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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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blog posts

  • How the Rule of 72 Can Help You Build Wealth--Or Sink Deeper Into Debt

    How the Rule of 72 Can Help You Build Wealth—Or Sink Deeper Into Debt

    Feb 6, 2025 12:30 pm153 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. 

  • Picture of an old rusty lockbox

    Podcast: Unclaimed Property in Illinois

    Jan 22, 2025 12:00 pm105 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.

  • A notebook on someone's lap with the word "Goals" written on the first page

    Podcast: New Year, New Financial Resolutions

    Dec 28, 2024 12:00 pm21 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 pm7 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.

  • Financial Socialization

    Podcast: Financial Socialization

    Dec 4, 2024 12:00 pm35 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 Trouble Finances

    Bankruptcy Basics: A Tool for Troubled Finances

    Nov 26, 2024 12:30 pm39 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. 

  • Costs of Car Ownership

    Podcast: Costs of Car Ownership

    Nov 21, 2024 8:00 am12 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. 

  • Podcast: Back to School - College & Credit

    Aug 12, 2024 12:00 pm32 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.

  • The Financial Impact of Digital Illiteracy

    Podcast: The Financial Impact of Digital Illiteracy

    Aug 23, 2023 12:00 pm53 views

    In episode 68 of Making Cents of Money, The Financial Impact of Digital Illiteracy, Andrea and Nikki explore the financial implications of digital Illiteracy in our digital age.

  • What's a Credit Report Anyway?

    Podcast: What's a Credit Report Anyway?

    Aug 9, 2023 12:00 pm60 views

    In episode 67 of Making Cents of Money, What's a Credit Report Anyway?, Nikki and Andrea discuss what's in your credit reports and how to get them at AnnualCreditReport.com.

  • Credit Cards and Travel

    Apr 7, 2023 1:00 pm85 views

    Travel credit cards have become very popular, offering a wide range of benefits if you use them wisely. Read on to learn about the pros and cons of using credit cards during travel and strategies for responsible credit card use.

  • Build Credit to Your Advantage - Get Savvy Webinar Recording

    Nov 9, 2022 1:00 pm9 views

    Learn about building credit to your advantage by watching this webinar recording from November 9, 2022.

  • Podcast: Choosing a Credit Card

    Jun 22, 2022 12:00 pm51 views

    In episode 43 of Making Cents of Money, Nikki and Andrea discuss what you may want to consider when it comes to choosing a credit card.

  • Podcast: Credit Access

    Jun 8, 2022 12:00 pm73 views

    In episode 42 of Making Cents of Money, Andrea and Nikki spoke with Camaya Wallace Bechard from University of Illinois Extension about access to credit, options for building and improving credit, and warning signs to watch out for.

  • Conscious Credit - Get Savvy Webinar Recording

    Nov 11, 2020 1:00 pm6 views

    In the ever-changing credit market, how do you reconcile what you hear about credit to find accurate, credible information to help you make ethical and conscious borrowing decisions? This webinar explored the role of a responsible borrower, myths and facts about credit, and how building a positive credit profile can have lasting impacts on your overall financial well-being.

  • Mobile Wallets: Know the Risks & Rewards

    Dec 15, 2017 1:45 pm324 views

    Mobile wallets are a digital way to keep your financial tools and resources in your mobile device. Learn more about the risks & rewards of mobile wallets so you can best protect your hard-earned money.

  • My Account is in Collections! Now What?

    Jul 26, 2015 12:00 pm42 views

    Tips to help you cope with & resolve accounts in collections.