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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.

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  • 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.

  • Understand Your Refund - Fall 2024

    by SMMC StaffAug 29, 2024 7:00 am

    Many students end up unable to register every semester because they owe money back to the university, even after receiving a refund. Learn answers to frequently asked questions about refunds and get entered to win one of five $50 gift cards.

  • Podcast: Retirement Savings in Illinois

    by Andrea PellegriniAug 26, 2024 12:00 pm

    In episode 91 of Making Cents of Money, Retirement Savings in Illinois, Christine Cheng from the Illinois Treasurer's office discusses how Illinois is addressing barriers to planning for retirement and helping small businesses provide retirement benefits to their employees.

  • Podcast: Back to School - College & Credit

    by Andrea PellegriniAug 12, 2024 12:00 pm

    In episode 90 of Making Cents of Money, Back to School: College & Credit, Kimber & Andrea discuss credit cards and financing options for students and families, including the different tools and their short and long-term impacts.

  • Podcast: Goodbye Nikki, Hello Kimber!

    by Andrea PellegriniAug 12, 2024 10:00 am

    In episode 89 of Making Cents of Money, Goodbye Nikki, Hello Kimber!, we have a bitter sweet send-off to long-time host, Nikki Giancola-Shanks but welcome a new voice, Kimber Beckler, to the show.

  • Podcast: Financial Wellness Concepts

    by Andrea PellegriniJul 29, 2024 12:00 pm

    In episode 88 of Making Cents of Money, Financial Wellness Concepts, Nikki and Andrea discuss several terms that are often used interchangeably related to financial wellness and their definitions.

  • Get Savvy: Grow Your Green Stuff webinar series for 2024-2025

    by Andrea PellegriniJul 29, 2024 9:15 am

    The 2024-2025 'Get Savvy - Grow Your Green Stuff' webinar schedule is now live! Topics include financial aid, budgeting, entrepreneurship, credit and more. Register today!

  • Ethics & Economics of "Informed Consent" for Medical Treatment in the U.S.

    by Kwabena Sarfo AdjeiJul 23, 2024 10:00 am

    "Informed consent" is an important aspect of medical care. Learn what it means, why costs are a required component of it, and your options if a medical professional has not provided informed consent prior to administering services.

  • Podcast: Appraisal Bias

    by Andrea PellegriniJul 15, 2024 12:00 pm

    In episode 87 of Making Cents of Money, IDFPR Deputy Secretary Ericka Johnson breaks down what appraisal bias is, how it affects consumers, and what you can do if you believe you're a victim.

  • Podcast: The Illinois Community Reinvestment Act

    by Andrea PellegriniJul 1, 2024 12:00 pm

    In episode 86 of Making Cents of Money, Susana Soriano from IDFPR discusses what the recently passed Illinois CRA is and how  it will help Illinois consumers by reducing discrimination and combatting redlining, among other things.