NerdWallet's Smart Money Podcast
Is 'Made in the USA' Still Worth It with Tariffs? Plus: Best Accounts for Your Home Repair Savings
15 May 2025
When is buying “Made in the USA” worth it? Plus, learn where to stash savings for home repairs to maximize your returns. What does it mean when something is “Made in the USA”? Should you use a money market or high-yield savings account for home repairs? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola discuss how to evaluate products labeled “Made in the USA” and how tariffs and global supply chains influence pricing and availability. Joined by NerdWallet senior news writer Anna Helhoski, they begin with a deep dive into how “Made in the USA” labels are regulated, the real-world impact of tariffs on costs, and why U.S. manufacturing isn’t as clear-cut as it seems. Then, personal finance Nerd Kim Palmer joins Sean and Elizabeth to discuss how to manage and rebuild savings after major home repairs. They cover the pros and cons of high-yield savings vs. money market accounts, strategies for prioritizing urgent repairs, and smart ways to automate your savings. You’ll also hear how to stay financially flexible, explore low-interest financing options, and use “mental accounting” to juggle multiple savings goals with clarity and confidence. Learn more about money market accounts: https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/banking/faq-money-market-account The free NerdWallet app makes it easy to be smarter with your finances because you can track, save and invest your money in one place. Download it today to set up your Atomic Treasury account and more: https://click.nerdwallet.com/3687710914/smpc In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: Made in USA meaning, FTC Made in USA rules, tariffs and prices, US manufacturing trends, buying American products, how to find Made in USA products, import tariffs effects, supply chain and tariffs, high-yield savings account vs money market account, money market vs savings account, best account for home repairs, home repair savings tips, sinking funds savings, budgeting for home repairs, saving after renovation, using 0% APR credit card for home repairs, home improvement budgeting, multiple savings accounts strategy, emergency funds after buying a house, prioritizing home repairs, savings account APY, Atomic Treasury account, saving for home maintenance, home equity for renovations, refinancing home repairs, saving 1 percent of home value, how to choose savings account type, home maintenance budget rule, saving buckets strategy, rebuild emergency fund, automatic savings deposits, smart home budgeting, save for home emergencies, and high-yield savings account pros and cons. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email [email protected]. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Full Episode
Sean, what's the last thing you bought that you know for certain was made in the United States?
That would have to be this pair of jeans that was a little pricey, I assume because it was made in the U.S., but they are completely worth it because they fit me perfectly.
Okay, you're going to have to give me the name of the jeans after the show because I love a good pair of jeans. This episode, we're looking at what it really means for a product to be made in the United States and what we're all willing to pay for that label.
Welcome to NerdWallet's Smart Money Podcast, where you send us your money questions and we answer them with the help of our genius nerds. I'm Sean Piles.
And I'm Elizabeth Ayola.
This episode, we answer a listener's questions about how to rebuild their savings after a big expense. But first, our weekly money news roundup, where we break down the latest in the world of finance to help you be smarter with your money.
Today, we're talking about why it isn't always easy or economical for products to be made in the USA.
Our news colleague, Anna Helhosky, is here with more details. Hey, Anna.
Thanks, Sean and Elizabeth. We've talked a lot over the last few months about how tariffs can impact prices, and that's got me thinking about products that are made in America. People certainly like the idea of made in the US.
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