Segment 1: Stephen Kates, CFP, Financial Analyst, Bankrate, joins John Williams to break down today’s inflation data and what that means for the economy as we head into 2026.

Segment 2: Brandon Ewing, Director, Community Retail Branches, BCU, joins John to talk about their credit union, the difference between a credit union and a bank, the various products they offer, the benefits of a credit union, who is eligible to become a member of BCU, and how they are a full service financial institution.

Segment 3: Harold Redman, CEO, ECHO, tells John how ECHO has partnered with Friends of the Forest Preserves, donating 27 pieces of professional-grade equipment now being used to speed up invasive removal efforts. Harold also tells John how business has been, the rise of autonomous mowers, and how they have navigated through tariffs.

Segment 4: John Manchester, co-owner, Windy City Sweets, join John Williams to talk about how business has been this holiday season, their most popular items, the ‘naughty’ and ‘nice’ cookies and other holiday treats, and their new cookie that supports the Greater Chicago Food Depository.