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.

  • Get Savvy: Grow Your Green Stuff Webinar Series for Spring 2027

    The Spring 2027 'Get Savvy - Grow Your Green Stuff' webinar schedule is now live! Topics include your money & AI, investing, student loan management, increasing the ROI for your degree, and budget hacks. Register today!

  • Podcast: Renting or Buying a Home, Part 2: How to Buy a Home

    In episode 134 of Making Cents of Money, IDFPR Deputy Director Kari Beyer joins us again to walk through the seven steps to ownership as well as details about down payments, PMI, and more to know as an aspiring homeowner.

  • Demystifying the Financial Aid Process

    Watch this recorded webinar to navigate FAFSA forms confidently, understand different types of aid, identify scholarship opportunities, and avoid costly mistakes in the college funding process. 

  • Podcast: Renting or Buying a Home, Part 1: The Big Picture

    In episode 133 of Making Cents of Money, IDFPR Deputy Director Kari Beyer joins us to break down the Illinois housing landscape, what your budget really includes, how equity works, and renting basics to answer the age-old question: "to rent or to buy?".

  • Podcast: Avoid Student Loan Scams - How Enforcement Actions Help Borrowers

    In episode 132 of Making Cents of Money, IDFPR Deputy General Counsel Greg Jones joins Andrea and Kimber to break down the warning signs of student loan scams and explain how enforcement actions by IDFPR help protect borrowers.

  • Podcast: How App Design Shapes Financial Behavior and Why It Works - Part 3, Know the Game

    In episode 131 of Making Cents of Money, Andrea and Kimber wrap up the mini-series on how app design shapes financial behaviors by discussing dark patterns in design choices that can influence what you click, buy, or agree to without you even realizing it.

  • Inflation: When Prices Rise

    Watch this recorded webinar to understand what inflation is, why prices rise, and how to adjust your budget and spending habits to protect your purchasing power during periods of economic change. 

  • Personal Finance Classes Across the University of Illinois System

    University of Illinois students in Urbana, Chicago, and Springfield each have access to a dedicated personal finance courses in basic financial planning, advanced planning, retirement, and estate topics that build practical money-management skills regardless of major. 

  • Understand Your Refund Challenge - Fall 2026

    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.

  • Read Before You Sign: Renting & Leasing

    Watch this recorded webinar to review a lease with confidence by understanding common rental terms, spotting red flags, and knowing your rights and responsibilities as a tenant before you sign.