Noon Business Hour on WBBM Newsradio

The big week for Chicago sports fans continues - the Bears did their part last night, beating the Eagles - and now it's up to the Cubs and White Sox. European Christmas markets are becoming a holiday travel tradition for Americans, and your next opportunity could start with an unexpected conversation.

If you're looking for a job - your job is looking for a job. That's why taking every meeting - even if the opportunity doesn't seem right - could open the door to your next one. 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.

Affording to buy a home is about much more than just the mortgage payment... Dru Wischhover - Founder and Owner of Inspired Title Group here in Chicago joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour to talk about the true cost of home-ownership.

Chicago sports fans, this could be a week to remember - and a boost for the city's economy. Plus, one of the big debates among parents these days: When should your kid get their first phone? And a visit with our Monday afternoon stock picker.

A look at how the GLP-1 revolution is moving far beyond weight loss, why Chicago is officially a baseball town - with the Cubs and White Sox headed to the playoffs - and how a Chicago woman turned her passion for holiday decorating into a thriving business.

From Halloween haunts to Christmas wonderlands - one Chicago entrepreneur has spent 25 years turning holiday decorating into a thriving business. Kelly Fitzsimmons, Founder of Light Up Your Holidays here in Chicago joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour with the details.

Millions of Americans are taking Social Security early amid financial pressures and fears about the program's future, Halloween is now big business - from dog costumes to twelve-foot skeletons - and Meta smart glasses are evolving from wearable tech into personal assistants.

Halloween is bigger than ever - as adults, pets and elaborate home decorations help turn the spooky season into serious business. Jan Rogers Kniffen, CEO of J. Rogers Kniffen Worldwide in New York joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour with the details.

Your personality may shape your finances more than you think - and understanding your money habits could be the first step toward building wealth, Farmer's Fridge finds its next big opportunity in the American workplace, and new data shows nearly one-third of young adults are living with their parents.

New data shows nearly one-third of young adults are living with their parents - and the financial consequences can last for decades, especially for mom and dad. Alonso Munoz, Chief Investment Officer at Hamilton Capital Partners in Atlanta joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour to discuss.

Your personality may shape your finances more than you think - and knowing your money habits could be the first step toward building wealth. Sandi Bragar, Chief Client Officer at Aspiriant in San Francisco joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour with the details.

A major air traffic control outage disrupted thousands of flights, raising new concerns about the vulnerability of the nation's aviation system; why bringing an iced coffee to a job interview may send the wrong message; and from freezing Midwest temperatures to Florida sunshine - rethinking where you spend the holidays.

A preview of the busy week ahead on Wall Street, divorce can reshape your finances for decades and a pair of investment ideas from a money pro.

Divorce can be one of life's biggest financial resets - and the long-term impact can look very different for women and men. Tony Ogorek, Founder of Ogorek Wealth Management in Buffalo, New York joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour with key advice.

Surging diesel costs threaten to ripple through nearly every corner of the economy, the Chicago-style hot dog gets a crunchy new twist, and Halloween takes over Six Flags Great America this weekend.

Gas-powered muscle remains a major selling point for trucks, at a restaurant - don't settle - your table can shape the entire dining experience, and AI slop is showing up everywhere -and people are getting sick of it.

Costco is becoming more than a place to buy in bulk — shoppers increasingly find friendship, community and even romance there. Fall is the perfect time to tackle small home and yard projects before winter weather arrives in force. And the simple financial stress test every household should take today.

Costco is becoming more than a place to buy in bulk - as shoppers increasingly find friendship, community and even romance there. RJ Hottovy, Head of Analytical Research at Palo Alto based - Foot Traffic Analysis Firm - Placer A-I joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour with the details.

New research shows 70 percent of teenagers want to start investing - but the first lessons they learn could shape their financial lives for decades. Rent or buy a home? The right answer depends on a multitude of factors. And pick just one place, unpack once and experience your trip more deeply.

Conventional personal finance wisdom says you have to own a home to build long-term wealth - but renting or buying can both work. The better choice depends on your finances, timeline, lifestyle and discipline. Elizabeth Buffardi (buh-FAR-dee), founder of Crescendo Financial Planners in Oak Brook, joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour to discuss.

New research shows 70 percent of teenagers want to start investing - but the first lessons they learn could shape their financial lives for decades. Shane Gornik, financial advisor with Forefront Financial Planning in Lisle, joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour with some key advice.

The Bears delivered after a ton of preseason buzz, while the NFL opened the new year with global growth firmly in focus. A look at why buying ski gear NOW can save you money ahead of the season, and a pair of investment ideas from a money pro.

The Bears enter the new season with plenty of hope and buzz, powered by Caleb Williams in his second year under coach Ben Johnson; nearly one-third of Americans admit to dating for a free meal; and tennis courts across Chicago are serving up opportunity.

Nearly one in three Americans admits to accepting a date mainly for free food or drinks -a move dubbed a “foodie call.” Doug Roth, founder and president of Playground Hospitality here in Chicago, joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour with the details.

The Schaumburg Boomers are in the playoffs - and they've opened their postseason run with a win, A look at when hyped technology becomes harmful and why nervous investors could keep the bull market charging through November.

The Schaumburg Boomers are in the playoffs - and they've opened their postseason run with a win. Michael Larson, Executive Vice President and General Manger of Schaumburg Boomers Baseball joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour with the details.

Oil tops 100 dollars a barrel as the conflict between the U-S and Iran escalates, how to avoid family conflict through smarter inheritance conversations, and why some AI insiders are sounding the alarm.

A big question a lot of homeowners have as they approach retirement - Should you pay off your mortgage now or wait? - And often, the right answer involves more than simply comparing interest rates. Michael Bogardus, a Certified Financial Planner with the Harbor Oak Team at Barnum Financial Group in Shelton, Connecticut, joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour with the details.

A prominent AI researcher has quit his job - warning that leading companies in the space are moving too quickly toward potentially uncontrollable super-intelligence. Matt Wren, Tech Expert and Founder of VRAR Chicago joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour with the details.

A preview of the busy week ahead on Wall Street, new renderings reveal a bold vision for the potential future home of the White Sox and the latest travel trend puts overlooked destinations in the spotlight.

A breakdown of today's big government jobs report, how an enslaved pitmaster's recipes became a celebrated American barbecue legacy, and a local business leader expanding access to affordable solar power.

Retirement balances are hitting record highs - and although it might be tempting to tap into that money, experts warn financially squeezed savers to think twice before raiding their accounts. Professional beach volleyball takes over Chicago's Oak Street Beach this weekend for the 2026 AVP League Championships, and Tesla prepares to reveal its latest vision for fully driverless transportation.

The cost of buying a new car has become prohibitive for many people—making used vehicles an attractive alternative, Chicago's craft beer boom is losing its fizz, and some experts say the job market is dead—and it's not coming back.

Some experts say the job market is dead - and it's not coming back. Rick Cobb, founder of the Chicago workplace consulting firm 2-Discern, joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour with the details.

Starting early when saving for a kid's education is key, a look at how some travel influencers stretch the truth, and what's behind the explosion of sports tourism as fans turn away games, fantasy drafts and major events into full-scale destination weekends.

Sports tourism is exploding - as fans turn "Away-Games" - fantasy drafts - and major events into full-scale destination weekends. Angie Rice, Co-Founder of Boutique Travel Advisors based in Scottsdale, Arizona joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour to discuss.

From kindergarten drop-off to college move-in day - it happens much faster than most parents expect - and having a plan to pay for it all is key. Sandi Bragar - Chief Client Officer and Partner at Aspiriant in San Francisco joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour with the details.

A preview of the busy week ahead on Wall Street, how some friendships can put pressure on your finances, and planning your own farewell could spare your family stress when it matters most.

Chicago home prices have risen faster over the past year than in any other major U.S. city, hundreds of classic cars roll into Berwyn for a Route 66 centennial celebration, and Michigan Avenue's newest attraction turns quick thinking into a full-body sport.

Shares of Nvidia rally after another blockbuster quarter reassured investors that the artificial-intelligence boom remains intact; new moms face a difficult choice between career momentum and precious time with their babies; and everyday accessories are becoming powerful tools for tracking health and wellness.

Facebook parent Meta settles a landmark social media addiction case; why every household should conduct a financial fire drill; and 'tis the season for apple, cinnamon and pumpkin flavors - but waiting for sweater weather could mean you're already too late.

'Tis the season for apple, cinnamon and pumpkin flavors in beer and spirits - but if you wait for sweater weather, you may already be too late. Carly Katz, owner of Bottles and Cans in Chicago's Edgebrook neighborhood, joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour to explain.