blog posts How the Rule of 72 Can Help You Build Wealth—Or Sink Deeper Into Debt Feb 6, 2025 12:30 pm7 views Whether you are saving for a goal or dealing with debt, the Rule of 72 offers a simple, yet effective way to estimate the time it takes for money to grow or for debt to balloon due to compound interest. Understand Your Refund - Spring 2025 Jan 29, 2025 10:00 am120 views 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 and get entered to win one of five $50 gift cards. Webinar Recording: Taxes for International Students Jan 23, 2025 1:00 pm0 views Are you an international student navigating U.S. taxes? Watch Taxes for International Students January 23, 2025, to learn the key rules to stay compliant. Podcast: Unclaimed Property in Illinois Jan 22, 2025 12:00 pm56 views In episode 102 of Making Cents of Money, Treasurer Michael Frerichs joined as a guest to discuss the state of Illinois' process for getting unclaimed property back to the owners. Webinar Recording: Tackling Tax Basics Jan 16, 2025 1:00 pm0 views Get ready for tax season! Watch Tackling Tax Basics from January 16, 2025, to learn the basics of tackling taxes. Understand essential concepts to confidently manage your taxes. Podcast: New Year, New Financial Resolutions Dec 28, 2024 12:00 pm12 views In episode 101 of Making Cents of Money, join Kimber and Andrea for pointers on pursuing your financial resolutions in the new year. Podcast: The [Episode] with All the Co-Hosts Dec 17, 2024 12:00 pm1 views In episode 100 of Making Cents of Money, all the co-hosts (past and present) reunite to celebrate the release of the 100th podcast episode. Webinar Recording: Mastering the Consumer Credit Game Dec 5, 2024 1:00 pm0 views Watch Mastering the Consumer Credit Game on YouTube to learn how to build, manage, and protect your credit, a crucial financial tool in the game of life. Podcast: Financial Socialization Dec 4, 2024 12:00 pm12 views In episode 99 of Making Cents of Money, Andrea and Kimber discuss financial socialization, how it develops, who contributes to it, and what it means for our relationship with money. Bankruptcy Basics: A Tool for Troubled Finances Nov 26, 2024 12:30 pm31 views Bankruptcy is a tool for managing financial responsibilities when circumstances make them more than you can bare. However, understanding the different types of bankruptcy can be tricky, so you can read how they may apply to different situations. Podcast: Costs of Car Ownership Nov 21, 2024 8:00 am6 views In episode 98 of Making Cents of Money, Kimber and Andrea talk about the costs of car ownership and what to consider when deciding on if a vehicle is a need or a want for you. Know What You Owe Challenge - Fall 2024 Nov 15, 2024 8:00 am266 views 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 15 - December 15, 2024. Budgeting for a Week: A Realistic Approach Nov 8, 2024 4:00 pm266 views Budgeting empowers you to work toward reasonable financial goals, keeping you from overspending and accruing debt. Explore steps you can take this week to start building a budgeting habit. Webinar Recording: Building, Protecting, & Leaving Your Nest Egg Nov 7, 2024 1:00 pm0 views Plan your legacy with confidence. Watch Building, Protecting, & Leaving Your Nest Egg to learn essential concepts of asset management across the life span. Build, protect, and leave your nest egg for future generations. Podcast: Saving Money on Holiday Travel Nov 6, 2024 8:00 am30 views In episode 97 of Making Cents of Money, Andrea and Kimber discuss a variety of ways to save on travel during the holidays (and beyond)! Podcast: Zombie Properties & Mortgages Oct 22, 2024 12:00 pm10 views In episode 96 of Making Cents of Money, Kari Beyer from IDFPR's Division of Banking is back to discuss the dangers of zombie mortgages and zombie properties in this special halloween-themed edition. Podcast: Basic Needs & Needs Insecurity Oct 7, 2024 12:00 pm10 views In episode 95 of Making Cents of Money, basic needs and needs security and some adjacent terms, like financial fragility, are discussed by our co-hosts, Kimber and Andrea. Webinar Recording: Side Hustles & Small Business Oct 3, 2024 1:00 pm0 views Turn your passion into profit! Explore the world of Side Hustles and Small Businesses on YouTube to learn how to start, manage, and grow your entrepreneurial ventures. Searching for Part-Time Jobs as a Student Sep 30, 2024 5:00 pm47 views Searching for part-time work? In order to land that side hustle, it helps to know where to go, how to prepare your application materials, and what to ask when it comes to the interviewing process. The Power of Financial Education: A Key to Success for College Students Sep 25, 2024 12:30 pm707 views Financial education is essential for college students, equipping them with the skills and knowledge to make informed financial decisions that will not only enhance their college experience but also pave the way for long-term success. Podcast: Cost of Living Sep 24, 2024 12:00 pm33 views In episode 94 of Making Cents of Money, Andrea and Kimber discuss the cost of living and why it matters when comparing costs and how far your dollars will go if you relocate. Podcast: On Ramp to Repayment Ends 9/30 for Federal Loan Borrowers Sep 16, 2024 12:00 pm40 views In episode 93 of Making Cents of Money, Brad Fletcher joins us yet again to talk about the On Ramp to Repayment ending on September 30, 2024, and what that means for borrowers currently in repayment. Webinar Recording: Budget Hacks Sep 12, 2024 1:00 pm0 views Ready to save more and spend smarter? Discover practical tips and tricks to make your money go further and achieve your financial goals by watching Budget Hacks on YouTube. Podcast: PSLF Seekers in SAVE: Costs of Administrative Forbearance Sep 10, 2024 12:00 pm65 views In episode 92 of Making Cents of Money, Brad Fletcher joins us again to talk about the current state of student loans on the SAVE repayment plan and the PSLF Buyback program for borrowers nearing completion of their PSLF requirements. Understand Your Refund - Fall 2024 Aug 29, 2024 7:00 am149 views 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 and get entered to win one of five $50 gift cards. Podcast: Retirement Savings in Illinois Aug 26, 2024 12:00 pm28 views In episode 91 of Making Cents of Money, Retirement Savings in Illinois, Christine Cheng from the Illinois Treasurer's office discusses how Illinois is addressing barriers to planning for retirement and helping small businesses provide retirement benefits to their employees. Webinar Recording: Demystifying the Financial Aid Process Aug 22, 2024 1:00 pm9 views Unlock the secrets of financial aid. Learn how to maximize your financial aid package and ease the burden of tuition. Join us to navigate the complex world of financial aid with confidence. Podcast: Back to School - College & Credit Aug 12, 2024 12:00 pm22 views In episode 90 of Making Cents of Money, Back to School: College & Credit, Kimber & Andrea discuss credit cards and financing options for students and families, including the different tools and their short and long-term impacts. Podcast: Goodbye Nikki, Hello Kimber! Aug 12, 2024 10:00 am16 views In episode 89 of Making Cents of Money, Goodbye Nikki, Hello Kimber!, we have a bitter sweet send-off to long-time host, Nikki Giancola-Shanks but welcome a new voice, Kimber Beckler, to the show. Podcast: Financial Wellness Concepts Jul 29, 2024 12:00 pm36 views In episode 88 of Making Cents of Money, Financial Wellness Concepts, Nikki and Andrea discuss several terms that are often used interchangeably related to financial wellness and their definitions. Get Savvy: Grow Your Green Stuff webinar series for 2024-2025 Jul 29, 2024 9:15 am0 views The 2024-2025 'Get Savvy - Grow Your Green Stuff' webinar schedule is now live! Topics include financial aid, budgeting, entrepreneurship, credit and more. Register today! Ethics & Economics of "Informed Consent" for Medical Treatment in the U.S. Jul 23, 2024 10:00 am169 views "Informed consent" is an important aspect of medical care. Learn what it means, why costs are a required component of it, and your options if a medical professional has not provided informed consent prior to administering services. Podcast: Appraisal Bias Jul 15, 2024 12:00 pm15 views In episode 87 of Making Cents of Money, IDFPR Deputy Secretary Ericka Johnson breaks down what appraisal bias is, how it affects consumers, and what you can do if you believe you're a victim. Podcast: The Illinois Community Reinvestment Act Jul 1, 2024 12:00 pm19 views 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 Jun 25, 2024 8:00 am37 views 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) Jun 17, 2024 12:00 pm17 views 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 Jun 14, 2024 8:00 am14 views 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 Jun 13, 2024 8:00 am23 views Learn about the many government entities in the United States and in the state of Illinois that regulate financial industries and support consumers. Mutual Funds vs Exchange Traded Funds May 29, 2024 9:00 am924 views 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. Podcast: PSLF Transition Update May 20, 2024 12:00 pm11 views 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 May 16, 2024 3:45 pm1295 views 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. Podcast: Lines of Injustice: What is Redlining? May 6, 2024 12:00 pm67 views In episode 83 of Making Cents of Money, Lines of Injustice: What is Redlining?, DFPR Secretary Mario Treto, Jr. discusses the topic of redlining and how it leads to disparities for generations. Webinar Recording: Money, Stress, & Bad Habits May 1, 2024 1:00 pm4 views Understand the connection between money, stress, and bad habits. Learn strategies to manage stress, break free from detrimental financial behaviors, and cultivate a healthier relationship with money. Variable Insurance: Protection Product or Security? Apr 26, 2024 3:45 pm210 views Learn about how variable insurance differs from traditional whole and term life insurance policies and what to keep in mind if you are considering variable insurance. Podcast: Free Financial Education Resources for Illinois Residents Apr 22, 2024 12:00 pm27 views In episode 82 of Making Cents of Money, Free Financial Education Resources for Illinois Residents, Maggie Owen from the Illinois State Treasurer's Office joins us to discuss all the financial education programs Illinois has for residents. Podcast: April 30th Student Loan Deadline Apr 8, 2024 12:00 pm33 views In episode 81 of Making Cents of Money, April 30th Student Loan Deadline, we discuss a critical deadline for FFEL, Perkins, or Health Education Assistance Loans (HEAL) borrowers on income-driven repayment (IDR) plans. Webinar Recording: Student Loan Management Apr 3, 2024 1:00 pm3 views Learn how to navigate your student loan journey. Understand crucial terms, tips, and tools for managing your education debt. Know What You Owe Challenge - Spring 2024 Apr 1, 2024 8:00 am136 views 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 April 1 - May 1, 2024. Podcast: Building Wealth After Graduation Mar 25, 2024 12:00 pm75 views In episode 80 of Making Cents of Money, Building Wealth After Graduation, Donovan Sanchez returns to talk about how to navigate juggling multiple goals during the transition to life after college. Podcast: What Happens When a Bank Fails? Mar 11, 2024 12:00 pm13 views In episode 79 of Making Cents of Money, What Happens When a Bank Fails?, Chicago City Comptroller and former Illinois Director of Banking, Chasse Rehwinkel joins us to discuss recent incidents of bank failure and how these differed from others in history.
