The Your Money Matters Podcast from 720 WGN

Tammy Bilek, owner of Honoring Aging and a Certified Senior Move Manager, joins Jon Hansen to talk about downsizing. Tammy explains how Honoring Aging will provide personalized support throughout the relocation process, and they discuss the emotional side of getting rid of your items. Whether your goal is to age in place or to relocate, […]

Ted Rossman, Principal Consumer Finance Analyst at Money Management International, joins Jon Hansen to talk about how to get out of credit card debt. Ted shares how companies lure you into getting a credit card with a low interest rate and later switch to a high fee. Jon and Ted talk about balance transfers, medical debt, […]

Rae Kaplan, student loan attorney at Kaplan Law Firm, joins Jon Hansen to talk about how she’s starting to see more student loans forgiven. Plus FAFSA updates and why everyone should fill out their FAFSA. For more information on how Rae can help you with your loans, visit www.financialrelief.com or call 312-294-8989.

Green Attic co-owner and CEO Andrei Turea joins Jon Hansen on Your Money Matters to discuss how they can lower your operating costs through insulation, roofing, and solar combined. Starting as an insulation company, Green Attic evolved into one focused on efficiency. To start saving with Green Attic Insulation, call 847-777-4777 or go to GreenAttic.com. For Green […]

Erin Russell of The Russell Firm joins Jon Hansen to discuss the case of Chicago urban historian Shermann “Dilla” Thomas battling Swedish ski apparel brand Dope Snow, which is claiming his brand infringes on their mark. For more information on the Russell Firm, call 312-994-2424.

Tim Stearns, owner and president of TJ Stearns Financial Planning & Benefits, joins Jon Hansen to discuss the gaps in single people’s financial plans. From long-term care to blind spots, Tim talks about how people can become more confident in their finances and shares the free event he’s hosting. To register for the free event, visit lp.constantcontactpages.com. […]

Dave Schlueter of the Law Offices of David R. Schlueter joins Jon Hansen on Your Money Matters to discuss joint tenancy accounts and the importance of having an estate plan. To learn more about how Dave Schlueter can help you, visit schlueterlawoffice.com or call 1-630-285-5300.

This week on the Business of Good, presented by BCU: Northern Illinois Special Recreation Association. Think about something as simple as signing your kid up for summer camp, a basketball league, swimming lessons, or an art class. For most families, you find the program, fill out the form, and show up. But for a child […]

Lenny Feil, Designated Managing Broker and Owner at Century 21 Harthside Realtors, joins Jon Hansen to talk about the energy and water needs that data centers bring to communities. Lenny talks about how centers use hundreds of thousands of gallons of water per day, plus how homeowners are reacting to centers popping up.

Dr. Bal Nandra, Founder and Medical Director of IV Solutions and Ketamine Centers of Chicago, joins Jon Hansen to discuss what he and his colleagues do at TransformRX Chicago. Dr. Nandra discusses testosterone replacement therapy, Vitamin D, and Vitamin K.

Sean O'Kane, Senior Reporter of Transportation at TechCrunch, joins Jon Hansen to discuss the future of AI after an Anthropic researcher resigned and said that the company is “racing straight to self-improving superintelligence and gambling with our lives”.

Gary Pattengale, Advanced Planning Specialist and Wealth Advisor at Mesirow, joins Jon Hansen on Your Money Matters to talk about changes you should be aware of for the upcoming tax season. From new deductions for non-itemizers and more. Gary shares tips and reminders so you are best prepared. For more information, visit www.mesirow.com or call 877 Mesirow.

Rachel Herzog, Commercial Real Estate Reporter at Crain's Chicago Business, joins Jon Hansen to talk about the first completed office conversions into housing that have opened to residents. Rachel talks about the Bellwether Residences and whether there will be a wave of available apartments that were previously office buildings on the market. For more of Rachel’s […]

Chuck Fraelich, President of Tag Outlet, joins Jon Hansen on Your Money Matters to talk about their returning tent sale. Chuck talks about how Tag has been around for 51 years and the Retailer Excellence Award that they received. The duo also talks about how small businesses are doing with managing their inventory. Shop the tent sale […]

Center Guard Plumbing's Mike Epping joins the show to answer listener questions about garbage disposals, leaking faucets, and dangerous chemicals. Go to wgnplumber.com or call 847-406-8883 to learn about what Center Guard can do for you.

Joshua Stern, Co-Founder of Dorsia, joins Jon Hansen to discuss Chicago’s addition to the reservation app that gets members into top restaurants. Joshua talks about members committing to a minimum spend and breaks down the importance of their relationships with restaurant partners. Plus, how members can apply and how Chicago fits into the Dorsia platform. […]

Ed Maher, co-host of The Workers' Mic, joins Jon Hansen to provide details on the potential strike looming in the background of negotiations between hotel employees and 40 downtown hotels.

Screen your date before the date. PeopleFinders CEO Amber Higgin joins Jon Hansen to talk about the launch of their new dating AI screening platform, Stud or Dud. Amber talks about how the site is meant to save users time and how valuable having information can be. Stud or Dud provides users with criminal records, […]

This week on the Business of Good, presented by BCU: Build-A-Biz. Students Idhant Ranjan and Ankita Senapati share how Build-A-Biz got started. The duo shares how they teach classes twice a week and their work in Zambia. For more information, visit buildabiz.org!

Attorney John Heggie of Heggie Law Firm speaks with host Jon Hansen to discuss the importance of having difficult conversations about what will happen to you and your things after death, and the care you might need beforehand. Plus, John answers listener questions about probate court and naming trustees. To find more information about how Attorney Heggie […]

Gary Pattengale, Advanced Planning Specialist and Wealth Advisor at Mesirow, joins Jon Hansen on Your Money Matters to talk about the five tax moves you should make before December 31st. From making charitable donations, revisiting SALT deductions, and catching up ok 401(k) contributions. Gary shares tips and reminders to help you with your taxes for […]

Steven Bugg, President & CEO of Great Lakes Credit Union, joins Jon Hansen to discuss GLCU's annual Fill the Boat School Supply Drive. Plus, Steven talks about how GLCU is helping food banks, building work experience for youth, and opening over 400 youth checking accounts to help teens improve their financial literacy. The duo also shares […]

Brian Hoogeveen, The Cash Man from Americash Jewelry & Coin Buyers, joins Jon Hansen to discuss items that could be worth money. Listeners ask about Star Wars merch, Elvis stamps, and designer mirrors. Visit topcashbuyer.com for more information.

David Schlossberg, Senior Partner at Assured Concepts Group, joins Your Money Matters for a ‘Rest Assured' Thursday. David answers whether a million dollars is enough for retirement, how Social Security affects retirement, and how having a spouse changes calculations. For more information, visit assuredgroup.com or call 847-426-1077.

Ken Edwards, co-host of The Workers' Mic, joined Jon Hansen to provide details on why employees at Qualawash Holdings LLC, represented by Teamsters Local 727, voted to unanimously authorize an unfair labor practice strike on Wednesday.

Carrie Callas, Executive Director of the Cancer Wellness Center, joins Jon Hansen to talk about how the Cancer Wellness Center is a place where people affected by cancer can find support, connection, and resources – at no cost. Carrie also talks about the Better Together Benefit, their annual fundraiser on Thursday, September 24th at the […]

Daryl Bernard, owner of Genesis Plus HOCL, joins Jon Hansen on Your Money Matters to talk about how dirty the average indoor air is. Plus, Daryl answers what hypochlorous is, talks about the impact candles have in your home, and more. For more information, visit genesishocl.com.

Introduced in Japan in the late 80s, these were selling out in the US by 1988, with long backorders. By 1997, over 5 million were sold. This product supported a growing industry of complementary products. At its peak, 25% of homes had one and then…. Poof. Prices dropped, sales dropped, the whole fad dropped. What is […]

Freelance reporter Judith Crown joins Jon Hansen to talk about the privately financed rail proposal that would take you to O’Hare in 15 minutes. Judith shares what tracks would be used, how neighbors feel, and what planners are saying. For more stories by Judith, visit www.chicagobusiness.com.

Tom Fortino, Founder and Principal of Alpha Wealth Group and host of “The Alpha Wealth Hour” on WGN Radio, joins Jon Hansen to talk about moves to make before the end of the year for your 401(k). Plus, the latest news on Social Security. TUNE IN to WGN Radio and listen to The Alpha Wealth Hour on […]

Craig Bolanos, Co-founder and Wealth Advisor at VestGen Wealth Partners, joins Jon Hansen on Your Money Matters to discuss the latest market numbers. He breaks down why your grocery bill could rise next year and how the 10-year Treasury touched its highest level since 2023. For more information, go to GetRetiredStayRetired.com.

Kevin Silverman is the Owner and Chief Sharpening Officer at Northside Cutlery. He joins Jon Hansen to talk about how his side hustle of sharpening knives has turned into the business he has now. From offering custom pieces to working with local artisans, Kevin talks about what’s available at his shop and gives listeners tips […]

Faran Krentcil, Business of Fashion columnist and founder of fashionista.com, joins Jon Hansen on Your Money Matters to discuss the latest fashion stories consumers should know about. The Met Gala canceled its John Galliano theme after receiving backlash. Walmart announced a new brand in which most items are $25 or less. Faran and Jon also discuss […]

It’s time to go through your retirement checklist. Four out of 10 people are on track for retirement. Tim Stearns, owner and president of TJ Stearns Financial Planning & Benefits, joins Jon Hansen to talk about having three income streams, securing a healthcare plan, and collecting Social Security while working. For more information, call 800-640-2256.

Sean O'Kane, Senior Reporter of Transportation at TechCrunch, joins Jon Hansen to discuss a startup company that uses compressed hydrogen fuel to boost efficiency. Hydrogen is integrated with existing diesel engines. The duo discusses the power it delivers and how it could achieve greater efficiency than a standard diesel engine, potentially saving operators money. Find more of […]

This week on the Business of Good, presented by BCU: Rebuilding Together North Suburban Chicago. They are a nonprofit with a pretty straightforward idea: to help people stay safely in the homes they already own. They provide critical home repairs completely free of charge to low-income homeowners, particularly older adults, people with disabilities, veterans, and […]

Every Monday, Jon Hansen is joined by a specialist from Mesirow to discuss a different finance-related topic. In this episode, Andrew Mutlu, CFP, APMA, Vice President and Wealth Advisor, joins Jon to talk about a Roth 401(k) at work vs a pre-tax 401(k). From percentage matching to income limits, Andrew shares how to make the […]

Walter Magdziarz, Community & Economic Development Director for the Village of Bensenville, joins Jon Hansen to talk about the growth the town has seen and why it is such a great spot for you to live and have your business.

Ben Szalinski, Statehouse reporter at Capitol News Illinois, joins Jon Hansen on Your Money Matters to discuss Moody's upgrading Illinois' issuer and general obligation bond ratings to A1 on Wednesday and the laws signed to put regulations on e-bikes and scooters. To read more of Ben's reporting, visit https://capitolnewsillinois.com/news/

Dr. Bal Nandra, Founder and Medical Director of IV Solutions and Ketamine Centers of Chicago, joins Jon Hansen to discuss what he and his colleagues do at TransformRX Chicago. Dr. Nandra discusses increasing protein intake in a daily diet and the benefits of supplements like creatine on a GLP-1 weight-loss journey.

Craig Bolanos, Co-founder and Wealth Advisor at VestGen Wealth Partners, joins Jon Hansen on Your Money Matters to discuss the latest market numbers, including strong earnings from NVIDIA. Craig also looks ahead to the upcoming midterms and talks about if Wall Street likes having a divided government. For more information, go to GetRetiredStayRetired.com.

All We Remember is a minimalist, gender-neutral clothing brand that just opened in Logan Square. Jacob Victorine, one of All We Remember’s co-founders, joins Jon Hansen on Your Money Matters to discuss how they started the business, how they let people see the garments being made, and how they use biodegradable materials. All We Remember […]