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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

  • 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. 

  • Understand Your Refund - Spring 2025

    by SMMC StaffJan 29, 2025 10:00 am

    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

    by SMMC StaffJan 23, 2025 1:00 pm

    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

    by Andrea PellegriniJan 22, 2025 12:00 pm

    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

    by SMMC StaffJan 16, 2025 1:00 pm

    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

    by Andrea PellegriniDec 28, 2024 12:00 pm

    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

    by Andrea PellegriniDec 17, 2024 12:00 pm

    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

    by SMMC StaffDec 5, 2024 1:00 pm

    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

    by Andrea PellegriniDec 4, 2024 12:00 pm

    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

    by Richard Owusu-CyrusNov 26, 2024 12:30 pm

    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.