🏡 Date the Rate and Marry the Home?

If you bought a house in the past few years, chances are you’ve already heard the line: “date the rate, marry the home.” It was a way to console homebuyers locking in at 6% or 7% mortgages after watching friends coast through the pandemic on 3% financing.

Now, the end of that tunnel may finally be in sight.

The Federal Reserve is widely expected to cut short-term interest rates at its next meeting on September 16–17. It would be the Fed’s first cut of 2025; and the start of what many believe could be three total rate cuts before the year is out.

But here’s the important question for Toledo buyers and homeowners: does a Fed cut really mean mortgage rates will fall?

The answer: it’s complicated.

The Fed vs. the 10-Year

Mortgage rates don’t move in lockstep with the Fed’s decisions. Instead, they tend to track the 10-year Treasury yield. That’s because long-term bond investors are betting on future inflation and economic growth; both of which feed directly into what lenders are willing to offer on a 30-year fixed mortgage.

• Ted Rossman (Bankrate.com): sees a strong chance the average 30-year fixed rate could slip below 6% by early 2026. A level not seen since summer 2022.

• Jeff DerGurahian (loanDepot): Calls a September quarter-point cut “a lock,” with odds of a half-point increase. He expects a total of 75 basis points of easing this year.

• Keith Gumbinger (HSH.com): cautions that inflation could keep long-term rates elevated. A surprise rebound in prices or high tariffs could actually push mortgage rates higher.

In other words: don’t confuse Powell’s press conference with your lender’s loan sheet.

The Market Mood

There are reasons for optimism. The job market has softened in recent months, inflation has cooled, and the Fed is signaling a willingness to ease up after an aggressive tightening cycle. On paper, that sets the stage for lower borrowing costs.

But there are also headwinds:

• Tariffs & trade tensions: If global supply shocks flare up again, inflation could come roaring back.

• Federal debt & deficits: Heavy government borrowing can keep Treasury yields higher, limiting the fall in mortgage rates.

• Investor psychology: If markets believe inflation is “sticky,” they’ll demand more yield for long-term bonds, putting a floor under mortgage rates.

This tug-of-war is why economists can look at the same data and make wildly different predictions. We have a lead on a local credit union offering a 4.99% 30 year fixed rate, but we want to give them a call before blasting to our community 📣 

🔋 Powering the Next Wave: Ohio’s Energy Playbook

Ohio just rewrote the rules of the energy game. With Governor DeWine’s signature on House Bill 15 and Senate Bill 2 effective August 14th, 2025, the state is fast-tracking energy infrastructure with the kind of clarity that developers and industry have been craving.

At first glance, HB 15 looks like a mix of permitting reform, tax relief, and cleanup incentives. But peel back the policy layers, and you’ll see a common thread: Ohio is making sure the grid can keep pace with an economy increasingly driven by tech-heavy, energy-hungry businesses.

What Changed

• Permitting certainty: Major energy projects now face a hard 195-day timeline at the Ohio Power Siting Board. Priority brownfield sites can clear approvals in as little as 45 days.

• Tax cuts for generation: Starting in 2027, new solar, gas, nuclear, and storage projects see TPPT rates slashed from 24–25% down to 7%. Transmission and pipelines drop from 88% to 25%.

• Behind-the-meter innovation: Large manufacturers and data centers (≥700 MWh/year) can now pool resources into private generation and storage systems, bypassing public distribution.

• Transparency: Utilities must publish system heat and capacity maps; an underrated but powerful move for businesses choosing sites and planning long-term growth.

The Nuclear Angle

While renewables like solar continue to see support, the legislation quietly opens the door for new baseload projects; and in today’s world, that means nuclear. With TPPT rates dropping and permitting certainty in place, Ohio is signaling it’s ready to play ball with next-gen nuclear developers looking to anchor long-term reliability.

That matters because nuclear is uniquely suited to the twin pressures Ohio is facing:

1. Reliability – Wind and solar alone can’t deliver 24/7 power at scale.

2. Demand – Data centers, AI compute, and manufacturing expansions (like Hexion’s new Innovation Lab in Dublin) need consistent, massive loads.

Why Now?

Meta’s $800M investment in Bowling Green is just the beginning. Northwest Ohio already boasts more than three dozen energy producers and suppliers, but the race is on to secure scalable, affordable baseload power. Companies aren’t just looking for cheap energy; they’re looking for certainty.

For Ohio, HB 15 and SB 2 are a clear invitation: if you’re in the business of powering the next wave; whether that’s AI data centers, advanced manufacturing, or nuclear innovation… the Buckeye State wants your investment.

👉 The takeaway: Yes, Ohio is positioning nuclear as part of its growth strategy. The bills don’t say “nuclear” outright, but the tax cuts and baseload incentives create a runway for it. And with tech expansion outpacing grid capacity, it’s not just smart policy; it may prove essential.

👪️ People Before Profession | Nothing Justifies Violence

Why Toledo’s culture reminds us of what matters most

A headline dominated national news this week: a man was murdered while doing his job, in front of his wife and children. The man was Charlie Kirk. For some, his name is synonymous with politics. For others, it stirs disagreement, debate, or worse.

But before politics, he was a husband. A dad. A son. A brother. A human being trying to provide for his family. That’s the part that matters most, and too often gets lost in the noise.

We see this across every profession. I’m in the middle of negotiating a $12 million software contract, and I don’t see eye-to-eye with the salesperson across the table. His tactics feel short-sighted. But does that stop me from asking how his two daughters and son are doing? Or from talking baseball as the Yankees push for the playoffs? Not a chance.

Because behind every title; superintendent, developer, software rep, even political figure, is a person. One with bills to pay, kids to raise, and a life that extends far beyond a business card or a ballot.

That’s something Toledo has always gotten right. The Midwest ethic is built on seeing the person first. Neighbors checking in, coworkers asking about family, conversations that start with “how are you?” before “what do you do?” It’s why Toledo feels like home not just to those who live here, but to those who pass through.

So when tragedy strikes, whether near or far, we remember: it’s not about the profession. It’s about the people. And in Toledo, that’s what we’ve always prioritized; and always should.

📺️ WTOL’s Next Owner? What it Means for Toledo

WTOL, Toledo’s CBS affiliate, is officially on the auction block. Its parent company, Tegna, has agreed to sell itself to Nexstar Media Group for $6.2 billion. But now Sinclair Broadcast Group, already one of the nation’s biggest TV station owners is circling with a rival offer.

The deals in play:

• Nexstar: $22/share, already signed, would fold WTOL into the largest local broadcaster in the U.S. (200+ stations).

• Sinclair: A competing bid, said to be $25–$30/share, would spin off Sinclair’s Tennis Channel and other “non-core” media and merge its 178 stations with Tegna’s 64, including WTOL.

Why This Matters for Toledo

1. Your local news could feel less local.

• Nexstar tends to centralize business operations but leaves local newsrooms some breathing room, while pushing digital expansion.

• Sinclair is known for inserting national editorial content into local broadcasts. That could mean more “one-size-fits-all” news segments during your WTOL evening updates.

2. Jobs and operations could shift.
Mergers often mean consolidations. Back-office functions, sales, marketing, even parts of production; could be streamlined, which may ripple into the Toledo job market.

3. Viewers get caught in the middle.
As more households cut the cord, the battle isn’t just about who runs WTOL’s newsroom; it’s about who adapts faster to streaming and digital platforms. For Toledoans, that could mean new ways to watch WTOL (or fewer local stories if corporate cuts go deep)… keep Toledo Money in mind 😎 

The Bigger Picture

This is part of a wave of media consolidation driven by deregulation and the decline of traditional TV. For Toledo, it raises questions:

• Will WTOL remain a reliable community voice, or become a mouthpiece for national agendas?

• How much local autonomy will our newsroom keep when its marching orders come from Dallas (Nexstar HQ) or Baltimore (Sinclair HQ)?

Either way, the WTOL you know today won’t look the same once the ink dries.

👀 Want to stay ahead on how this plays out for Toledo? That’s what we do at Toledo Money; cut through the noise and tell you what it means for our region.

🤜🏼 Money Confessional | Fighting Fires and Finances, Swiftly

From dreaming of making a difference to answering calls across the city, he traded a steady routine for a career built on service, teamwork, and grit. As one of Toledo Fire Department’s newer recruits, he’s quickly learning that the firehouse is more than a workplace, it’s a family. The transition hasn’t been without its challenges, but with guidance from mentors and the support of his crew, he’s finding his place in one of the city’s most trusted institutions.

“I used to think firefighting was just about putting out fires. But once I stepped into the role, I realized it’s about people; showing up on their hardest day and helping them through it.”

🚒 Career Roots:
“I joined the department recently after finishing the academy. The first few shifts were eye-opening, but the veterans took me under their wing. I’m proud to wear the badge and represent Toledo.”

💵 Growth So Far:
“That first full-time paycheck as a firefighter hit me… not just the money, but the stability. It feels good knowing I can support myself doing meaningful work.”

📚 Mentorship Magic:
“My lieutenant and senior crew members break things down after every run, what worked, what didn’t, and how to handle the next call better. It’s saved me from rookie mistakes and built my confidence fast.”

🍩 Favorite Splurge:
“Wixey Bakery. If you know, you know. After a long overnight, grabbing donuts with the crew is one of those small traditions that makes the grind worth it.”

💡 Biggest Worry:
“Burnout. The job is demanding, physically and mentally. I worry about carrying the same energy years from now. But having a strong team and support system helps.”

📊 Current Standing:
“Still learning every shift, but I’m starting to feel like I’m contributing, not just trying to keep up. That’s a big step for a new guy.”

💵 Financial Tip:
“I set up automatic transfers from each paycheck into savings before I touch the rest. Living on a firefighter’s schedule teaches you discipline, I try to carry that into my finances. Even putting away a little bit consistently builds up quick.”

🌱 Inspiration:
“My dad always told me, ‘Leave it better than you found it.’ Whether it’s a call, a station, or a moment with a neighbor, I try to live that out every day.”

🗣 Toledo Tip:
“Don’t wait until you feel totally ready; you’ll never be. Jump in, lean on your team, and learn as you go. Toledo takes care of its own, and the firehouse proves that.”