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.

  • Podcast: How App Design Shapes Financial Behavior and Why It Works - Part 3, Know the Game

    by Andrea PellegriniSep 4, 2026 2:00 pm

    In episode 131 of Making Cents of Money, Andrea and Kimber wrap up the mini-series on how app design shapes financial behaviors by discussing dark patterns in design choices that can influence what you click, buy, or agree to without you even realizing it.

  • Personal Finance Classes Across the University of Illinois System

    by Andrea PellegriniAug 27, 2026 3:00 pm

    University of Illinois students in Urbana, Chicago, and Springfield each have access to a dedicated personal finance courses in basic financial planning, advanced planning, retirement, and estate topics that build practical money-management skills regardless of major. 

  • Understand Your Refund Challenge - Fall 2026

    by SMMC StaffAug 27, 2026 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.

  • Get Savvy: Grow Your Green Stuff Webinar Weries for Fall 2026

    by Andrea PellegriniAug 12, 2026 12:00 pm

    The Fall 2026 'Get Savvy - Grow Your Green Stuff' webinar schedule is now live! Topics include renting a home, inflation, financial aid, tax myths, and tools for saving. Register today!

  • Podcast: How App Design Shapes Financial Behavior and Why It Works - Part 2, Designed to Spend

    by Andrea PellegriniJul 28, 2026 10:00 am

    In episode 130 of Making Cents of Money, Andrea and Kimber explore how financial decisions and experiences can be influenced by the infrastructure we use every day which leverages behavioral science in a way that makes it feel like we're designed to spend. 

  • Podcast: How App Design Shapes Financial Behavior and Why It Works

    by Andrea PellegriniJul 10, 2026 10:00 am

    In episode 129 of Making Cents of Money, Andrea and Kimber take a deep dive into how the apps we use are designed to shape your experience and subtly nudge your brain toward certain decisions every time you log in.

  • SMMC Grad Hourly Job Opening at Urbana

    by Andrea PellegriniJun 18, 2026 2:00 pm

    Are you looking for an opportunity to enhance your professional skills while in school as well as your knowledge of personal finance? University Bursar's Student Money Management Center has a job opening at Urbana!

    Apply to be an SMMC Support Specialist!

  • Podcast: Comparing Private Student Loans

    by Andrea PellegriniJun 15, 2026 10:00 am

    In episode 128 of Making Cents of Money, Kimber and Andrea discuss how to compare private education loans as federal student loan changes shift how students are able to fund their degrees.

  • Podcast: What Happens to the Data You Feed LLMs?

    by Andrea PellegriniMay 29, 2026 9:30 am

    In episode 127 of Making Cents of Money, our very own SMMC Support Specialist, Emmy Tither, joined the podcast to talk about how your data may be used with generative AI like large language models (LLMs) and what to do to protect yourself.

  • From SAVE to Forgiveness: A PSLF Guide for Federal Borrowers

    by Andrea PellegriniMay 27, 2026 10:00 am

    Federal borrowers in public service who never made a payment due to the pandemic pause or SAVE plan forbearance may still qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness. Follow these steps to see if you're eligible and what to do now if you are.