In the paper yesterday, I read an interesting article titled “Six Ways to Save Money at Wal-Mart.” I enjoyed skimming through the tips as the columnist offered these six pieces of advice: Take advantage of Wal-Mart’s price matching policy, get online prices in the store, use the savings catcher app, get free shipping online, comb through the clearance racks, shop early in the morning for grocery deals.

Believe it or not, I have my own methods for saving money at Wal-Mart. So, if my readers don’t mind, I would like to offer up my personal six ways for conserving cash at Wally World.

Discounted Baked Goods – In the bakery section, most Wal-Marts have a tall skinny shelf on wheels stocked with items a day or two old. Instead of placing a sticker on these items that reads something like “discounted for fast sale,” Wal-Mart uses the euphemism of “we baked too much.” Regardless of what the sticker says, rolls that happen to be 36 hours old still taste good to me. I have no problem bypassing the already low priced bakery items for the ridiculously low priced bakery items on the reduced priced shelf. Buying four jumbo muffins for $1.49 is a steal even if they aren’t hot out of the oven.

Use the ATM – Wal-Mart is the only place I have been to that comes equipped with ATMs that give out dollar bills. That’s right, you can collect SINGLES when withdrawing cash. Instead of taking out $20, you can take out $5 or $8. You are going to spend the money you have in your pocket so if you can limit that amount from the onset you are going to be in good shape.

Before Going to the Movie Theater… – We have all seen the big bins full of candy that store personnel put out just feet from the entrance to checkout stands. Priced usually at just $1, it is not like this candy is poor quality. In fact, it is exactly what the movie theater sells. Sold in boxes just like at the cinema, you can get Junior Mints, Cookie Dough Bites, Milk Duds, M&Ms and more. For a quarter of the price you would pay at the movies, it makes sense to make a stop at Wal-Mart before heading over to watch your feature presentation. If you really want to save on your way out of Wal-Mart, purchase a can of soda from one of the many machines to go with your candy. Not only will you pay just a couple quarters, you will also get a drink that is super cold. Remember, soft drinks at theaters cost even more than the candy.

Buy Generic – I have absolutely no problem buying generic at Wal-Mart. The Great Value brand is legitimate and trusted, not some sketchy dollar store knockoff. I buy Great Value milk, cheese, chex mix, peanuts, and more without hesitation. The savings are great and the taste is the same.

Head Wear – Probably 75% of the hats I own come from Wal-Mart. They usually offer insane prices per hat ranging from $5 to $10. Best of all, the caps at Wal-Mart seem to fit my head much better than ones I would buy at Lids or Champs. All of my Chanticleer hats that I wear were purchased from Wal-Mart. They also offer hats marked with various fun brands such as Dr. Pepper (I own one). When I am in the market for a new hat, I can save $20 and feel comfortable by shopping at Wal-Mart.

Holiday Gifts – Now I am not saying purchase all your gifts for your loved ones at Wal-Mart. Rather, I am saying purchase the gifts you are contributing towards gift exchanges and Secret Santa swaps there. Wal-Mart puts together classy enough looking holiday packages such as hot sauce assortments, meat & cheese trays, hot chocolate kits, and pancake/muffin mixes. They look nice from the outside, seem fun, and are cheap. Everyone is looking to save a few bucks during the holidays and you can go easy on the wallet prior to your Christmas office party by shopping at Wal-Mart.

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If Wal-Mart wasn’t cheap enough already, all you have to do is look a little deeper to discover additional savings. What money saving methods do you utilize at Wal-Mart? Please let me know! Don’t Blink.