blog posts Buying vs Renting a Home - Get Savvy Webinar Recording Apr 13, 2022 1:00 pm15 views Explore the differences between renting & buying and what to consider when deciding what's best for your situation by watching this webinar recording from April 13, 2022. Student Loans Webinar #2 Recording: Explore Repayment Plans with the Loan Simulator Aug 18, 2023 1:00 pm15 views We explained the many repayment plan options available for federal loans, but the primary action item we wanted you to focus on was using the Loan Simulator to explore repayment plan eligibility. Podcast: Basic Needs & Needs Insecurity Oct 7, 2024 12:00 pm15 views In episode 95 of Making Cents of Money, basic needs and needs security and some adjacent terms, like financial fragility, are discussed by our co-hosts, Kimber and Andrea. Podcast: Prioritizing Your Paid Time Off Nov 24, 2025 12:00 pm15 views 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. Spend Less, Travel More - Get Savvy Webinar Recording Dec 7, 2022 1:00 pm15 views Learn about how to spend less to travel more by watching this webinar recording from December 7, 2022. Podcast: National Financial Capability Month Apr 4, 2025 12:00 pm17 views In episode 107 of Making Cents of Money, Kimber and Andrea talk about National Financial Capability Month which runs the entirety of April every year. Student Loan Updates - Mini Webinar Series for 2023-2024 Jun 16, 2023 12:00 pm17 views SMMC & IDFPR are co-hosting a monthly webinar series between July 2023 - March 2024. Each 15-20 minute webinar will focus on a different topic related to federal student loans as repayment begins again in October 2023. Student Loans Webinar #5 Recording: Fresh Start & On-Ramp to Repayment Nov 17, 2023 1:00 pm17 views We discussed both the On-Ramp to Repayment and the Fresh Start Program during this webinar. If you had loans previously in Default, the Fresh Start program may be a good program for you. What Happens to the Data You Feed LLMs? Dec 10, 2025 8:00 am17 views 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. Student Loans Webinar #7 Recording: Public Service Loan Forgiveness Jan 19, 2024 1:00 pm18 views Learn if you can qualify for PSLF as a federal student loan borrower working in public service. Podcast: Farewell, Jake! May 13, 2022 12:00 pm18 views In episode 40 of Making Cents of Money, Andrea and Nikki bid farewell to long time co-host, Jake, as he transitions off the podcast and on to the next step in his career! Student Loans Webinar #4 Recording: Know Options if You Can't Pay Oct 20, 2023 1:00 pm18 views We focused on what your options are if you can't make a payment, including the differences between deferment and forbearance. Student Loans Webinar #6 Recording: Managing PLUS Loans Dec 15, 2023 1:00 pm18 views We explored the unique features of Direct Parent PLUS loans and Graduate PLUS loans. Direct Parent PLUS loans have more unique repayment considerations than all other types of Direct Loans. Investing Basics - Get Savvy Webinar Recording Mar 10, 2021 1:00 pm19 views Investing - it's not for the faint of heart, because investing in the stock market involves risk. Knowing and understanding terminology, fees, types of professionals, as well as investment methods can be a whirlwind of terms and confusing concepts. Learn the basics and have a better understanding on how investing works! Student Loan Repayment - Get Savvy Webinar Recording Apr 14, 2021 1:00 pm19 views There are 8 repayment plans for federal student loans, 10 federal student loan servicers, and an abundance of terms, tools, and tips to remember to manage federal, institutional, and private student loans. Watch our Student Loan Repayment webinar recording to learn about your options as a borrower. Student Loans Webinar #8 Recording: Different Types of Student Loans Feb 16, 2024 1:00 pm20 views It's important to know the types of loans that you have in order to understand your repayment and other student loan management options. Get $avvy - Grow Your Green $tuff Webinars for 2022-2023 Aug 22, 2022 12:00 pm21 views The 2022-2023 Get Savvy: Grow Your Green Stuff annual webinar series schedule is out. Register today and #GetSavvy. Podcast: Student Loan Update Oct 6, 2021 12:00 pm21 views In episode 27 of Making Cents of Money, Student Loan Update, Jake and Nikki gave a quick update on the state of federal student loans. Podcast: Zombie Properties & Mortgages Oct 22, 2024 12:00 pm21 views In episode 96 of Making Cents of Money, Kari Beyer from IDFPR's Division of Banking is back to discuss the dangers of zombie mortgages and zombie properties in this special halloween-themed edition. Podcast: Help with Utility Bills May 3, 2023 12:00 pm22 views In episode 61 of Making Cents of Money, we learn about the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). If you're struggling to pay utilities, apply by May 31! Podcast: Shopping for Appliances Jul 8, 2022 12:00 pm22 views In episode 44 of Making Cents of Money, Nikki and Andrea talk about shopping for appliances, and they've focused on times when it may be a surprise shopping need! Inflation: When Prices Rise - Get Savvy Webinar Recording Sep 28, 2022 1:00 pm22 views Learn about how inflation impacts individual consumers by watching this webinar recording from September 28 2022. Podcast: The Federal Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) Jun 17, 2024 12:00 pm23 views In episode 85 of Making Cents of Money, Ed Hill from IDFPR discusses what the Federal CRA is and a little history on how it works to address disparities in lending for underserved communities. IOUs: There's an App for That! Oct 14, 2016 3:30 pm23 views Have you heard of Venmo? Squarecash? These are just a few of the apps that allow you to send money to anyone, anywhere, anytime. From a convenience standpoint, these advances are amazing—but what are the costs of convenience? Podcast: Tax Talk Feb 9, 2024 12:00 pm24 views In episode 77 of Making Cents of Money, Tax Talk, Andrea and Nikki talk tax... forms, terms, and more as the April 15 federal tax deadline approaches. Podcast: What Happens When a Bank Fails? Mar 11, 2024 12:00 pm24 views In episode 79 of Making Cents of Money, What Happens When a Bank Fails?, Chicago City Comptroller and former Illinois Director of Banking, Chasse Rehwinkel joins us to discuss recent incidents of bank failure and how these differed from others in history. Podcast: Reintroductions Jun 2, 2021 12:00 pm24 views Episode 19 of Making Cents of Money, Reintroductions, lets us learn more about one of the co-hosts, Jake Hamilton, the history behind the podcast, and what's in store for the future of this audio teaching medium. Podcast: Tackling Insurance! (Part 2) Nov 3, 2021 12:00 pm24 views In episode 29 of Making Cents of Money, Tackling Insurance! (Part 2), Nikki and Jake talked with Laura Pellikan from the Illinois Department of Insurance about the basics of health insurance and ways you can get covered. #SMMCSharingIsCaring Contest Apr 5, 2021 12:00 pm25 views Share and interact with #SMMCSharingIsCaring tagged posts from SMMC on Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook between April 5 - 16, 2021, to get entered to win one of 10+ financial wellness kits in honor of National Financial Capability Month. Podcast: Help for Homeowners Jun 7, 2023 12:00 pm25 views In episode 63 of Making Cents of Money, Kari Byer, Director of the APLD & Investigations, joins us to talk about programs designed to help those who may be struggling with initial and ongoing homeownership costs. Podcast: Selling a Home Jul 20, 2022 12:00 pm26 views In episode 45 of Making Cents of Money, Andrea and Nikki discuss many aspects of selling a home so you can make more informed choices when it comes time to sell your own home. Experience a Scam or Discrimination? Here's How to File a Complaint Jun 14, 2024 8:00 am27 views Whether you experience scams, fraud, or discrimination, you can file complaints with the appropriate agencies. Read the steps you can take to resolve a consumer issue or file a complaint if necessary. Podcast: Loan Payments Resumed in October Oct 31, 2023 12:00 pm27 views In episode 73 of Making Cents of Money, Loan Payments Resumed in October, we discussed the "on-ramp" to repayment being implemented by the U.S. Department of Education as millions of borrowers started making payments on their federal loans again in October. Podcast: Costs of Car Ownership Nov 21, 2024 8:00 am27 views In episode 98 of Making Cents of Money, Kimber and Andrea talk about the costs of car ownership and what to consider when deciding on if a vehicle is a need or a want for you. Podcast: Renting! Mar 30, 2022 12:00 pm29 views In episode 37 of Making Cents of Money, Renting!, Andrea, Jake, and Nikki discuss the basic steps and what to watch for when renting a place to live. Podcast: PSLF Transition Update May 20, 2024 12:00 pm29 views In episode 84 of Making Cents of Money, Brad Fletcher from IDFPR joins to discuss the current state of transition for borrowers seeking Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF). Podcast: Inflation Nov 17, 2021 12:00 pm29 views In episode 30 of Making Cents of Money, Inflation, Jake, Nikki, and Andrea discuss what inflation is as one of many metrics to gauge how an economy is doing and how it impacts our spending power as consumers. Expect the Unexpected: Saving For Emergencies Jan 15, 2015 11:00 am30 views Planning for the unexpected can ensure that you are able to weather a financial hardship should you lose your job, have a car repair, or any other unplanned expense. By having savings set aside for emergencies, you decrease the need to rely on credit cards or loans to cover emergency situations. Your college years can be an ideal time to create and build your emergency savings. Podcast: Technology and Your Money Oct 5, 2020 12:00 pm30 views Episode 3 of Making Cents of Money, Technology and Your Money, explores how financial technologies are evolving and what that means for keeping our money safe. Funding New Year's Festivities Dec 10, 2019 2:30 pm30 views The best way to manage your finances on New Year’s Eve is to plan ahead and set a defined budget you are comfortable with. Read more tips to save while celebrating. Podcast: Real Estate May 5, 2021 12:00 pm31 views Episode 17 of Making Cents of Money, Real Estate, explains the world of real estate professions and what to consider when hiring professionals to help you buy or manage a home or other real estate property! Podcast: Help for Renters Jun 21, 2023 12:00 pm31 views In episode 64 of Making Cents of Money, Kari Byer, Director of the APLD & Investigations, joins us again to talk about programs designed to help find and afford renting a place to live. Podcast: Appraisal Bias Jul 15, 2024 12:00 pm31 views In episode 87 of Making Cents of Money, IDFPR Deputy Secretary Ericka Johnson breaks down what appraisal bias is, how it affects consumers, and what you can do if you believe you're a victim. Podcast: The Community Reinvestment Act Aug 17, 2022 12:00 pm31 views In episode 47 of Making Cents of Money, Chasse Rehwinkel joined Nikki & Andrea to discuss the Community Reinvestment Act and how it is intended to support economic equality. Podcast: Mortgages Apr 14, 2022 12:00 pm32 views In episode 38 of Making Cents of Money, Renting!, Andrea, Jake, and Nikki interview IDFPR's Anti-Predatory Lending Database Director, Kari Beyer, about the ins and outs of mortgages. Financial Regulation Authorities that Support Consumers in the U.S. and Illinois Jun 13, 2024 8:00 am32 views Learn about the many government entities in the United States and in the state of Illinois that regulate financial industries and support consumers. Podcast: The Illinois Community Reinvestment Act Jul 1, 2024 12:00 pm32 views In episode 86 of Making Cents of Money, Susana Soriano from IDFPR discusses what the recently passed Illinois CRA is and how it will help Illinois consumers by reducing discrimination and combatting redlining, among other things. Podcast: Employment Feb 23, 2022 12:00 pm33 views In episode 35 of Making Cents of Money, Employment, Andrea, Jake, and Nikki continue the podcast series on economic indicators by discussing metrics related to employment. Podcast: Professional Licensure in Illinois May 19, 2021 12:00 pm33 views Episode 18 of Making Cents of Money, Professional Licensure in Illinois, helps us understand the scope of professional licensing in Illinois across many different industries and some protections in place for consumers. Podcast: Get Covered, Illinois May 22, 2023 12:00 pm33 views In episode 62 of Making Cents of Money, Brian Gorman, Director of Outreach & Engagement for Get Covered Illinois, answers our questions about managing healthcare costs.
