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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

  • 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.

  • Things to Keep in Mind with Financial Aid Offers

    by Andrea PellegriniJun 25, 2024 8:00 am

    Financial Aid Notifications or Award Letters can be difficult to compare. Read about what to keep in mind while reviewing them and learn about the CFPB's tool to compare them when planning out how to fund your degree.

  • Podcast: The Federal Community Reinvestment Act (CRA)

    by Andrea PellegriniJun 17, 2024 12:00 pm

    In episode 85 of Making Cents of Money, Ed Hill from IDFPR discusses what the Federal CRA is and a little history on how it works to address disparities in lending for underserved communities.

  • Experience a Scam or Discrimination? Here's How to File a Complaint

    by Andrea PellegriniJun 14, 2024 8:00 am

    Whether you experience scams, fraud, or discrimination, you can file complaints with the appropriate agencies. Read the steps you can take to resolve a consumer issue or file a complaint if necessary.

  • Financial Regulation Authorities that Support Consumers in the U.S. and Illinois

    by Andrea PellegriniJun 13, 2024 8:00 am

    Learn about the many government entities in the United States and in the state of Illinois that regulate financial industries and support consumers.

  • Facilitator Guide - How to Throw a Webinar Watch Party

    by Andrea PellegriniJun 11, 2024 10:00 am

    We aren't able to accommodate workshops by request, but we have dozens of webinar recordings on YouTube and plan new, live webinars each academic year on different financial topics. You can empower your peers or students with increased financial knowledge by throwing a webinar watch party.

  • Mutual Funds vs Exchange Traded Funds

    by Suhas Vetri Annamalai, edited by Andrea PellegriniMay 29, 2024 9:00 am

    Curious about automatically diversified investment options? Learn the key differences between Mutual Funds and ETFs, and find out which might be the best fit for your situation and financial goals.

  • Summer Webinar: Cash at College - Saving, Spending and Student Loans

    by Andrea PellegriniMay 28, 2024 12:00 pm

    Cash at College is a webinar for all students headed to college this fall as well as their families. This webinar is designed to cover the very basics of banking, budgeting, credit, student loans, and keeping financial information secure as you transition to life on campus.

  • Podcast: PSLF Transition Update

    by Andrea PellegriniMay 20, 2024 12:00 pm

    In episode 84 of Making Cents of Money, Brad Fletcher from IDFPR joins to discuss the current state of transition for borrowers seeking Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF).

  • Executing a Power of Attorney in Illinois

    by Kwabena Sarfo AdjeiMay 16, 2024 3:45 pm

    A power of attorney (POA) is a tool to enable someone else to make decisions on your behalf. There are several types of POAs and their functions differ. Read this article to find answers to many questions about POAs.