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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.
Education

blog posts

  • Summer 2020 #UIMoney Tweet Chat Series

    Jun 2, 2020 12:30 pm78 views

    SMMC is hosting several tweet chats this summer to help our students, alumni, and friends prepare for a variety of financial transitions during a time filled with uncertainty.

  • Top 5 Financial Reminders for International Students

    Jun 1, 2020 5:45 pm144 views

    Tuition & fees will be due before you know it, so here are the top 5 financial reminders for International Students.

  • Virtual Financial Education title over woman sitting cross-legged with laptop

    Virtual Financial Education

    Mar 18, 2020 1:00 pm266 views

    We put together a list of ways you can enhance your financial knowledge through virtual means as well as a few tips if you're teaching online for the first time.

  • Coronavirus Challenges Our Financial Security with Image of Empty Wallet

    Coronavirus Challenges Our Financial Security

    Mar 18, 2020 11:45 am388 views

    We have defined a few financial terms to make it easier to stay up-to-date on how COVID-19 is impacting our finances.

  • COVID-19 Update: Changes to SMMC Services

    Mar 13, 2020 3:00 pm50 views

    All financial coaching appointments will be conducted via zoom, and no in-person events or presentations will be available through SMMC until further notice. Read on for details.

  • UISAVES Week 3: Building Financial Habits

    Feb 29, 2020 11:30 am50 views

    The reality of personal finance is that it is personal and requires behavior change. Learn ways to make behavior changes easier to accomplish your goals.

  • UISAVES Week 2: Small Amounts Add Up

    Feb 22, 2020 11:30 am86 views

    An important part of building a savings habit is understanding how small amounts add up. 

  • UISAVES Week 1: Goal-setting

    Feb 16, 2020 11:30 am117 views

    A strong foundation to any financial plan are goals. Set a goal with #UISAVES to connect with resources to help. universityillinoissaves.org

  • Finding Funding Opportunities: Insights From a Current PhD Student

    Mar 13, 2019 3:00 pm57 views

    Funding is one of the biggest factors in determining what kind of financial decisions you make as a graduate student. Taking on federal student loans, using your employment to fund your degree, using your savings, getting help from family members, etc. We all want to make decisions that will benefit us most--and while the above are all good options depending on your individual situation, nothing beats “free money” like fellowships, assistantships, grants and scholarships. 

  • IOUs: There's an App for That!

    Oct 14, 2016 3:30 pm17 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?

  • My Account is in Collections! Now What?

    Jul 26, 2015 12:00 pm37 views

    Tips to help you cope with & resolve accounts in collections.

  • Expect the Unexpected: Saving For Emergencies

    Jan 15, 2015 11:00 am12 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.