NerdWallet's Smart Money Podcast
Michele Norris Shares Kitchen Must-Haves and the Nerds Break Down Switching Banks for Better Rates
21 Apr 2025
Find out when it’s worth splurging on kitchen gear and how to switch banks without losing your financial footing. What kitchen tools are actually worth the money? Is switching to an online bank really worth the hassle? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola discuss the value of investing in high-quality kitchen gear and what to consider when moving your money to an online bank so you can make smarter, more intentional financial choices. They begin by speaking with Michele Norris, host of the podcast Your Mama’s Kitchen. She explains how you can align your purchases with your cooking habits — without falling for social media hype. Plus, they discuss how to think about home kitchen upgrades, including tips and tricks on choosing the right knife or stove, knowing when to skip premium brands, and avoiding aesthetic-driven purchases that don’t match your lifestyle. Then, NerdWallet consumer banking editor Ruth Sarreal joins Sean and Elizabeth to discuss how to evaluate whether switching banks makes sense. They explore how to compare rates and fees, keep your auto-payments organized, and transition smoothly without damaging your credit or missing a bill. NerdWallet’s roundup of the best online checking accounts: https://www.nerdwallet.com/best/banking/online-checking-accounts In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: high yield savings account, switching banks, best kitchen appliances to buy, online-only banks, SoFi checking account, bank account switching process, best knives for home cooks, Vitamix vs Ninja blender, Le Creuset alternatives, when to splurge on appliances, budgeting for kitchen upgrades, online banks vs traditional banks, how to switch banks, ATM access with online banks, pros and cons of online banks, choosing a stove, best air fryer to buy, kitchen appliances worth the money, countertop appliances, instant pot storage, what to look for in a blender, managing multiple bank accounts, best checking accounts, how to avoid bank fees, how to transfer auto-payments, comparing bank APYs, personal finance for home cooks, financial planning for kitchen purchases, emotional value of kitchen gear, and sentimental kitchen items. 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 most expensive kitchen item you own?
Well, when my house was being built, I splurged on an oven with a gas range instead of the standard electric range. And let me tell you, Elizabeth, it has more than paid for itself with delicious meals. What about you, Elizabeth?
It's probably the ice cream maker I received as part of a team building activity, but never use. Thank you, NerdWallet.
Well, this episode, we're talking about where it's worth splurging when it comes to home kitchens. If you're thinking of upgrading your appliances or maybe just buying a really fancy knife set, this one is for you. 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 talk with a listener and a fellow nerd about switching banks amidst falling yields on savings accounts.
But first, we are going to chat about where it's worth spending your money in the kitchen and when you might be able to get by on that knockoff version of whatever countertop appliance is trending at the moment. My partner, Garrett, is the cook of the house, and I like to encourage him along by buying nice things for the kitchen every once in a while.
And let me tell you, some of this stuff can get so expensive. Elizabeth, what was the last kitchen gadget or appliance that you bought, and how much did it cost you?
It was a small cutting knife that I bought from Target for like 12 bucks. But whether you need to buy a knife set or restock your spices, all that stuff can add up. Now we're going to chop it up with Michelle Norris about where it's worth spending a lot of money in your home kitchen.
Michelle is a host of podcast Your Mama's Kitchen, author of Our Hidden Conversations, and a contributing editor on MSNBC. I will also add that Michelle has an impressive resume. She has won Peabody, Emmy, DuPont, and Goldsmith awards over the years. Welcome to Smart Money, Michelle.
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