blog posts Identity Theft & Fraud - Get Savvy Webinar Recording Sep 16, 2021 1:00 pm11 views Find out how to protect yourself from fraud, recognize identity theft, and what to do if you're affected with this webinar recording from September 15, 2021. Podcast: Costs of Car Ownership Nov 21, 2024 8:00 am12 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. Student Loans Webinar #6 Recording: Managing PLUS Loans Dec 15, 2023 1:00 pm12 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 pm13 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 Loans Webinar #1 Recording: Logging into FSA to Update Contact Info Jul 14, 2023 1:00 pm13 views We discussed many aspects of returning to repayment during this webinar, but the primary action item we focused on was updating your contact info in your FSA account. Podcast: Basic Needs & Needs Insecurity Oct 7, 2024 12:00 pm13 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. Student Loans Webinar #4 Recording: Know Options if You Can't Pay Oct 20, 2023 1:00 pm13 views We focused on what your options are if you can't make a payment, including the differences between deferment and forbearance. Podcast: Farewell, Jake! May 13, 2022 12:00 pm14 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! Podcast: Zombie Properties & Mortgages Oct 22, 2024 12:00 pm14 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. Student Loans Webinar #5 Recording: Fresh Start & On-Ramp to Repayment Nov 17, 2023 1:00 pm14 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. Student Loans Webinar #8 Recording: Different Types of Student Loans Feb 16, 2024 1:00 pm15 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. Student Loan Repayment - Get Savvy Webinar Recording Apr 14, 2021 1:00 pm15 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. Podcast: Help with Utility Bills May 3, 2023 12:00 pm16 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: PSLF Transition Update May 20, 2024 12:00 pm16 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). Webinar Recording: Demystifying the Financial Aid Process Aug 22, 2024 1:00 pm16 views Unlock the secrets of financial aid. Learn how to maximize your financial aid package and ease the burden of tuition. Join us to navigate the complex world of financial aid with confidence. Inflation: When Prices Rise - Get Savvy Webinar Recording Sep 28, 2022 1:00 pm16 views Learn about how inflation impacts individual consumers by watching this webinar recording from September 28 2022. Student Loans Webinar #7 Recording: Public Service Loan Forgiveness Jan 19, 2024 1:00 pm17 views Learn if you can qualify for PSLF as a federal student loan borrower working in public service. 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. Podcast: Student Loan Update Oct 6, 2021 12:00 pm18 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: Tax Talk Feb 9, 2024 12:00 pm19 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 pm19 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. #SMMCSharingIsCaring Contest Apr 5, 2021 12:00 pm19 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: Reintroductions Jun 2, 2021 12:00 pm19 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. Experience a Scam or Discrimination? Here's How to File a Complaint Jun 14, 2024 8:00 am19 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: Shopping for Appliances Jul 8, 2022 12:00 pm19 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! Get $avvy - Grow Your Green $tuff Webinars for 2022-2023 Aug 22, 2022 12:00 pm20 views The 2022-2023 Get Savvy: Grow Your Green Stuff annual webinar series schedule is out. Register today and #GetSavvy. Podcast: Loan Payments Resumed in October Oct 31, 2023 12:00 pm20 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. Expect the Unexpected: Saving For Emergencies Jan 15, 2015 11:00 am21 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: Tackling Insurance! (Part 2) Nov 3, 2021 12:00 pm21 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. Podcast: New Year, New Financial Resolutions Dec 28, 2024 12:00 pm21 views In episode 101 of Making Cents of Money, join Kimber and Andrea for pointers on pursuing your financial resolutions in the new year. Podcast: Gross National Happiness Feb 9, 2022 12:00 pm22 views In episode 34 of Making Cents of Money, Gross National Happiness, Jake and Nikki discuss an alternative metric to Gross Domestic Product that some countries use to help monitor the health of their economies called Gross National Happiness. Podcast: Is Crypto the Wild West? Feb 26, 2024 12:00 pm22 views In episode 78 of Making Cents of Money, Is Crypto the Wild West?, David DeCarlo and Jake Hamilton join us to discuss what regulation does and does not exist for consumers regarding crypto. Podcast: The Federal Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) Jun 17, 2024 12:00 pm22 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 pm22 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: Professional Licensure in Illinois May 19, 2021 12:00 pm23 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: Appraisal Bias Jul 15, 2024 12:00 pm23 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: Inflation Nov 17, 2021 12:00 pm23 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. Podcast: Renting! Mar 30, 2022 12:00 pm24 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: Help for Homeowners Jun 7, 2023 12:00 pm24 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 pm24 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. Podcast: Short-selling Mar 24, 2021 12:00 pm25 views Episode 14 of Making Cents of Money, Short-selling, allowed us to interview Chasse Rehwinkel about the investing method that's become so popular in the media over the past few months. Podcast: Help for Renters Jun 21, 2023 12:00 pm25 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: The Illinois Community Reinvestment Act Jul 1, 2024 12:00 pm25 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: The Community Reinvestment Act Aug 17, 2022 12:00 pm25 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: Buying a Car! Jul 21, 2021 12:00 pm26 views In episode 22 of Making Cents of Money, Buying a Car!, Nikki, Andrea, and Jake explain the true costs of car ownership as well as the terms and tools to know about before you buy your next vehicle. Podcast: Technology and Your Money Oct 5, 2020 12:00 pm26 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. Podcast: What is Crypto Anyway? Jan 29, 2024 12:00 pm27 views In episode 76 of Making Cents of Money, What is Crypto Anyway?, Jake Hamilton, a previous podcast co-host, comes back to provide an overview of how crypto works and what the future looks like for this financial technology. Podcast: Real Estate May 5, 2021 12:00 pm27 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! Financial Regulation Authorities that Support Consumers in the U.S. and Illinois Jun 13, 2024 8:00 am27 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: Employment Feb 23, 2022 12:00 pm28 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.
