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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

  • Know What You Owe Challenge - Fall 2024

    by SMMC StaffNov 15, 2024 8:00 am

    About half of students at the University of Illinois take out loans to fund their degrees. Make sure you're not surprised by the amount of student loans you have taken out when you graduate by taking the Know What You Owe Challenge which runs November 15 - December 15, 2024.

  • Budgeting for a Week: A Realistic Approach

    by Colleen DupuisNov 8, 2024 4:00 pm

    Budgeting empowers you to work toward reasonable financial goals, keeping you from overspending and accruing debt. Explore steps you can take this week to start building a budgeting habit.

  • Podcast: Saving Money on Holiday Travel

    by Andrea PellegriniNov 6, 2024 8:00 am

    In episode 97 of Making Cents of Money, Andrea and Kimber discuss a variety of ways to save on travel during the holidays (and beyond)! 

  • Podcast: Zombie Properties & Mortgages

    by Andrea PellegriniOct 22, 2024 12:00 pm

    In episode 96 of Making Cents of Money, Kari Beyer from IDFPR's Division of Banking is back to discuss the dangers of zombie mortgages and zombie properties in this special halloween-themed edition. 

  • Podcast: Basic Needs & Needs Insecurity

    by Andrea PellegriniOct 7, 2024 12:00 pm

    In episode 95 of Making Cents of Money, basic needs and needs security and some adjacent terms, like financial fragility, are discussed by our co-hosts, Kimber and Andrea.

  • Searching for Part-Time Jobs as a Student

    by Andrea PellegriniSep 30, 2024 5:00 pm

    Searching for part-time work? In order to land that side hustle, it helps to know where to go, how to prepare your application materials, and what to ask when it comes to the interviewing process.

  • The Power of Financial Education: A Key to Success for College Students

    by Richard Owusu-CyrusSep 25, 2024 12:30 pm

    Financial education is essential for college students, equipping them with the skills and knowledge to make informed financial decisions that will not only enhance their college experience but also pave the way for long-term success.

  • Podcast: Cost of Living

    by Andrea PellegriniSep 24, 2024 12:00 pm

    In episode 94 of Making Cents of Money, Andrea and Kimber discuss the cost of living and why it matters when comparing costs and how far your dollars will go if you relocate.

  • Podcast: On Ramp to Repayment Ends 9/30 for Federal Loan Borrowers

    by Andrea PellegriniSep 16, 2024 12:00 pm

    In episode 93 of Making Cents of Money, Brad Fletcher joins us yet again to talk about the On Ramp to Repayment ending on September 30, 2024, and what that means for borrowers currently in repayment.

  • Podcast: PSLF Seekers in SAVE: Costs of Administrative Forbearance

    by Andrea PellegriniSep 10, 2024 12:00 pm

    In episode 92 of Making Cents of Money, Brad Fletcher joins us again to talk about the current state of student loans on the SAVE repayment plan and the PSLF Buyback program for borrowers nearing completion of their PSLF requirements.