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SMMC News & Events Blog
This blog highlights news, events, and informative articles on personal finance from University of Illinois System's Student Money Management Center. Feel free to navigate to different categories with the list of topics on the right or search for a specific topic next to the view all link below.

blog posts

  • More Than Money: What to Consider in a Job Offer Package

    by Sophie Kunkel, edited by Andrea PellegriniMay 1, 2025 4:00 pm

    There are more things to consider with a job offer than salary. Read this article to learn how to evaluate the true value of a job position. 

  • What Are Out-of-Pocket Costs?

    by Elisabeth Duka, edited by Andrea PellegriniApr 29, 2025 8:15 pm

    When it comes to healthcare, it's hard to keep track of out-of-pocket costs and how it can impact our overall healthcare expenses in a given year. This article sheds light on this complicated topic so you can make more informed choices for your overall wellbeing and your wallet.

  • Roth vs Traditional Retirement Plans: What’s the Difference?

    by Andrea Pellegrini & Richard Owusu-CyrusApr 22, 2025 12:00 pm

    When it comes to retirement-focused investing, understanding the tax treatment and rules of different accounts is essential for long-term financial planning. In the U.S., these typically fall into two main categories: Traditional and Roth accounts.

  • Podcast: Avoiding Job Scams

    by Andrea PellegriniApr 21, 2025 12:00 pm

    In episode 109 of Making Cents of Money, Kwabena Adjei, our own SMMC Support Specialist, joins Kimber and Andrea to explain how to avoid job scams based research he did for his recent blog post.

  • Fact Check Your Debt Challenge - Spring 2025

    by SMMC StaffApr 9, 2025 2:00 pm

    There have been a lot of changes recently that impact student loan borrowers. Can you tell myth from fact in the sea of student loan misinformation? Take the Fact Check Your Debt Quiz by May 1, 2025, to find out.

  • Podcast: [Filing a] Tax Deadline Extension

    by Andrea PellegriniApr 7, 2025 12:00 pm

    In episode 108 of Making Cents of Money, Kimber and Andrea discuss how to file for an extension if you won't meet the April 15th tax-filing deadline.

  • SMMC Grad Hourly Job Openings at Urbana

    by Andrea PellegriniApr 7, 2025 10:00 am

    Are you looking for an opportunity to enhance your professional skills while in school as well as your knowledge of personal finance? University Bursar's Student Money Management Center has two job openings at Urbana!

    Apply to be an SMMC Support Specialist!

  • Podcast: National Financial Capability Month

    by Andrea PellegriniApr 4, 2025 12:00 pm

    In episode 107 of Making Cents of Money, Kimber and Andrea talk about National Financial Capability Month which runs the entirety of April every year.

  • Webinar Recording: Money, Stress, & Bad Habits

    by SMMC StaffApr 3, 2025 1:00 pm

    Stress impacting your finances? Watch this webinar recording on YouTube to uncover the connection between stress, money, and bad habits. Learn strategies to improve your financial health and overall well-being. 

  • Podcast: Neurodiversity and Financial Strategies

    by Andrea PellegriniMar 26, 2025 12:00 pm

    In episode 106 of Making Cents of Money, Andrea and Kimber discuss the nuances of neurodiversity as it relates to navigating money management.