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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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  • Podcast: Money & Happiness

    by Andrea PellegriniDec 19, 2025 12:00 pm

    Can money really buy happiness? On this episode of Making Cents of Money, we unwrap the science behind money and joy with Donovan Sanchez who returns to discuss his primary research interest. From hedonic adaptation to pro-social spending, learn ways to boost well-being without breaking the bank. 


  • What Happens to the Data You Feed LLMs?

    by Emmy TitherDec 10, 2025 8:00 am

    Your data in AI tools goes further than you think—stored indefinitely, used for training, aggregated across conversations. In our new blog, we discuss what happens to the data you feed to LLMs, and how to protect yourself while still using AI effectively.

  • Podcast: Prioritizing Your Paid Time Off

    by Andrea PellegriniNov 24, 2025 12:00 pm

    In episode 119 of Making Cents of Money, Kimber & Andrea discuss the value and importance of using your paid time off benefits. Don't let the benefits you've earned slip away, especially during the season of spending time with family & friends.

  • Emergency Mode: Why You Need a Rainy Day Fund

    by Sahil ShimpiNov 21, 2025 3:45 pm

    A quick guide on why a rainy day fund matters and how even a small savings buffer can reduce stress, prevent crisis decisions, and help you handle unexpected expenses with confidence.

  • Know What You Owe Challenge - Fall 2025

    by SMMC StaffNov 14, 2025 2:00 pm

    About half of students at the University of Illinois take out loans to fund their degrees. Make sure you're not surprised by the amount of student loans you have taken out when you graduate by taking the Know What You Owe Challenge which runs until December 15.

  • Podcast: Student Loan Repayment in 2025

    by Andrea PellegriniNov 6, 2025 12:00 pm

    In episode 118 of Making Cents of Money, Andrea & Kimber summarize the last 5 years of student loan policy shifts and highlight recent changes impacting borrowers' options for managing their federal (and private) student loans.

  • SNAP Disruption: Where to Find Food Now

    by Andrea PellegriniOct 31, 2025 10:00 am

    If you or your loved ones experience a disruption in your Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funds this Saturday, here's where to go to find food.

  • Podcast: Why Regulation Matters

    by Andrea PellegriniOct 20, 2025 12:00 pm

    In episode 117 of Making Cents of Money, IDFPR Secretary Mario Treto, Jr. joins Kimber & Andrea to explain the importance of regulatory initatives that protect consumers and how Illinois is leading the nation in instituting and enhancing consumer protections.

  • Podcast: What to Know Before Buying a Business - Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition

    by Andrea PellegriniOct 6, 2025 12:00 pm

    In episode 116 of Making Cents of Money, Mark Smith from Gies College of Business who teaches Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign discusses what to consider when buying a business.

  • Podcast: The Money-Stress Habit Cycle

    by Andrea PellegriniSep 15, 2025 12:00 pm

    In episode 115 of Making Cents of Money, Andrea & Kimber explore the habits that can impact your financial decisions and how stress plays a role in our spending decisions.