help you save. What’s your best tip for saving cash at Walmart? Let me know in the comments.

By Kyle James

Photo by Mike Mozart

Technology is amazingly handy, especially when it comes to DIY YouTube videos that can help you with pretty much any job around the house. Another aspect that has changed the DIY landscape is the ability to use retailer’s price-match policies to ensure you get the lowest price on tools, hardware, and DIY supplies. Perhaps you’d rather shop at your local Ace, Menards, or True Value as they offer better customer service and are happy to avoid the cavernous aisles at Home Depot or Lowe’s.

If you fall into this category, you might as well get the lower Home Depot or Lowe’s price (if they have one). It’s with this in mind, that I present all of the hardware stores, or stores with a significant hardware aisle, that’ll happily price-match Home Depot and Lowe’s.

Ace Hardware

Most Ace Hardware stores are independently owned, and many absolutely will price match. Find out if the Ace in your area price matches Home Depot and Lowe’s be simply asking or do a quick Google search. If they do, they most likely follow these guidelines:

• If you find a lower price on an identical item, at your local Home Depot or Lowe’s, just bring in their current ad and they’ll match their price.
• If HD or Lowe’s is offering a percent off discount, they’ll match the final net price the competitor is offering.
• Exclusions: Labor charges, closeouts, special orders, discontinued items, clearance, liquidation or damaged items.
• They will limit to reasonable consumer quantities. So don’t abuse it.

The takeaway here is to always inquire at your local Ace Hardware to determine if they offer a price match policy.

Home Hardware

With 19 retail locations spread across Canada, Home Hardware offers a Price Match Promise at all of there stores.

• Simply bring evidence of the lower price to any Home Hardware employee.
• They reserve the right to exclude significantly below cost competition loss leader pricing.
• Because lumber grading varies by location, they will not price match lower lumber grade quality from competitors.
• They also reserve the right to limit quantities to an amount reasonable for a residential homeowner.

See Also: Insider Savings Tips Directly from Home Depot Employees

Lamps Plus

When it comes to fans, lighting, chandeliers, and home decor, the folks at Lamps Plus will absolutely price match. Here’s what you need to know.

• The lower price must be advertised within 60 days of the date of your purchase.
• They’ll actually give you an additional discount of 20% of the price difference.
• Can’t be redeemed in conjunction with other coupons, discounts or promotions.

Menards

If you like to shop at Menards, and you’re NOT price matching Home Depot and Lowes, there is a great chance you’re overspending. Here’s what you need to know:

• You are not required to provide the local competitor’s ad for us to honor the price.
• Items purchased must be identical size, quantity, brand, flavor, color, etc.
• Menards reserves the right to limit price matches to reasonable quantities.
• Exclusions: Ads when the actual price cannot be determined, competitor ads from outside of the store’s local market, “going out of business” sales or “close out” prices.

Sears

While Sears carries many in-house tool brands like Craftsman, there is definitely some overlap with items carried by Home Depot and Lowe’s. And the good news is they’ll price match those items if the two warehouse giants carry them for less.

• If you have a Home Depot or Lowe’s in your local area, they’ll match their price either at time of purchase or within 14 days of purchase. Just bring in price evidence to any sales associate.
• The competitor’s price must be offered on the same date as the date of your purchase.
• The price match is only eligible on the day you make your purchase.

See Also: Lowe’s Tool Rental: Everything You Gotta Know Before You Rent

Target

Target has a growing section of tools, hardware, and DIY supplies and thus make my list. Here is what you need to know to get your price match.

• Target will match both Home Depot and Lowe’s prices as well as 29 online retailer’s pricing, which includes HomeDeopt.com and Lowes.com.
• It must be the same exact product, down to the color and weight.
• Online price matching is good for up to 7 days after purchase. Be sure to always hold on to your receipt.
• Major Exclusions: “Prices that only display on a website after guests log in. Clearance, closeout, damaged product, used, refurbished, open packages or liquidation sales.”

True Value

All True Value stores are independently owned, and store owners are given the flexibility to offer a price match policy. But the good news is many True Value locations will absolutely price match Home Depot and Lowe’s. Here’s the scoop.

• Evidence from their site, “We promise to do whatever we can to provide you with the best price.” This obviously includes price matching the big-box home improvement stores in your area.
• Stores will not price match products in the Outlet section of the True Value website.
• A price match is not available for stores in Alaska, Hawaii & Puerto Rico.

Walmart

Let’s not forget about Walmart as most locations have a fairly stocked hardware, paint, and DIY products section. If these items are cheaper at Home Depot or Lowe’s be sure to get your price match.

• Walmart.com will match the price of any local brick & mortar competitor, including Lowe’s and Home Depot of course.
• You DON’T need the ad to get the price match which is convenient.
• Items must be absolutely identical. One price match per item, per day.
• Exclusions: BOGO items and closeout prices.

West Marine

I was happy to see that West Marine will price match both Home Depot and Lowe’s, here are the details worth knowing.

• If you have a Lowe’s or Home Depot location within 50 miles of your local West Marine location, they’ll happy price match either store.
• Simply provide the item number and base price of the product and they’ll independently verify the price.
• You can also call them at 1-800-BOATING to discuss your price match.
• Exclusions: “Price matching does not apply to online auctions, liquidation sales, refurbished or used merchandise, shipping charges, taxes, or promotions such as: mail-in offers, gift-with-purchase, financing offers, installation services, or typographical errors.”

Ask the Reader: How do you save money on your DIY or home improvement projects?

Happy Savings.

By Kyle James

Photos by Mike Mozart (1, 2)

I recently noticed that McDonald’s stock is at an all-time high. They are clearly making a ton of money off our fast-food love affair, so I figured it was time to come up with some McDonald’s menu hacks that can actually save us money on our next trip to the golden arches. Whether it’s breakfast, lunch, or dinner, these tips can definitely save you some cash. McFlurry anyone?

1. Order the “Budget” Big Mac

Did you know that you can order any McDonald’s burger to come with “special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles, onions – on a sesame seed bun”,  just like the famous Big Mac?

Apparently there’s even a button on the register for this request at many golden arches locations.

All you have to say is “Like a Mac” and you’ll get hooked up – minus the 3rd bun in the middle of course, but you can live without that strange invention.

Turns out this is a great hack to get a Big Mac for a lot less money.

For example, order a “McDouble – like a Mac” and you’ll essentially get a Big Mac for about $4.29 after the add-ons, compared to the original Big Mac which comes with a price tag of $6.99 at most locations.

Also, if you’re simply craving a double burger, just order the McDouble instead of the Big Mac and easily save a couple bucks as the McDouble remains a steal at $2.89.

2. NEVER Order the 10 Piece McNuggets

Okay, so this tip is awesome if you love yourself some chicken nugs.

The next time the craving hits, ALWAYS order the 20-piece McNuggets.

Why? Well, a box of 10 is priced at $4.89 ($0.49 cents a nugget) while a box of 20 will ONLY cost you $5.19 or $0.26 cents a nugget.

So you get twice the nuggets for only 30 cents more.

In an odd twist of fate, the 20-piece box is approximately the same price, per nugget, as the 40 piece box.

So…if your local arches has the 20-pack on the menu, order them up like crazy as you’re only spending 26 cents per nug.

3. Ask About Discounted Chow

I use to do this in college and it almost always worked.

When ordering, I’d simply ask if they had any burgers or fries that were “going begging”.

Meaning they were made but not bought, often they are custom made, or perhaps they’ve been sitting under the heat lamp a little too long.

Nothing wrong with them!

I use to get Big Macs for $1.25, Quarter Pounders for $0.75, and fries for $0.50.

Hey, I was a starving college student and I DID NOT care what anyone else thought.

4. Over 55?  Get a Free Cup of Coffee

If you’re over 55, did you know you’re entitled to a free cup of coffee every time you enter a McDonalds?

You must dine-in to be eligible for your free coffee, and not all restaurants participate, but it’s definitely worth asking about.

Also, it appears that some golden arches offer the choice of a free coffee or a cold beverage.

5. Egg McMuffin Hack

The next time you enter a McDonald’s jonesing for some breakfast, consider ordering a simple Sausage McMuffin (without the egg) along with an ala carte “round egg” and create your own Sausage Egg McMuffin on the cheap.

According to the clever folks at BuzzFeed, by ordering it this way, you’ll get it for only $2.58 instead of $3.19.

Not a huge savings, but a fun McDonald’s secret menu hack that’ll stick it to Ronald every time.

6. Want Hot and Fresh Fries?

Nothing worse than luke warm and soggy French fries.

To avoid this, be sure to order them with “No Salt” and Mickey D’s will fry up a fresh batch just for you.

You can then add the salt yourself if you want.

While this won’t save you any money, it will definitely get you some deliciously amazing French fries on your next visit.

This tip also works for the Filet O’ Fish – order it “no cheese” and you’re guaranteed to get a freshly made fish sandwich.

7. Don’t Ignore the Value Menu

Not all “Value Menu” items are created equal as some are much better deals than others.

The best value menu items at McDonalds are as follows:

– McChicken Sandwich: At an affordable $3.29, this is the best buy on the ENTIRE menu by far.

It weights 5.10 ounces and will fill up your stomach more than other burgers and sandwiches.

– McDouble: At $4.29, as mentioned earlier, the McDouble is a great value menu item.

Order it “Like a Mac” and get it with all the Big Mac trimmings and you’ve essentially order a Big Mac and saved a couple bucks in the process.

By Kyle James

Photo by Mike Mozart