blog posts Before You Give or Take Financial Advice, Read This Jun 26, 2025 12:30 pm6 views Whether we mean to or not, we all do it at some point in our lives--give or take financial advice that may be ill-informed. Read what to watch for when taking financial advice and what risks exist for giving financial advice. Podcast: Tackling Tariffs Jun 25, 2025 12:00 pm5 views In episode 112 of Making Cents of Money, we're celebrating 529 day with the Office of the Illinois State Treasurer who manages two nationally acclaimed 529 qualified tuition programs: Bright Start & Bright Directions. Podcast: 529 Day May 29, 2025 12:00 pm13 views In episode 111 of Making Cents of Money, we're celebrating 529 day with the Office of the Illinois State Treasurer who manages two nationally acclaimed 529 qualified tuition programs: Bright Start & Bright Directions. Podcast: Federal Student Loan Updates [Involuntary Debt Collection Resumes] May 12, 2025 12:00 pm22 views In episode 110 of Making Cents of Money, Brad Fletcher joins Kimber & Andrea again to discuss the US Department of Education's resumption of involuntary debt collection on defaulted federal student loans. More Than Money: What to Consider in a Job Offer Package May 1, 2025 4:00 pm145 views There are more things to consider with a job offer than salary. Read this article to learn how to evaluate the true value of a job position. Webinar Recording: Money & Happiness May 1, 2025 1:00 pm0 views Can money buy happiness? Watch our webinar recording from May 1 to explore the relationship between money and happiness. Roth vs Traditional Retirement Plans: What’s the Difference? Apr 22, 2025 12:00 pm43 views When it comes to retirement-focused investing, understanding the tax treatment and rules of different accounts is essential for long-term financial planning. In the U.S., these typically fall into two main categories: Traditional and Roth accounts. Podcast: Avoiding Job Scams Apr 21, 2025 12:00 pm19 views In episode 109 of Making Cents of Money, Kwabena Adjei, our own SMMC Support Specialist, joins Kimber and Andrea to explain how to avoid job scams based research he did for his recent blog post. Podcast: [Filing a] Tax Deadline Extension Apr 7, 2025 12:00 pm12 views In episode 108 of Making Cents of Money, Kimber and Andrea discuss how to file for an extension if you won't meet the April 15th tax-filing deadline. Podcast: National Financial Capability Month Apr 4, 2025 12:00 pm13 views In episode 107 of Making Cents of Money, Kimber and Andrea talk about National Financial Capability Month which runs the entirety of April every year. Webinar Recording: Money, Stress, & Bad Habits Apr 3, 2025 1:00 pm3 views Stress impacting your finances? Watch this webinar recording on YouTube to uncover the connection between stress, money, and bad habits. Learn strategies to improve your financial health and overall well-being. Podcast: Neurodiversity and Financial Strategies Mar 26, 2025 12:00 pm60 views In episode 106 of Making Cents of Money, Andrea and Kimber discuss the nuances of neurodiversity as it relates to navigating money management. Webinar Recording: Psychology of Money - Stages of Change Mar 13, 2025 1:00 pm3 views Transform your financial habits! Explore the Psychology of Money and the Stages of Change. Learn how to achieve lasting financial well-being. Podcast: Stages of Financial Behavior Change Mar 10, 2025 12:00 pm62 views In episode 105 of Making Cents of Money, Emily Harmon, Illinois Extension Family Life Educator, joins Kimber & Andrea to delve into the Transtheoretical Model which can help explain why behavior change relating to finances can be challenging. Webinar Recording: Student Loan Management Mar 6, 2025 1:00 pm5 views There are many things to be aware of when it comes to managing those loans from application to pay-off (or forgiveness). Learn the terms, tips, and tools to make managing your education debt easier. Job Search Due Diligence in the U.S. – Avoiding Job Scams Feb 25, 2025 10:30 am205 views In this article, Kwabena Sarfo Adjei discusses job search due diligence and how job seekers can navigate the perilous journey of landing a dream job while avoiding becoming a victim of a job scam in this digital age. Webinar Recording: Investing 102 - Risks & Rewards Feb 20, 2025 1:00 pm6 views Take your investing knowledge to the next level! Watch Investing 102 to learn advanced concepts and key tips for successful investing. Discover Hidden Treasures: Reclaim Your Unclaimed Property Today! Feb 19, 2025 8:00 am188 views The Illinois State Treasurer’s Office holds over $5 billion in unclaimed property, and through the I-Cash program, residents can easily search for and reclaim forgotten assets, with nearly $299 million returned in 2024. Podcast: Money and Relationships Feb 14, 2025 12:00 pm38 views In episode 104 of Making Cents of Money, Andrea & Kimber discuss considerations for navigating financial management when it comes to relationships, be them romantic, familial, or with friends and roommates. Podcast: Economics of Cannabis [in Illinois] Feb 7, 2025 12:00 pm42 views In episode 103 of Making Cents of Money, Vaughn Bentley, Deputy Director of Cannabis Control at IDFPR, joins Kimber and Andrea to discuss the economics of cannabis in Illinois. Webinar Recording: Investing 101 - Wealth Building Basics Feb 6, 2025 1:00 pm7 views Want to start investing? Watch Investing 101: Wealth Building Basics to learn basic investing terms and concepts to confidently begin your investment journey. How the Rule of 72 Can Help You Build Wealth—Or Sink Deeper Into Debt Feb 6, 2025 12:30 pm586 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. Webinar Recording: Taxes for International Students Jan 23, 2025 1:00 pm3 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 pm114 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 pm2 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 pm22 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 pm9 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 pm4 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 pm40 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 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. Podcast: Costs of Car Ownership Nov 21, 2024 8:00 am16 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. Webinar Recording: Building, Protecting, & Leaving Your Nest Egg Nov 7, 2024 1:00 pm4 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 am47 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 pm15 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 pm14 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 pm3 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. The Power of Financial Education: A Key to Success for College Students Sep 25, 2024 12:30 pm3435 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 pm51 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 pm43 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 pm5 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 pm74 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. Podcast: Retirement Savings in Illinois Aug 26, 2024 12:00 pm40 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 pm22 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 pm42 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 am37 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 pm92 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 am6 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! Podcast: Appraisal Bias Jul 15, 2024 12:00 pm25 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 pm26 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 am41 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.
