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

  • Understand Your Refund - Fall 2025

    by SMMC StaffAug 29, 2025 10:00 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.

  • Let It Go - The Sunk Cost Fallacy and Smarter Spending

    by Sahil ShimpiAug 25, 2025 5:00 pm

    Discover why you keep throwing good money after bad decisions and learn the psychology-backed strategies to break free from the sunk cost trap that's costing you hundreds in subscriptions, investments, and everyday spending choices.

  • Podcast: The Role of Loan Servicers

    by Andrea PellegriniAug 21, 2025 12:00 pm

    In episode 114 of Making Cents of Money, Andrea & Kimber discuss the role of loan servicers in the United States. Whether you have a car loan, mortgage, or student loan, understanding how student loan servicing works can help you navigate repayment.

  • Get Savvy: Grow Your Green Stuff webinar series for 2025-2026

    by Andrea PellegriniAug 11, 2025 11:00 am

    The 2025-2026 'Get Savvy - Grow Your Green Stuff' webinar schedule is now live! Topics include tax-planning for students, saving money on food, budgeting, career planning, and more. Register today!

  • Podcast: Tackling Tariffs (Part 2)

    by Andrea PellegriniJul 23, 2025 12:00 pm

    In episode 113 of Making Cents of Money, learn more from economist Chasse Rehwinkel about the economic impact tariffs have on specific industries and the domino effect that it has on the economy in the United States and abroad. 

  • Before You Give or Take Financial Advice, Read This

    by Andrea PellegriniJun 26, 2025 12:30 pm

    Whether we mean to or not, we all do it at some point in our lives--give or take financial advice that may be ill-informed. Read what to watch for when taking financial advice and what risks exist for giving financial advice.

  • Podcast: Tackling Tariffs

    by Andrea PellegriniJun 25, 2025 12:00 pm

    In episode 112 of Making Cents of Money, we're celebrating 529 day with the Office of the Illinois State Treasurer who manages two nationally acclaimed 529 qualified tuition programs: Bright Start & Bright Directions.

  • Opening a Bank Account in the United States

    by Andrea PellegriniJun 17, 2025 11:15 am

    Looking to establish a relationship with a financial institution? We've highlighted reasons you might need one and steps to opening a checking or savings account in the U.S.

  • 13 Ways to Avoid Unlucky Losses in 2025

    by Andrea PellegriniJun 13, 2025 8:00 am

    Friday the 13th is often considered an unlucky day, but let's talk about how to improve your luck with 13 financial planning tips!

  • Podcast: 529 Day

    by Andrea PellegriniMay 29, 2025 12:00 pm

    In episode 111 of Making Cents of Money, we're celebrating 529 day with the Office of the Illinois State Treasurer who manages two nationally acclaimed 529 qualified tuition programs: Bright Start & Bright Directions.