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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

  • Behavioral Economics: Five Ways to Shift Your Habits

    by Genesis JaraNov 8, 2023 4:00 pm

    When considering decision-making in terms of your finances, it’s important to understand behavioral economics so we can develop healthier spending habits and save money along the way.

  • Webinar Recording: Don't Get Phished

    by SMMC StaffNov 8, 2023 1:00 pm

    Stay one step ahead of scams and fraud! Learn ways to protect yourself, recognize identity theft, and take action if affected.  

  • Talking to Family About Money During Holidays

    by Andrea PellegriniNov 1, 2023 8:00 am

    As the holidays are coming in, you are probably thinking of the trips, events, food, and gifts that come with it. However, this holiday, you may consider having a conversation with your family about how the pressures of this season can affect your resources (financial or otherwise).

  • Podcast: Loan Payments Resumed in October

    by Andrea PellegriniOct 31, 2023 12:00 pm

    In episode 73 of Making Cents of Money, Loan Payments Resumed in October, we discussed the "on-ramp" to repayment being implemented by the U.S. Department of Education as millions of borrowers started making payments on their federal loans again in October.

  • Student Loans Webinar #4 Recording: Know Options if You Can't Pay

    by Andrea PellegriniOct 20, 2023 1:00 pm

    We focused on what your options are if you can't make a payment, including the differences between deferment and forbearance. 

  • 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.