Noon Business Hour on WBBM Newsradio

A look at the busy week ahead on Wall Street, why shoppers are showing up but sometimes feel like nobody is interested in helping out, and why doing less with your investments could make you more money.

Americans pulled back on retail spending last month as consumer confidence weakened - raising new concerns about the health of the consumer-driven economy, a grassroots consumer movement is growing across the country, and an Army Golden Knight takes his skills into life after the military.

People have been saying for years that Social Security is going to run out of money - our guest explains why that's not actually the case. Plus, a look at Gen Z embracing retro technology and the growing use of AI to conduct job interviews.

Gen Z is going retro - embracing dumb phones, old game consoles and vintage gadgets as younger consumers seek simpler, less-connected technology. Paul Hochman, President of Humongous Media joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour with the details.

Latest reading on inflation, from empty offices to apartments - a look at the transformation underway across downtown Chicago, and before you pull the trigger on that big financial decision - take 24 hours to think it over.

Severe storms can bring down trees, quickly turning it into a busy time for local tree-cutting services. Eric Grossnickle, Arborist for Bartlett Tree Experts here in Chicago joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour with the details.

A preview of the busy week ahead on Wall Street. The calendar says summer, but the shelves say fall. We look at why pumpkin spice season is already making its debut, plus a pair of investment ideas from a money pro.

A breakdown of today's key government jobs report, a look at a quarter century of Chicago innovation, and the disappearing fitting room - and why critics say the trend could backfire.

A look at the turnaround of Chicago's Magnificent Mile. Adults-only dining is gaining support, and you may not realize just how closely your boss is watching you.

As workplace technology evolves, more employers are using digital tools to monitor employee activity, raising new questions about privacy, trust, and productivity. And yes, your boss is likely watching you. 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.

Smart ways to help grandchildren financially without creating entitlement, why Portillo's is looking outside the company to get back on track, and how to keep generosity from turning into financial hardship.

Helping family and friends feels generous, but without financial boundaries, good intentions can put your own long-term financial security at risk. Jonathan Shenkman, President and Chief Investment Officer of Park Bridge Wealth Management in New York, joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour to discuss the cost of being nice.

Helping grandchildren financially can be rewarding, and there are smart ways to build their financial confidence without creating a sense of entitlement. Shari Greco Reiches, Regional Director at EP Wealth in Chicago, joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour with details.

Being named an executor is an honor - but experts say know what's involved before saying yes, ways to make trips with other families fun for everyone, and the best state fair eats in the Midwest.

From giant turkey legs to deep-fried desserts, Midwest state fairs have become must-visit destinations for food lovers every summer. Mark Wolters, Wolters World Travel and Culture - YouTube channel and Associate Professor Of Business Administration at the University of Illinois - Gies College of Business in Urbana-Champaign joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour with the details.

A preview of the busy week ahead on Wall Street, Spider-Man: Brand New Day delivers a record-breaking opening weekend, and why lower travel costs are tempting families to take vacations after school starts.

Chicago's job market is showing renewed strength, with hiring on the rise across several industries; a trip to the resale store can bring real value to back-to-school shopping; and the leap from gang member to successful businesswoman.

Dealing with the disruptive experience of losing your phone - Americans now bet more on sports than they spend on movies, music, books, and museums—combined; and virtual reality is letting Chicago Public Schools students test-drive careers before choosing their future.

Virtual reality is giving Chicago Public Schools students the chance to experience careers before choosing a path - and our guest helped make it happen. Matt Wren, Tech Expert and Founder of VRAR Chicago joins Andy Dahn on the WBBM Noon Business Hour with the details.

The parasite outbreak linked to contaminated lettuce appears to have taken a bigger toll on Taco Bell than first reported, the importance of having a "money talk" with aging parents, and a look at the three biggest factors affecting the housing market right now.

Talking to aging parents about money can be uncomfortable, but experts say having those conversations early can help protect their wishes, independence, and financial security. Ed Gjertsen, Certified Financial Planner and Founder of Engage Wealth Group in Chicago, joins Andy Dahn on the WBBM Noon Business Hour with the details.

We break down today's key earnings, kids' birthday parties are getting more expensive and a growing debate is emerging over parents asking guests to help cover the cost, and the importance of a vision check before kids head back to school.

We take a closer look at how a nationwide parasite outbreak is prompting some Chicago restaurants to change their menus, it's been a big summer at the box office - with one of the season's most anticipated releases arriving this week, and the financial pressures of supporting multiple generations of a family.

As summer winds down, now is the time to budget for back-to-school costs and fall activities - explore great travel destinations close to home and celebrate Route 66 with homemade ice cream, old-fashioned sodas, and hometown charm.

A look at the sell-off on Wall Street, why experts say you should understand the true cost of pet ownership before bringing one home, and the latest technology to improve your health and fitness.

From rising vet bills to expensive boarding, experts say people considering getting a pet should understand and factor in the true cost of ownership before bringing one home. Ed Gjertsen, Certified Financial Planner and Founder of Engage Wealth Group here in Chicago, joins Judson Richards on the WBBM Noon Business Hour to discuss.

The sneaker world has changed dramatically, with competition much fiercer - forcing every shoe brand to step up its game, one of the biggest investing mistakes people make isn't choosing the wrong investment - it's waiting too long to get started and how higher restaurant prices have reached "the breaking point" for more diners.

As restaurant prices continue to climb - many consumers are reaching their spending limits - forcing operators to rethink value and affordability. Doug Roth, Founder and President of Playground Hospitality here in Chicago joins Judson Richards on the WBBM Noon Business Hour to discuss.

Parents can help their children start building good credit long before adulthood by making one simple move - adding them as an authorized user, a lot of people want to age in place - but is their current home truly ready? And why now is the time to book a Midwest autumn getaway.

For those planning a Midwest autumn getaway - now is the time to book. The best rooms for peak-color weekends and the most popular attractions fill up quickly, so don't let your plans FALL through. Mark Wolters, Wolters World Travel and Culture - YouTube channel and Associate Professor Of Business Administration at the University of Illinois' Gies College of Business in Urbana-Champaign joins Judson Richards on the WBBM Noon Business Hour to discuss.

Parents can help their children start building good credit long before adulthood by making one simple move - adding them as an authorized user. Ted Rossman, Independent Credit Card Analyst in New York joins Judson Richards on the WBBM Noon Business Hour with the details.

From building wealth in your thirties to preparing for retirement in your fifties, the right financial moves change as your career evolves. New data shows nearly three in four finance creators on TikTok have no stated financial qualifications. And why some retirees are choosing life at sea -and how they make it work.

Living on a cruise ship in retirement may sound like a dream - but with careful planning, smart budgeting and the right strategy, it can become a reality. Cindy Richards, Editor in Chief OF She Buys Travel dot-com here in Chicago joins Andy Dahn on the WBBM Noon Business Hour with the details.

Shares of Netflix are lower after a disappointing forecast and streaming problems during this week's MLB Home Run Derby, a yoga instructor shares his "hot take" on the mind-body discipline, and family movies continue to dominate the box office.

Family movies are dominating the box office as parents skip the babysitter, pack up the kids, and turn movie night into a family outing. Paul Dergarabedian - Head of Marketplace trends at Rentrak in Los Angeles joins Judson Richards on the WBBM Noon Business Hour with the details.

People are buying fewer groceries as higher prices linger, tips for planning your digital legacy before it's too late, and strategies for asking for a raise at work.

Moving abroad is a dream for many, but making it a reality requires careful planning. Think before buying into expensive money traps people often regret, and understand the long-term costs and commitments before buying a vacation home.

Owning a vacation or second home is a dream for many - but the financial and lifestyle commitments connected to it deserve careful consideration before buying. Michael Bogardus - Certified Financial Planner with the Harbor Oak Team at Barnum Financial Group in Shelton, Connecticut.

Prediction markets might not be a good choice for average investors, providing kids with honest conversations about money, and planning a memorable cruise to Alaska.

An Alaskan cruise is unlike most other voyages, and understanding what makes it different can help you make the most of the experience. Ilana Schattauer - Founder & Content Creator for the YouTube channel - Life Well Cruised and Life Well Cruised dot-com in Montreal, Quebec joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour with key advice.

Prediction markets are gaining popularity, but experts warn they can mislead investors by amplifying speculation, bias, and unnecessary financial risk. Mark Hulbert, Investment Columnist for The Wall Street Journal, Barron's & MarketWatch in Washington, DC joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour to discuss.

A preview of the busy week ahead on Wall Street, a look at the "buy it for life" philosophy, and a pair of stock picks from a money pro.