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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

  • Financial Feedback: Calculating Net Worth

    by Andrea PellegriniJan 30, 2026 2:45 pm

    There are many measures we can use to track our personal finances. Typically, we talk about the subjective measures of financial well-being in the Student Money Management Center, because we're focused on helping our learners understand the nuance of financial decisions. However, traditional, objective financial measures, like net worth, can also be helpful in tracking our progress towards financial goals and gaining confidence.

  • Want to Start Investing? Read This First

    by Emmy TitherJan 27, 2026 4:00 pm

    In this post, we cover financial foundations you need before investing—emergency savings, managing high-interest debt, and setting clear goals. Plus: how diversification and time horizons work, understanding the risk-return spectrum, and red flags to watch for.

  • Comparing Private Student Loans

    by Andrea PellegriniJan 26, 2026 2:45 pm

    Private student loans currently make up less than 10% of outstanding student loan debt in the United States. However, with the impending changes to federal student loan options for students, more students and families may be onsidering private loans to accomplish their educational goals. Here's what to consider when comparing alternative loan options.

  • Increasing ROI for a College Degree

    by Andrea PellegriniJan 22, 2026 3:45 pm

    A college degree is a significant investment, often funded through a cornucopia of funding types. This article describes how to increase the overall return on investment in a college degree, including short- and long-term strategies. Since the majority of students borrow to pay for school, we pay particular attention to student loan management methods that can save students and alumni money.

  • Podcast: Before You Give or Take Financial Advice, Listen to This...

    by Andrea PellegriniJan 20, 2026 12:00 pm

    It’s a new year, and with that comes a slew of advice on financial topics to tie into your resolutions. But before you listen to that influencer, click that link, or even take guidance from a family member, there are important factors to consider. In this episode, Making Cents of Money dives deep into the topic of using caution before giving or receiving financial advice.


  • What You Need to Know About Neobanks

    by Emmy TitherJan 12, 2026 1:00 pm

    Learn what neobanks are, how deposit insurance really works with these services, and the key differences between them and traditional banks. Essential reading before you move your money to a digital-only platform.

  • Set Financial Goals, Learn Compound Interest, Contribute to Research

    by Andrea PellegriniJan 8, 2026 10:00 am

    Transform your financial goals into achievable plans while learning about compound interest through our research study combining goal-setting with visualizations.

  • Podcast: Money & Happiness

    by Andrea PellegriniDec 19, 2025 12:00 pm

    Can money really buy happiness? On this episode of Making Cents of Money, we unwrap the science behind money and joy with Donovan Sanchez who returns to discuss his primary research interest. From hedonic adaptation to pro-social spending, learn ways to boost well-being without breaking the bank. 


  • What Happens to the Data You Feed LLMs?

    by Emmy TitherDec 10, 2025 8:00 am

    Your data in AI tools goes further than you think—stored indefinitely, used for training, aggregated across conversations. In our new blog, we discuss what happens to the data you feed to LLMs, and how to protect yourself while still using AI effectively.

  • Podcast: Prioritizing Your Paid Time Off

    by Andrea PellegriniNov 24, 2025 12:00 pm

    In episode 119 of Making Cents of Money, Kimber & Andrea discuss the value and importance of using your paid time off benefits. Don't let the benefits you've earned slip away, especially during the season of spending time with family & friends.