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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.

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  • Understand Your Refund - Spring 2024

    by SMMC StaffFeb 1, 2024 7:00 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.

  • Podcast: What is Crypto Anyway?

    by Andrea PellegriniJan 29, 2024 12:00 pm

    In episode 76 of Making Cents of Money, What is Crypto Anyway?, Jake Hamilton, a previous podcast co-host, comes back to provide an overview of how crypto works and what the future looks like for this financial technology.

  • Webinar Recording: Money In Your Entrepreneurial Pursuit

    by SMMC StaffJan 24, 2024 1:00 pm

    Master your finances as an entrepreneur. Learn best practices for money management while building your business.

  • Student Loans Webinar #7 Recording: Public Service Loan Forgiveness

    by Andrea PellegriniJan 19, 2024 1:00 pm

    Learn if you can qualify for PSLF as a federal student loan borrower working in public service.

  • Podcast: Setting & Prioritizing Financial Goals

    by Andrea PellegriniDec 20, 2023 12:00 pm

    In episode 75 of Making Cents of Money, Setting & Prioritizing Financial Goals, Nikki and Andrea discussed several strategies for setting, prioritizing, and re-prioritizing financial goals... just in time for the new year! 

  • Student Loans Webinar #6 Recording: Managing PLUS Loans

    by Andrea PellegriniDec 15, 2023 1:00 pm

    We explored the unique features of Direct Parent PLUS loans and Graduate PLUS loans. Direct Parent PLUS loans have more unique repayment considerations than all other types of Direct Loans.

  • Webinar Recording: Your Financial Tool Chest

    by SMMC StaffDec 6, 2023 1:00 pm

    Unlock the power of financial tools! Explore the best services for your goals, safety, and cost-efficiency.

  • Podcast: Credit Reports Update

    by Andrea PellegriniNov 29, 2023 12:00 pm

    In episode 74 of Making Cents of Money, Credit Reports Update, we had a Consumer Alert! Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion are allowing access to free, weekly credit reports indefinitely now. 

  • Student Loans Webinar #5 Recording: Fresh Start & On-Ramp to Repayment

    by Andrea PellegriniNov 17, 2023 1:00 pm

    We discussed both the On-Ramp to Repayment and the Fresh Start Program during this webinar. If you had loans previously in Default, the Fresh Start program may be a good program for you. 

  • Know What You Owe Challenge - Fall 2023

    by SMMC StaffNov 14, 2023 8:00 am

    About half of students at the University of Illinois take out loans to fund their degrees. Make sure you're not surprised by the amount of student loans you have taken out when you graduate by taking the Know What You Owe Challenge which runs November 14 - December 15, 2023.