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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

  • Webinar Recording: Psychology of Money - Stages of Change

    by SMMC StaffMar 13, 2025 1:00 pm

    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

    by Andrea PellegriniMar 10, 2025 12:00 pm

    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

    by SMMC StaffMar 6, 2025 1:00 pm

    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

    by Kwabena Sarfo AdjeiFeb 25, 2025 10:30 am

    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

    by SMMC StaffFeb 20, 2025 1:00 pm

    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!

    by Richard Owusu-CyrusFeb 19, 2025 8:00 am

    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

    by Andrea PellegriniFeb 14, 2025 12:00 pm

    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]

    by Andrea PellegriniFeb 7, 2025 12:00 pm

    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

    by SMMC StaffFeb 6, 2025 1:00 pm

    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

    by Richard Owusu-CyrusFeb 6, 2025 12:30 pm

    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.