Gone are the days when you could save money at Costco on a deluge of diapers and loads of Lunchables. Now that you're a retired empty nester, it's time to change the way you shop. While jugs of mayo and pillow-sized bags of rice can lower costs for some households, these bulk buys aren't always a true value.
But what exactly should you add to your cart this month? We scoured the warehouse club's aisles for the best August deals and found plenty of products that will keep your budget in check.
Editor's Note: Prices and availability are subject to change and may vary by location.
Earn 2% cash rewards at grocery stores and Costco
The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card(Rates and fees) is a powerful rewards card that allows you to earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases — including on groceries, even at warehouse stores like Costco. New cardholders can also earn a one-time cash rewards bonus — $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months!
This card also offers an intro APR of 0% for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers (then 19.24%, 24.24%, or 29.24% Variable).
The best part? There's no annual fee.
Click here to apply for the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card now.
Foster Grant Reading Glasses
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Price: $9.97
Get three pairs of designer reading glasses for less than $10. The scratch-resistant lenses are available in magnification strengths ranging from +1.25 to +3.00.
And, you can choose from a variety of frame colors and styles. At Costco's low price, snag a few packs to match every summer outfit in your closet.
Crest Pro Health Advanced Toothpaste
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Price: $12.99 (on sale from $15.99)
Score the brand-name buy for a bargain $12.99 price. The 5.9-ounce tubes of "Pro Health" paste provide 24-hour antibacterial protection, fight cavities, reduce gingivitis, remove plaque, whiten, freshen your breath, and stop enamel erosion.
Going on an end-of-summer trip? With five in each pack, you can take one full tube on vacation.
Strivectin 360 Tightening Eye Serum
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Price: $39.99 (on sale from $49.99)
At Costco, you can pass on pricey Botox. This beloved brand-name serum tightens the eye area, de-puffs, evens out tone, and targets crepey skin. The ophthalmologist-tested formula features a triple peptide blend, caffeine, kakadu plum extract, microalgae, and marine ferment algae.
Save big on this double-pack, too. You can get two 0.65-ounce tubes for under $40. Sephora sells the one-ounce size (single-pack) for $72.
- 18-29
- 30-39
- 40-49
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- 80+
Premier Protein Cookie Dough Shakes
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Price: $25.99 (on sale from $31.99)
You don't need to scarf down steaks just to get enough protein. These sweet shakes have a confection-like cookie-dough flavor. With 30 grams of protein, one gram of sugar, and 25 vitamins and minerals, this is a filling find that also supports immune health.
Compare Costco's in-store price for 18 of the 11-ounce size to over $31 for a 12-count of 11.5-ounce bottles on Walmart's website.
Nestle Coffee-Mate Creamer
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Price: $9.99
A giant jug of refrigerated creamer may seem like a bargain, but if you're an empty nester, chances are you won't use the entire container before it goes bad. Instead of a perishable product, pick up this 56-ounce canister of shelf-stable lactose and gluten-free powder.
Kirkland Signature Small Breed Dog Food Pate
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Price: $32.99
Your furry BFF deserves the best, and now, you don't have to pay big bucks for it. This generic Kirkland Signature 45-count of 3.5-ounce pate trays is made with real chicken, turkey, and beef.
Shopping pro tip: This month's best deals
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August is here, and with it comes the final stretch of summer. It’s a great time to soak up the season and scoop up hot deals before they fade. Look for savings on:
- Travel and getaway must-haves
- Back-to-school basics
- Clearance swimwear and warm-weather styles
- For grocery savings, grab peak-season produce, like tomatoes, cucumbers, melons, and berries
As retailers shift their focus to fall, August is the last chance to snag summer essentials at unbeatable prices. Shop smart now before the season (and the savings) slip away.
Copper Fit Compression Socks
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Price: $19.99
These easy-on/easy-off graduated compression socks increase circulation and reduce swelling, making them perfect for vacations and long road trips to see the family. And don't worry about hot, sweaty feet. The comfortable copper-infused two-pack also features breathable air flow technology.
Adidas Women's XPLR Path Sneakers
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Price: $30.99 (on sale from $37.99)
With these sneakers, you can stay comfortable on your morning walks or a stroll around town. A "Cloudfoam" midsole provides cushioning and support for your feet without weighing you down.
For just over $30, this deal is an almost unbeatable bargain. Kohl's sells the brand-name buy for $65.
Get a protection plan on all your appliances
Did you know if your air conditioner stops working, your homeowner’s insurance won’t cover it? Same with plumbing, electrical issues, appliances, and more.
Whether or not you’re a new homeowner, a home warranty from Choice Home Warranty could pick up the slack where insurance falls short and protect you against surprise expenses. If a covered system in your home breaks, you can call their hotline 24/7 to get it repaired.
For a limited time, you can get your first month free with a Single Payment home warranty plan.
Sonicare Optimal Clean Rechargeable Toothbrush 2-Pack
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Price: $99.99
With 10 times more plaque removal versus a manual brush, pressure sensors, a two-minute Smartimer, and two settings (clean and whiten), this pick has everything you need in a rechargeable electric toothbrush and more. And bonus, you'll get two for one low price.
Kirkland Signature Calcium
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Price: $13.99
Protect your bones in retirement without breaking the bank. Kirkland's 500-tablet bottle of 600 mg calcium (plus Vitamin D3) is a value compared to what you could pay for brand names. A smaller 100-count from Nature Made costs $18.99 at CVS.
Kirkland Signature Golf Balls
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Price: $34.99
Don't "forfeit" your savings just to buy pricey brand-name golf gear. Kirkland's set of 24 three-piece urethane-covered neon yellow balls is a steal for under $35. For reference, Callaway's Chrome Tour Triple Tracks cost $54.99 at Dick's Sporting Goods.
Quick tips: How to save on your grocery bill
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Grocery shopping doesn't have to break the bank when you use the right strategies. Here are three quick tips for reducing food expenses:
- Buy store brands instead of name brands whenever possible.
- Always make sure to compare unit prices, not just sticker prices.
- Join your store's loyalty program so you don’t miss out on member discounts.
Even though something like choosing coupons in your grocery store app can feel like an annoying task, the savings can really add up.
Shark Matrix Plus 2-In-1 Robot Vacuum
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Price: $399.99
While it may seem like a splurge, don't strain your muscles just to clean your floors. This robot does the vacuuming and mopping for you.
Features include a bagless HEPA self-emptying base, 360-degree LiDAR precision mapping vision, a self-cleaning brushroll, clean edge detect, washable antimicrobial mopping pads, and remote smartphone controls. It's also $300 cheaper than buying one directly from Shark's website.
Kirkland Signature Albacore Solid White Tuna
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Price: $17.99
Make a month's worth of lunches from one case of this solid white Albacore tuna. And don't worry about food waste — the KS bulk buy is shelf-stable, giving it a long lifespan. Use the seven-ounce cans to make creamy salads, wraps, casseroles, stuffed peppers, and more as you meal prep.
Bottom line
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These bargains make it easy to save money shopping for everything from comfy travel-ready shoes to shelf-stable coffee creamer. Whether you're planning an end-of-summer trip, packing your pantry, or filling your medicine cabinet, our favorite finds won't drain your retirement account.
And even though we spotted plenty of budget-friendly buys in local Costco clubs, you may find lower prices on some items online. Check the retailer's website and app for the best deals — especially on big-ticket items.
2025 award winner
Best Overall Cash Back Credit Card
Benefits Card Details on Wells Fargo’s secure website Intro Offer
$200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
Annual Fee $0 Why we like it
If you love earning cash rewards but prefer to avoid the hassle of tracking spending categories, the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card could be a good option for you. Cardmembers can earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.
This card also offers a 0% intro APR on qualifying balance transfers and purchases for 12 months from account opening, then 19.24%, 24.24%, or 29.24% Variable. Those looking for straightforward rewards and an introductory APR will likely find value in this card.
FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment.
Our partners do not influence how we rate products.
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