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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.
Education

blog posts

  • Saving Money on Holiday Travel text over photo of a toy plane and gift on pink table

    Podcast: Saving Money on Holiday Travel

    Nov 6, 2024 8:00 am21 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)! 

  • Zombie Properties & Mortgages

    Podcast: Zombie Properties & Mortgages

    Oct 22, 2024 12:00 pm7 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. 

  • Basic Needs & Needs Insecurity

    Podcast: Basic Needs & Needs Insecurity

    Oct 7, 2024 12:00 pm9 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.

  • Group of diverse college students with their thumbs up

    The Power of Financial Education: A Key to Success for College Students

    Sep 25, 2024 12:30 pm83 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 pm29 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.

  • On Ramp to Repayment Ends September 30 for Federal Student Loan Borrowers

    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.

  • PSLF Seekers in SAVE: Costs of Administrative Forbearance

    Podcast: PSLF Seekers in SAVE: Costs of Administrative Forbearance

    Sep 10, 2024 12:00 pm37 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 episode 91: Retirement Savings in Illinois

    Podcast: Retirement Savings in Illinois

    Aug 26, 2024 12:00 pm23 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.

  • Podcast: Back to School - College & Credit

    Aug 12, 2024 12:00 pm21 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 am12 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 pm26 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!

  • 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 pm17 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 pm15 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.

  • PSLF Transition Update

    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).

  • Lines of Injustice: What is Redlining?

    Podcast: Lines of Injustice: What is Redlining?

    May 6, 2024 12:00 pm63 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. 

  • Money, Stress, and Bad Habits

    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.

  • Financial Education Resources for Illinois Residents

    Podcast: Free Financial Education Resources for Illinois Residents

    Apr 22, 2024 12:00 pm26 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. 

  • April 30th Student Loan Deadline

    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. 

  • Student Loan Management

    Webinar Recording: Student Loan Management

    Apr 3, 2024 1:00 pm2 views

    Learn how to navigate your student loan journey. Understand crucial terms, tips, and tools for managing your education debt.

  • Building Wealth After Graduation

    Podcast: Building Wealth After Graduation

    Mar 25, 2024 12:00 pm73 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.

  • What happens when a bank fails? in white text over picture of piggy bank sinking in water

    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.

  • Save Money on Food

    Webinar Recording: Save Money on Food

    Mar 6, 2024 1:00 pm0 views

    Hungry for savings? Uncover tricks for affordable dining. Say goodbye to overspending and hello to tasty savings. 

  • Is Crypto the Wild West? with a sunset and silhouettes of saguaro cacti.

    Podcast: Is Crypto the Wild West?

    Feb 26, 2024 12:00 pm13 views

    In episode 78 of Making Cents of Money, Is Crypto the Wild West?, David DeCarlo and Jake Hamilton join us to discuss what regulation does and does not exist for consumers regarding crypto.

  • Student Loan Update 8 - Different Types of Student Loans

    Student Loans Webinar #8 Recording: Different Types of Student Loans

    Feb 16, 2024 1:00 pm10 views

    It's important to know the types of loans that you have in order to understand your repayment and other student loan management options.

  • Episode 77 - Tax Talk with two people speaking to each other over some paperwork.

    Podcast: Tax Talk

    Feb 9, 2024 12:00 pm9 views

    In episode 77 of Making Cents of Money, Tax Talk, Andrea and Nikki talk tax... forms, terms, and more as the April 15 federal tax deadline approaches.

  • Steps to Investing: What to Know Now

    Webinar Recording: Steps to Investing - What to Know Now

    Feb 7, 2024 1:00 pm1 views

    Ready to start investing? Learn investing basics and explore new trends in securities. 

  • Podcast: What is Crypto Anyway?

    Jan 29, 2024 12:00 pm14 views

    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.

  • Money in Your Entrepreneurial Pursuit

    Webinar Recording: Money In Your Entrepreneurial Pursuit

    Jan 24, 2024 1:00 pm1 views

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

  • Student Loan Update 7 - Public Service Loan Forgiveness

    Student Loans Webinar #7 Recording: Public Service Loan Forgiveness

    Jan 19, 2024 1:00 pm7 views

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

  • Podcast: Setting & Prioritizing Financial Goals

    Dec 20, 2023 12:00 pm78 views

    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 Loan Update 6 - Managing PLUS Loans

    Student Loans Webinar #6 Recording: Managing PLUS Loans

    Dec 15, 2023 1:00 pm5 views

    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.

  • Your Financial Tool Chest

    Webinar Recording: Your Financial Tool Chest

    Dec 6, 2023 1:00 pm1 views

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

  • Podcast: Credit Reports Update

    Nov 29, 2023 12:00 pm37 views

    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 Loan Update 5 - Fresh Start & On-Ramp to Repayment

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

    Nov 17, 2023 1:00 pm7 views

    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. 

  • Don't Get Phished: Avoid Scams & Fraud

    Webinar Recording: Don't Get Phished

    Nov 8, 2023 1:00 pm1 views

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

  • Podcast: Loan Payments Resumed in October

    Oct 31, 2023 12:00 pm15 views

    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 Loan Update 4 - Know Options if You Can't Pay

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

    Oct 20, 2023 1:00 pm6 views

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

  • Podcast: Understanding FAFSA

    Oct 18, 2023 12:00 pm43 views

    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.

  • Spooked by Spending Plans?

    Webinar Recording: Spooked by Spending Plans?

    Oct 11, 2023 1:00 pm4 views

    Discover spending motivations and find money management tools that work for you to face your financial fears.

  • Image with line chart and graph behind white text that reads World Investor Week

    Podcast: World Investor Week

    Oct 4, 2023 12:00 pm25 views

    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.

  • Magnifying glass over newspaper focusing on Interest Rates with white text that reads "The Impact of Compound Interest"

    Podcast: The Impact of Compound Interest

    Sep 20, 2023 12:00 pm17 views

    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.

  • Student Loan Update 3 - Consolidation or Refinancing

    Student Loans Webinar #3 Recording: Review Consolidation or Refinancing

    Sep 15, 2023 1:00 pm4 views

    We discussed interest and the differences between consolidating and refinancing your student loans. Carefully consider the consequences of using a private refinance loan to pay off federal student loans.

  • Read Before You Sign: Renting & Leasing

    Webinar Recording: Read Before You Sign

    Sep 6, 2023 1:00 pm0 views

    Get savvy about renting & leasing! Understand your rights & responsibilities when it comes to renting a place to live. 

  • Man smiling while holding paycheck. White text reads "Understanding Your Paycheck"

    Podcast: Understanding Your Paycheck

    Sep 5, 2023 12:00 pm42 views

    In episode 69 of Making Cents of Money, Understanding Your Paycheck, Nikki and Andrea talk about something you're bound to love: your paycheck!

  • The Financial Impact of Digital Illiteracy

    Podcast: The Financial Impact of Digital Illiteracy

    Aug 23, 2023 12:00 pm47 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.