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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

  • Before You Give or Take Financial Advice, Read This

    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

    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.

  • Opening a Bank Account in the United States

    Looking to establish a relationship with a financial institution? We've highlighted reasons you might need one and steps to opening a checking or savings account in the U.S.

  • 13 Ways to Avoid Unlucky Losses in 2025

    Friday the 13th is often considered an unlucky day, but let's talk about how to improve your luck with 13 financial planning tips!

  • Podcast: 529 Day

    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.

  • Summer Webinar: Cash at College - Saving, Spending and Student Loans

    Cash at College is a webinar for all students headed to college this fall as well as their families. This webinar is designed to cover the very basics of banking, budgeting, credit, student loans, and keeping financial information secure as you transition to life on campus.

  • Podcast: Federal Student Loan Updates [Involuntary Debt Collection Resumes]

    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

    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

    Can money buy happiness? Watch our webinar recording from May 1 to explore the relationship between money and happiness. 

  • What Are Out-of-Pocket Costs?

    When it comes to healthcare, it's hard to keep track of out-of-pocket costs and how it can impact our overall healthcare expenses in a given year. This article sheds light on this complicated topic so you can make more informed choices for your overall wellbeing and your wallet.