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Some people love nothing more than roaming the aisles at Walmart. And it's easy to see why.
Walmart is known for its ultra-low prices and wide selection, so shopping there might result in a huge amount of savings. And there's something about the convenience of being able to buy grapes, laundry detergent, toys, and underwear all under the same roof.
But if these signs apply to you, you may want to steer clear of your local Walmart and do your shopping elsewhere.
1. You tend to give in to impulse buys
Some people have the mentality that because Walmart offers such low price points, it's OK to load up on unplanned purchases. If you tend to give in to impulse buys at Walmart, but you're also already grappling with credit card debt, then you may want to do your shopping elsewhere.
When you're shopping at a big-box store, it can be hard to stick to a list, because there are so many different aisles loaded with stuff calling your name. So if you know you're really not capable of visiting Walmart without buying something other than the groceries you came for, it could pay to spend a little more money on food at a regular supermarket, and save yourself money all in by not being tempted to buy clothes or electronics.
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2. You get overwhelmed at larger stores
The fact that Walmart tends to be so massive can be a blessing as well as a curse. Some people get overwhelmed at the amount of selection at Walmart, and that, too, can lead to some poor choices when making purchases.
Plus, it can make your shopping experience less pleasant. So if you find that entering Walmart makes your heart race just a bit, consider avoiding it.
That said, if you're a fan of Walmart's low prices but have issues with the actual store itself, you may want to consider signing up for Walmart+. With Walmart+, you pay $98 per year for a host of perks, including free shipping on all online orders and free delivery for grocery orders $35 or more.
You may find that avoiding Walmart in person also saves you money on gas. And speaking of gas, with Walmart+, you can save $0.10 per gallon at select fuel stations. If you put 10 gallons of gas in your car per week, that's $52 a year in savings, which puts more than half of your $98 fee back in your pocket.
3. You have less expensive options for buying groceries and essentials
It's true that Walmart's prices tend to be competitive. But that doesn't mean they're the most competitive options available to you.
If you have a Costco membership, you may find that it's cheaper to buy household staples or groceries there in bulk compared to Walmart.
Case in point: Walmart sells a 12-pack of Bounty Advanced paper towels for $41.97. Costco charges $29.99 for the same item. (Note that these are online prices, and prices might vary in stores.)
Also, you might have access to a discount grocer in your neighborhood, like Aldi. Your grocery bill might be cheaper if you turn to Aldi to do your food shopping versus Walmart, especially if you're someone who's not so picky about the brands you buy.
It's easy to see why shopping at Walmart might seem like a good idea. But it may not be the best choice for you.
Think about your experience shopping at Walmart and the spending you tend to do there. You may want to stay away from Walmart -- at least temporarily -- and see if shopping at other stores allows you to spend less and save more. Or, you may want to sign up for Walmart+ to benefit from the store's low prices without actually having to set foot inside.
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We're firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers. The Ascent does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from The Ascent is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.Maurie Backman has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Costco Wholesale and Walmart. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
