blog posts Know What You Owe Challenge - Fall 2024 Nov 15, 2024 8:00 am19 views About half of students at the University of Illinois take out loans to fund their degrees. Make sure you're not surprised by the amount of student loans you have taken out when you graduate by taking the Know What You Owe Challenge which runs November 15 - December 15, 2024. Budgeting for a Week: A Realistic Approach Nov 8, 2024 4:00 pm59 views Budgeting empowers you to work toward reasonable financial goals, keeping you from overspending and accruing debt. Explore steps you can take this week to start building a budgeting habit. Podcast: Saving Money on Holiday Travel Nov 6, 2024 8:00 am21 views In episode 97 of Making Cents of Money, Andrea and Kimber discuss a variety of ways to save on travel during the holidays (and beyond)! Podcast: Zombie Properties & Mortgages Oct 22, 2024 12:00 pm7 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: Basic Needs & Needs Insecurity Oct 7, 2024 12:00 pm9 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. Searching for Part-Time Jobs as a Student Sep 30, 2024 5:00 pm24 views Searching for part-time work? In order to land that side hustle, it helps to know where to go, how to prepare your application materials, and what to ask when it comes to the interviewing process. The Power of Financial Education: A Key to Success for College Students Sep 25, 2024 12:30 pm83 views Financial education is essential for college students, equipping them with the skills and knowledge to make informed financial decisions that will not only enhance their college experience but also pave the way for long-term success. Podcast: Cost of Living Sep 24, 2024 12:00 pm29 views In episode 94 of Making Cents of Money, Andrea and Kimber discuss the cost of living and why it matters when comparing costs and how far your dollars will go if you relocate. Podcast: On Ramp to Repayment Ends 9/30 for Federal Loan Borrowers Sep 16, 2024 12:00 pm40 views In episode 93 of Making Cents of Money, Brad Fletcher joins us yet again to talk about the On Ramp to Repayment ending on September 30, 2024, and what that means for borrowers currently in repayment. Podcast: PSLF Seekers in SAVE: Costs of Administrative Forbearance Sep 10, 2024 12:00 pm37 views In episode 92 of Making Cents of Money, Brad Fletcher joins us again to talk about the current state of student loans on the SAVE repayment plan and the PSLF Buyback program for borrowers nearing completion of their PSLF requirements. Understand Your Refund - Fall 2024 Aug 29, 2024 7:00 am98 views 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. Podcast: Retirement Savings in Illinois Aug 26, 2024 12:00 pm23 views In episode 91 of Making Cents of Money, Retirement Savings in Illinois, Christine Cheng from the Illinois Treasurer's office discusses how Illinois is addressing barriers to planning for retirement and helping small businesses provide retirement benefits to their employees. Podcast: Back to School - College & Credit Aug 12, 2024 12:00 pm21 views In episode 90 of Making Cents of Money, Back to School: College & Credit, Kimber & Andrea discuss credit cards and financing options for students and families, including the different tools and their short and long-term impacts. Podcast: Goodbye Nikki, Hello Kimber! Aug 12, 2024 10:00 am12 views In episode 89 of Making Cents of Money, Goodbye Nikki, Hello Kimber!, we have a bitter sweet send-off to long-time host, Nikki Giancola-Shanks but welcome a new voice, Kimber Beckler, to the show. Podcast: Financial Wellness Concepts Jul 29, 2024 12:00 pm26 views In episode 88 of Making Cents of Money, Financial Wellness Concepts, Nikki and Andrea discuss several terms that are often used interchangeably related to financial wellness and their definitions. Get Savvy: Grow Your Green Stuff webinar series for 2024-2025 Jul 29, 2024 9:15 am0 views The 2024-2025 'Get Savvy - Grow Your Green Stuff' webinar schedule is now live! Topics include financial aid, budgeting, entrepreneurship, credit and more. Register today! Ethics & Economics of "Informed Consent" for Medical Treatment in the U.S. Jul 23, 2024 10:00 am159 views "Informed consent" is an important aspect of medical care. Learn what it means, why costs are a required component of it, and your options if a medical professional has not provided informed consent prior to administering services. Podcast: Appraisal Bias Jul 15, 2024 12:00 pm15 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 Illinois Community Reinvestment Act Jul 1, 2024 12:00 pm17 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. Things to Keep in Mind with Financial Aid Offers Jun 25, 2024 8:00 am37 views Financial Aid Notifications or Award Letters can be difficult to compare. Read about what to keep in mind while reviewing them and learn about the CFPB's tool to compare them when planning out how to fund your degree. Podcast: The Federal Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) Jun 17, 2024 12:00 pm15 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. Experience a Scam or Discrimination? Here's How to File a Complaint Jun 14, 2024 8:00 am14 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. Financial Regulation Authorities that Support Consumers in the U.S. and Illinois Jun 13, 2024 8:00 am23 views Learn about the many government entities in the United States and in the state of Illinois that regulate financial industries and support consumers. Mutual Funds vs Exchange Traded Funds May 29, 2024 9:00 am639 views Curious about automatically diversified investment options? Learn the key differences between Mutual Funds and ETFs, and find out which might be the best fit for your situation and financial goals. Podcast: PSLF Transition Update May 20, 2024 12:00 pm11 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). Executing a Power of Attorney in Illinois May 16, 2024 3:45 pm688 views A power of attorney (POA) is a tool to enable someone else to make decisions on your behalf. There are several types of POAs and their functions differ. Read this article to find answers to many questions about POAs. Podcast: Lines of Injustice: What is Redlining? May 6, 2024 12:00 pm63 views In episode 83 of Making Cents of Money, Lines of Injustice: What is Redlining?, DFPR Secretary Mario Treto, Jr. discusses the topic of redlining and how it leads to disparities for generations. Webinar Recording: Money, Stress, & Bad Habits May 1, 2024 1:00 pm4 views Understand the connection between money, stress, and bad habits. Learn strategies to manage stress, break free from detrimental financial behaviors, and cultivate a healthier relationship with money. Variable Insurance: Protection Product or Security? Apr 26, 2024 3:45 pm136 views Learn about how variable insurance differs from traditional whole and term life insurance policies and what to keep in mind if you are considering variable insurance. Podcast: Free Financial Education Resources for Illinois Residents Apr 22, 2024 12:00 pm26 views In episode 82 of Making Cents of Money, Free Financial Education Resources for Illinois Residents, Maggie Owen from the Illinois State Treasurer's Office joins us to discuss all the financial education programs Illinois has for residents. Podcast: April 30th Student Loan Deadline Apr 8, 2024 12:00 pm33 views In episode 81 of Making Cents of Money, April 30th Student Loan Deadline, we discuss a critical deadline for FFEL, Perkins, or Health Education Assistance Loans (HEAL) borrowers on income-driven repayment (IDR) plans. Webinar Recording: Student Loan Management Apr 3, 2024 1:00 pm2 views Learn how to navigate your student loan journey. Understand crucial terms, tips, and tools for managing your education debt. Know What You Owe Challenge - Spring 2024 Apr 1, 2024 8:00 am136 views About half of students at the University of Illinois take out loans to fund their degrees. Make sure you're not surprised by the amount of student loans you have taken out when you graduate by taking the Know What You Owe Challenge which runs April 1 - May 1, 2024. Podcast: Building Wealth After Graduation Mar 25, 2024 12:00 pm73 views In episode 80 of Making Cents of Money, Building Wealth After Graduation, Donovan Sanchez returns to talk about how to navigate juggling multiple goals during the transition to life after college. Podcast: What Happens When a Bank Fails? Mar 11, 2024 12:00 pm13 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. Webinar Recording: Save Money on Food Mar 6, 2024 1:00 pm0 views Hungry for savings? Uncover tricks for affordable dining. Say goodbye to overspending and hello to tasty savings. Podcast: Is Crypto the Wild West? Feb 26, 2024 12:00 pm13 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. SMMC Grad Hourly Job Openings at UIUC Feb 26, 2024 8:00 am372 views 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 two job openings at Urbana!Apply to be an SMMC Support Specialist! Student Loans Webinar #8 Recording: Different Types of Student Loans Feb 16, 2024 1:00 pm10 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. Podcast: Tax Talk Feb 9, 2024 12:00 pm9 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. Webinar Recording: Steps to Investing - What to Know Now Feb 7, 2024 1:00 pm1 views Ready to start investing? Learn investing basics and explore new trends in securities. Understand Your Refund - Spring 2024 Feb 1, 2024 7:00 am100 views 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. Podcast: What is Crypto Anyway? Jan 29, 2024 12:00 pm14 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. Webinar Recording: Money In Your Entrepreneurial Pursuit Jan 24, 2024 1:00 pm1 views Master your finances as an entrepreneur. Learn best practices for money management while building your business. Student Loans Webinar #7 Recording: Public Service Loan Forgiveness Jan 19, 2024 1:00 pm7 views Learn if you can qualify for PSLF as a federal student loan borrower working in public service. Podcast: Setting & Prioritizing Financial Goals Dec 20, 2023 12:00 pm78 views In episode 75 of Making Cents of Money, Setting & Prioritizing Financial Goals, Nikki and Andrea discussed several strategies for setting, prioritizing, and re-prioritizing financial goals... just in time for the new year! Student Loans Webinar #6 Recording: Managing PLUS Loans Dec 15, 2023 1:00 pm5 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. Webinar Recording: Your Financial Tool Chest Dec 6, 2023 1:00 pm1 views Unlock the power of financial tools! Explore the best services for your goals, safety, and cost-efficiency. Podcast: Credit Reports Update Nov 29, 2023 12:00 pm37 views In episode 74 of Making Cents of Money, Credit Reports Update, we had a Consumer Alert! Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion are allowing access to free, weekly credit reports indefinitely now. Student Loans Webinar #5 Recording: Fresh Start & On-Ramp to Repayment Nov 17, 2023 1:00 pm7 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.
