Noon Business Hour on WBBM Newsradio

This summer, turn saving into a family mission by picking one big goal, setting a price, and tracking progress together - plus a look at the growing role of single women in today's housing market and what families should know about the cost of pet ownership.

Before bringing home a pet, families should consider the full lifetime cost - from daily food and grooming to vaccines, emergencies, and senior care. It can be a bigger financial commitment than many initially anticipate. Shane Gornik, Financial Advisor at Forefront Financial Planning in Lisle, joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour to explain.

This summer, turn saving into a family mission by picking one big goal - setting a price - and tracking progress together. Sandi Bragar, Chief Client Officer at Aspiriant in San Francisco, joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour to discuss.

Money talk can be awkward while dating — but experts say lifestyle and spending questions can reveal long-term financial compatibility; the modern rules of dressing for career success; and why more travelers are turning vacations into meaningful charity and passion-driven experiences.

More travelers are adding charity and passion projects to vacations - from beach cleanups to helping build homes - often changing both someone else's life and their own in the process. Mark Wolters, of the Wolters World Travel and Culture YouTube channel and Associate Professor of Business Administration at the University of Illinois Gies College of Business, joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour to discuss the rise of volunteer tourism.

Workplace fashion may be more casual today - but experts say dressing professionally still impacts hiring, promotions, and workplace respect. Rick Cobb, Founder of the workplace consulting firm 2-Discern here in Chicago joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour with the details.

Money talk can be awkward while dating - but experts say lifestyle and spending questions can reveal long-term financial compatibility. Shari Greco Reiches, Regional Director of EP Wealth here in Chicago, joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour to discuss how to talk about finances without directly asking, “How much money do you make?”

A look at the busy week ahead on Wall Street, why AI is no longer just a software story but an electricity story — as data centers drive huge power demand — and how robots are becoming a bigger part of the restaurant business.

Latest as President Trump and his Chinese counterpart wrap up their Beijing summit, the Chicago Dogs open the 2026 season tonight at Impact Field, and you don't have to be good at golf to enjoy a scramble.

The Chicago Dogs open the 2026 season tonight at Impact Field in Rosemont. Shawn Hunter, Owner of the Chicago Dogs joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour with a preview.

People living longer has completely changed the retirement game plan, consumers are rediscovering physical media as vinyl records, DVDs, and classic film photography come back into fashion, and the return of affordable cocktails is shaking up the bar industry.

A major branding partnership will make McDonald's Park the future home stadium of the Chicago Fire, retirement experts warn many retirees are too afraid to enjoy the money they spent decades building, and as summer heats up, experts stress the importance of learning how to swim - especially for children.

As summer arrives and kids finish up school for the year, experts say learning to swim is one of the most important life skills everyone should have. John Murphy, director of the British Swim School here in Chicago, joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour to discuss.

When buying a used car - you may want to consider former rental vehicles, Great Lakes cruising is making waves with travelers, and so-called bleisure travel is booming as more workers blend business trips into family vacations.

More business travelers are turning work trips into family vacations — and experts say, with the right planning, it can be an affordable vacation option, especially when managed properly. Angie Rice, co-founder of Boutique Travel Advisors based in Scottsdale, joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour with the details.

When buying a used car, you may want to consider former rental vehicles — though there are some tradeoffs to keep in mind. Matt Jones, an independent auto expert based in Los Angeles, joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour to explain.

A look at the busy week ahead on Wall Street, Chicago makes its pitch this week for future Democratic National Conventions and Personal Finance experts warn against oversimplified Social Security advice trending on social media.

A look at today's big government jobs report, we meet the general manager of a popular suburban minor league baseball team, and a Midwest woman taking her business to new heights - including reality TV.

Hackers are threatening to leak data tied to millions of Canvas users after a cyberattack disrupted schools nationwide during finals week for many students. Jerry Irvine of Prescient Solutions and a member of the U.S. Secret Service Electronic Crimes Task Force here in Chicago joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour with the details.

Families still see college as a worthwhile investment - but figuring out how to pay for it is often a challenge, more drivers are experiencing the growing reality of autonomous vehicle technology, and a look at why everyone should have a plan for their digital life after death.

Self-driving technology is quietly entering everyday life, as more drivers experience hands-free features and AI-assisted vehicle systems. John McElroy, Automotive Industry Analyst and Host of Autoline.tv in Detroit joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour with the details...

CNN founder and media pioneer Ted Turner has died at 87, leaving behind a legacy that transformed television news and sports broadcasting. More Americans are embracing multi-generational living arrangements, and tackling debt can feel overwhelming - but strategies like the snowball method may help you regain control faster.

Tackling debt can feel overwhelming, but strategies like the snowball method, paying off high-interest balances first, and debt renegotiation may help you regain control faster. Ted Rossman, Industry Analyst at Bankrate.com in New York, joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour with key advice.

More Americans are embracing multi-generational living as families combine households to save money - share care-giving responsibilities - and manage rising expenses. Rick Sharga, Founder and CEO of CJ Patrick Company in Orange County, California joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour to explain...

CNN founder and media pioneer Ted Turner has died at 87 - leaving behind a legacy that transformed television news and sports broadcasting. Tim Hanlon, Founder and CEO of The Vertere Group here in Chicago joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour to discuss.

Before traveling with friends, there are key conversations to have to prevent conflict and ensure an enjoyable trip. Budget airlines are seeking billions in aid from the Trump administration, citing surging jet fuel costs - and cities where the food is the destination, not just part of the trip…

Traveling with friends sounds like a great idea - until you're arguing about money, sleep, or what to do next… Before you book that trip, there are a few conversations you need to have - even with your closest friends. Mark Wolters - Wolters World Travel and Culture YouTube channel and Associate Professor of Business Administration at the University of Illinois Gies College of Business - joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour to discuss…

Mother's Day is less than a week away - but there's still time to make it special. Test-driving retirement could be one of the smartest moves you'll ever make, plus a pair of investment ideas from our Monday afternoon Stock Picker.

A look at why stocks are hitting record highs despite unresolved Iran tensions, Texas dessert sensation The Bougie Foodie lands in Chicago, and Mother's Day drives one of the biggest dining days of the year.

Mother's Day remains the restaurant industry's busiest day of the year. Doug Roth, Founder and President of Playground Hospitality here in Chicago joins Rachel Pierson on the WBBM Noon Business Hour with the details.

Texas cult-favorite The Bougie Foodie debuts in Chicago this month, bringing viral cookies, dessert bars, and signature bread pudding as it expands into its first new market. Brianna Cryar, founder of The Bougie Foodie, opening this month in Chicago's Fulton Market, joins Rachel Pierson on the WBBM Noon Business Hour to discuss.

Spring D-I-Y tips for your home and yard, employers struggle to separate real candidates from AI-generated resumes, and Chicago heavy metal burger brand Kuma's Corner looks overseas for the next phase of growth.

AI-written resumes are flooding employers, making candidates sound the same and forcing companies to spend more time sorting through fluff - just the latest example of AI muddying the hiring process on both sides. Michelle Reisdorf, Chicago jobs expert for Robert Half here in Chicago, joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour with the details.

It's Spring DIY season for your house and yard - from power washing to planting flowers to inspecting patios and deck. Casey Finn, founder of TheDIYPlaybook.com here in Chicago, joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour with key advice.

What you need to know before making a job relocation move, why “dirty soda” is going from niche to mainstream, and the smart financial steps newlywed couples should take to start off on the right foot.

Newlyweds can build a strong financial foundation from day one with the right plan and open communication. Sandi Bragar, Chief Client Officer at Aspiriant in San Francisco, joins Judson Richards on the WBBM Noon Business Hour with key advice.

Dirty soda has gained traction through social media and is now going mainstream. R-J Hottovy, Head of Analytical Research at Palo Alto based (Foot Traffic Analysis Firm) Placer A-I joins Judson Richards on the WBBM Noon Business Hour with the details.

If you're considering relocating for a job, there's more to weigh than just a bigger paycheck - housing costs, cost of living, and overall affordability all matter. Rick Cobb, founder of workplace consulting firm 2-Discern here in Chicago, joins Judson Richards on the WBBM Noon Business Hour with the details.

Dupe culture goes mainstream, how Taylor Swift is working to protect her voice and image from AI exploitation, and fun destinations you can reach on a single tank of gas.

High prices - especially gas - are pushing travelers toward one-tank trips, with local options offering easy, affordable getaways close to home. Cindy Richards, Editor in Chief of She Buys Travel dot-com here in Chicago joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour to discuss...

High prices are fueling “Dupe Culture” as consumers swap premium brands for lower-cost alternatives that deliver similar style, function, and overall experience. Bob Phibbs, CEO of the Retail Doctor in New York joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour to explain…

A preview of the busy week ahead on Wall Street, safe deposit boxes can provide peace of mind - but there are some items that probably don't belong in one, and Chicago's Water Tower Place is getting a major makeover.