Tommy Tindall, Nerdwallet
My wife and I hate washer and dryer. Both appliances are working, but the washing machine leaves what appears to be a small spec of mold for every load. The dryer will be raised three times to dry out the load.
In all trade wars, that doesn’t seem too bad, but I’m wondering if we have to trade now.
Many people are worried about tariffs, according to the Consumer Trust Commission’s June Consumer Trust Index. The report found plans for electronic purchases rose slightly in June, with car purchase plans steady and electronic purchase plans reduced.
A wealthy person – and I may not be saying it’s me, I may be leading the accusation.
Back in May, 26% of consumers earned more than $125,000, indicating that they bought before potential tariffs. The expected price rise has not fully landed, but economists say they are coming.
“Consumers are overcoming uncertainty through trade policies,” Jack Kleingent, chief economist for the National Federation of Retail, said in a June preparation statement. “However, we expect tariff-related inflation to be felt later this year.”
If you want to preempt potential price increases, there are a few things to look at now before it becomes more expensive later.
Major appliances such as washers and refrigerators
Tariffs on imported steel and aluminum have been found to collide with household appliances in particular. As of June 23rd, the 50% tariff on steel ranged from “steel derivative products” including refrigerators, freezers, washing machines, dryers, dishwashers, ovens and even garbage disposal.
If you were thinking of upgrading your appliance, it might be right to get what was made before prices rise, and while summer sales are still in progress.
As for purchasing plans, mold is rough and economists expect prices to rise, so get a new washer and dryer soon. Our local appliance store has LG sets in stock and currently on sale.
Cars (especially EVs and luxurious imports)
Over the past few years, buying a car has been a silly time. Prices for both new and used cars have swelled after the pandemic. Things seemed to improve after that.
Case and Points: I bought a new Honda Odyssey with some Grand Under Stickers for November. I was shocked that the dealer had made me sick of the day. (The addition of the free all-weather mat was something other than the starter.) I can’t believe how much I love driving a minivan (#BabyonBoard).
Currently, a 25% tariff on imported passenger cars and auto parts could lead a new era of car purchases, but there is time to get ahead of it.
“Experts are hoping that tariffs will increase car prices. We’ve seen several manufacturers increase prices, but overall there’s not been a big increase. But we’re expected to change as pre-tax vehicles disappear.”
What cars and models are you chasing, and where is it made?
Consultant company Anderson Economic Group analyzed the vehicles with the lowest and highest potential tariff impact on increased project costs for consumers.
Cars like the Toyota Camry Hybrid, Ford Explorer, and my beloved Honda Odyssey are assembled in the US and are expected to be less susceptible to tariffs than luxury foreign-made models. The price of the mentioned car is expected to rise from $2,000 to $3,000.
Another incentive to get a new ride has to do with President Trump’s “big, beautiful bill.”
The law adds a tax credit on car loan interest that allows taxpayers to amortise up to $10,000 a year in interest paid on new cars assembled in the United States and purchased after December 31, 2024.
If you’re on the other end of the spectrum, if you’re looking for something like a Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon, Land Rover, Range Rover, or an imported BMW model, there’s no tax credit and you’re expected to see a greater impact of the tariff. It’s big, between $10,000 and $12,000, according to an analysis by Anderson Economic Group.
If you need an electric vehicle, the clock is engraved.
“EV tax credits will be excluded from EVSs purchased or leased after September 30, 2025. If you need an EV, you will buy it before that,” Bradley says.
The new Tesla Model 3 and Ford F-150 Lightning are examples of EV models currently eligible for the $7,500 EV tax credit. The used EV will receive a $4,000 tax credit, which will also close on September 30th under planned tax changes.
iPhone and Android
The customs situation changes almost every day.
Currently, there is a 10% baseline for all imports with board-wide tariffs. There is also a 30% tariff on China’s imports, and mutual tariffs on China and other countries may be suspended until August 1st.
Anything you may not know will be exempt from customs duties for the time being, along with smartphones (along with 19 other electronic items and components, including laptops). It could affect your decision to upgrade your phone now if necessary.
Imported sake
The idea of adding $12,000 to the cost of a luxury car would reach for a drink? If so, you might want to store scotch, South African wine, sake and other imported alcohol and put it in the cellar now.
Unless new trade agreements are integrated, 50% in the European Union, 30% in South Africa, and 25% in Japan will arrive on August 1st.
Drink expensive liquor slowly and modestly.
Advice: Don’t let customs tweak you
Whatever you do, don’t panic with the fridge or the lightning bolts of the Ford F-150 because you’re worried. Saving money at sticker prices for things you don’t need or can’t afford is ridiculous. Instead, assess your current situation and determine if you can buy any big tickets on your budget.
It may be worth grabbing your money now and taking steps to prepare later by saving additional costs.
Tommy Tindall writes about Nerdwallet. Email: ttindall@nerdwallet.com.
I’m splurge on articles now, will I save them later? Four things to buy before prices rise have originally appeared on Nerdwallet.
Original release: July 23, 2025 11:00am EDT
