blog navigation

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

  • Podcast: Financial Socialization

    by Andrea PellegriniDec 4, 2024 12:00 pm

    In episode 99 of Making Cents of Money, Andrea and Kimber discuss financial socialization, how it develops, who contributes to it, and what it means for our relationship with money.

  • Bankruptcy Basics: A Tool for Troubled Finances

    by Richard Owusu-CyrusNov 26, 2024 12:30 pm

    Bankruptcy is a tool for managing financial responsibilities when circumstances make them more than you can bare. However, understanding the different types of bankruptcy can be tricky, so you can read how they may apply to different situations. 

  • Podcast: Costs of Car Ownership

    by Andrea PellegriniNov 21, 2024 8:00 am

    In episode 98 of Making Cents of Money, Kimber and Andrea talk about the costs of car ownership and what to consider when deciding on if a vehicle is a need or a want for you. 

  • 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.