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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: Understanding FAFSA

    by Andrea PellegriniOct 18, 2023 12:00 pm

    In episode 72 of Making Cents of Money, Understanding FAFSA, Beth Groves, Professional Development Specialist from the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) talks about major changes to the FAFSA, delays, and its importance for anyone considering post-secondary education.

  • Webinar Recording: Spooked by Spending Plans?

    by SMMC StaffOct 11, 2023 1:00 pm

    Discover spending motivations and find money management tools that work for you to face your financial fears.

  • Podcast: World Investor Week

    by Andrea PellegriniOct 4, 2023 12:00 pm

    In episode 71 of Making Cents of Money, World Investor Week, Andrea interviews Alan Sorcher and Anne McKinley from the US Securities & Exchange Commission in honor of World Investor Week on ways investors can learn about securities throughout the year.

  • Refinancing an International Education Loan in the United States

    by Suhas Vetri AnnamalaiSep 28, 2023 10:00 am

    Suhas Vetri Annamalai, SMMC Support Specialist and student at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's College of Law, discusses multiple factors to consider when deciding if refinancing your international student loan in the U.S. is the right choice for you.

  • Podcast: The Impact of Compound Interest

    by Andrea PellegriniSep 20, 2023 12:00 pm

    In episode 70 of Making Cents of Money, The Impact of Compound Interest, Andrea and Nikki explore the complicated relationship we can have with compound interest when it comes to accomplishing financial goals.

  • Student Loans Webinar #3 Recording: Review Consolidation or Refinancing

    by Andrea PellegriniSep 15, 2023 1:00 pm

    We discussed interest and the differences between consolidating and refinancing your student loans. Carefully consider the consequences of using a private refinance loan to pay off federal student loans.

  • Webinar Recording: Read Before You Sign

    by SMMC StaffSep 6, 2023 1:00 pm

    Get savvy about renting & leasing! Understand your rights & responsibilities when it comes to renting a place to live. 

  • Podcast: Understanding Your Paycheck

    by Andrea PellegriniSep 5, 2023 12:00 pm

    In episode 69 of Making Cents of Money, Understanding Your Paycheck, Nikki and Andrea talk about something you're bound to love: your paycheck!

  • Breaking a Rental Lease in Illinois

    by Kwabena Sarfo AdjeiSep 1, 2023 5:15 pm

    Kwabena Sarfo Adjei, SMMC Support Specialist and LLM student at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's College of Law, describes how he was able to get out of his rental lease after finding the rental property did not meet his expectations.

  • Understand Your Refund - Fall 2023

    by SMMC StaffSep 1, 2023 1:00 pm

    Hundreds of students end up unable to register every semester because they owe money back to the university, even after receiving a refund. Learn how to avoid being one of them.