Noon Business Lunch

Nationally syndicated financial columnist and author Terry Savage joins John Williams to talk about the market making a little bounce back after Monday’s losses, the impact of AI on the economy, and why this is a perfect time to look at your market exposure. And as always, Terry answers all of your financial questions.

Segment 1: Tom Gimbel, job expert and founder of LaSalle Network, joins John to break down the current health of the labor market, the challenge of finding a job right now, what you can do if you lose your job, and how technology has impacted the labor market. Tom also offers some helpful tips if you are looking for a job.

Segment 2: Jack Newsham, Correspondent, Business Insider, joins John to talk about the risks involved in using prediction markets.

Segment 3: Dr. Priya Freaney, Medical Director, Women’s Heart Care Program, Northwestern Medicine, joins John to talk about women’s cardiovascular health, why heart disease doesn’t look the same in women as it does in men, the symptoms that are more common in women, the risk factors that are unique to women, and the most important steps women can take to protect their heart health.

Segment 1: Ilyce Glink, owner of Think Glink Media, joins John Williams to talk about the state of financial wellness for 2026.

Segment 2: Jim Dallke, Director of Communications, TechNexus Venture Collaborative, tells John about Cameo securing an injunction against OpenAI, and how Chicago-area schools stack up at producing unicorn startup founders.

Segment 3: Michael Bempah, Founder of Pinpoint Scholars Foundation and CEO of Pinpoint Precision Engineering, talks to John about his company and what they do, his mission to expand STEM programs to underserved areas, the importance of mentorship when developing Chicago’s future workforce, and what the Pinpoint Scholars Foundation does and who it serves.

Segment 1: Craig Bolanos, Founder and Wealth Advisor at VestGen Wealth Partners, joins John Williams to talk about the mixed reaction from the markets after news on inflation, GDP, and SCOTUS ruling on tariffs, what all the data means for Fed policy moving forward, why expects a volatile year in the markets, the existential retirement crisis in America, and what he’s telling his clients about how they should manage their portfolios.

Segment 2: Aki Ito, Chief Correspondent at Business Insider, joins John Williams to talk about why AI hasn’t yet turbocharged the workforce.

Segment 3: John Iannucci, CEO of Agave & Stone Hospitality, which owns Fat Rosie’s in Chicago, joins John to talk about how they are celebrating National Margarita Day this Sunday.

Segment 1: Elliot Richardson, Co-founder and President, Small Business Advocacy Council, joins John to talk about the challenges small businesses are facing when it comes to procuring affordable, quality health insurance and how the SBAC is focused on lowering the cost of health insurance.

Segment 2: Scott Stein, Editor at Large, CNET, tells John about the next wave of wearables from big tech. Scott also explains why he is concerned about Meta’s smart glasses and facial recognition.

Segment 3: Faron Daugs, CFP, Founder and CEO, Harrison Wallace Financial Group, joins John to talk about today’s market pullback, why a market breather shouldn’t set off any alarm bells, how geopolitical events always make the markets uneasy, the concern in the labor market right now, inflation slowing, why he thinks tariffs will eventually close the U.S. trade deficit, and what he’s telling his clients right now.

Nationally syndicated financial columnist and author Terry Savage joins John Williams to talk about what seniors should know about this tax season. And, as always, Terry answers all of your financial questions.

Segment 1: Amy Schubert, Market leader, U.S. Bank Private Wealth Management, to talk about what we are seeing in the labor market right now, and what you can do to prepare for expected and unexpected job changes.

Segment 2: Phillippe Weiss, President, Seyfarth at Work, joins John Williams to talk about why many bosses should consider ‘momentum milestones’ to maintain productivity throughout the year.

Segment 3: Michael Miller, Economics Professor, Western Washington University and Professor Emeritus at DePaul University, joins John to talk about why many Americans believe we are in a recession when data proves otherwise. Michael also talks about how you may pay a high price for picking the wrong major.

Segment 1: Ilyce Glink, owner of Think Glink Media, and publisher of Love, Money + Real Estate on Substack, joins John Williams to talk about why existing home sales are decreasing, the reason why Gen Z and Alpha are putting their money in the stock market, and a new survey that shows many Americans are feeling financial stress.

Segment 2: Sam Toia, President and CEO of the Illinois Restaurant Association, tells John why the Illinois Restaurant Association is applauding a judge ruling that swipe fees can no longer be charged on sales tax or gratuities.

Segment 3: Shay Keller and Leah McCarthy, Instructors, Solae, join John to talk about their hot sculpt, and Pilates studio that recently opened in Northbrook.

Segment 1:  Laura Ellis, chief strategy officer, executive vice president and president of residential sales at Baird & Warner talks about trends in a post-Super Bowl housing market.

Segment 2: Emily Stewart, Senior Correspondent, Business Insider, talks about the corporate wellness boom permeating offices around the country.

Segment 3: Landis Beverly, General Manager of new restaurant Caché 310 previews all that it has to offer from cocktails, meals, and how it’s prepared for Valentine’s Day.

Segment 1: Jane Oates, policy advisor and former President of Working Nation, joins John Williams to discuss the January jobs report, the top sectors where jobs were created, and her forecast for the FED.

Segment 2: Scott Stein, editor at large for CNET, joins John to discuss Samsung’s upcoming phone event, what most people want in a phone, and evolving AI features for phones.

Segment 3: Mitch Lyons, founder of Mitch Lyons Wealth, joins John to talk about defensive posturing with finances and how to combat the fear of running out of money after retiring.

Segment 4: Ted Rossman, principal analyst at Bankrate, joins John to talk about how often partners share their finances with each other and the value of having joint accounts.