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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.
News

blog posts

  • Want to Start Investing? Read This First

    Jan 27, 2026 4:00 pm0 views

    In this post, we cover financial foundations you need before investing—emergency savings, managing high-interest debt, and setting clear goals. Plus: how diversification and time horizons work, understanding the risk-return spectrum, and red flags to watch for.

  • Comparing Private Student Loans

    Jan 26, 2026 2:45 pm3 views

    Private student loans currently make up less than 10% of outstanding student loan debt in the United States. However, with the impending changes to federal student loan options for students, more students and families may be onsidering private loans to accomplish their educational goals. Here's what to consider when comparing alternative loan options.

  • Increasing ROI for a College Degree

    Jan 22, 2026 3:45 pm5 views

    A college degree is a significant investment, often funded through a cornucopia of funding types. This article describes how to increase the overall return on investment in a college degree, including short- and long-term strategies. Since the majority of students borrow to pay for school, we pay particular attention to student loan management methods that can save students and alumni money.

  • Podcast: Before You Give or Take Financial Advice, Listen to This...

    Jan 20, 2026 12:00 pm16 views

    It’s a new year, and with that comes a slew of advice on financial topics to tie into your resolutions. But before you listen to that influencer, click that link, or even take guidance from a family member, there are important factors to consider. In this episode, Making Cents of Money dives deep into the topic of using caution before giving or receiving financial advice.


  • What You Need to Know About Neobanks

    Jan 12, 2026 1:00 pm27 views

    Learn what neobanks are, how deposit insurance really works with these services, and the key differences between them and traditional banks. Essential reading before you move your money to a digital-only platform.

  • Financial Education Research Opportunity

    Set Financial Goals, Learn Compound Interest, Contribute to Research

    Jan 8, 2026 10:00 am42 views

    Transform your financial goals into achievable plans while learning about compound interest through our research study combining goal-setting with visualizations.

  • Podcast: Money & Happiness

    Dec 19, 2025 12:00 pm22 views

    Can money really buy happiness? On this episode of Making Cents of Money, we unwrap the science behind money and joy with Donovan Sanchez who returns to discuss his primary research interest. From hedonic adaptation to pro-social spending, learn ways to boost well-being without breaking the bank. 


  • What Happens to the Data You Feed LLMs?

    Dec 10, 2025 8:00 am81 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.

  • Podcast: Prioritizing Your Paid Time Off

    Nov 24, 2025 12:00 pm23 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.

  • Emergency Mode: Why You Need a Rainy Day Fund

    Nov 21, 2025 3:45 pm52 views

    A quick guide on why a rainy day fund matters and how even a small savings buffer can reduce stress, prevent crisis decisions, and help you handle unexpected expenses with confidence.

  • Know What You Owe Challenge - Fall 2025

    Nov 14, 2025 2:00 pm408 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 until December 15.

  • Podcast: Student Loan Repayment in 2025

    Nov 6, 2025 12:00 pm215 views

    In episode 118 of Making Cents of Money, Andrea & Kimber summarize the last 5 years of student loan policy shifts and highlight recent changes impacting borrowers' options for managing their federal (and private) student loans.

  • SNAP Disruption: Where to Find Food Now

    SNAP Disruption: Where to Find Food Now

    Oct 31, 2025 10:00 am294 views

    If you or your loved ones experience a disruption in your Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funds this Saturday, here's where to go to find food.

  • Why Regulation Matters [Podcast Episode]

    Podcast: Why Regulation Matters

    Oct 20, 2025 12:00 pm198 views

    In episode 117 of Making Cents of Money, IDFPR Secretary Mario Treto, Jr. joins Kimber & Andrea to explain the importance of regulatory initatives that protect consumers and how Illinois is leading the nation in instituting and enhancing consumer protections.

  • Podcast: What to Know Before Buying a Business - Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition

    Oct 6, 2025 12:00 pm269 views

    In episode 116 of Making Cents of Money, Mark Smith from Gies College of Business who teaches Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign discusses what to consider when buying a business.

  • Understand Your Refund - Fall 2025

    Aug 29, 2025 10:00 am81 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.

  • Let It Go - The Sunk Cost Fallacy and Smarter Spending

    Aug 25, 2025 5:00 pm133 views

    Discover why you keep throwing good money after bad decisions and learn the psychology-backed strategies to break free from the sunk cost trap that's costing you hundreds in subscriptions, investments, and everyday spending choices.

  • Get Savvy: Grow Your Green Stuff webinar series for 2025-2026

    Aug 11, 2025 11:00 am13 views

    The 2025-2026 'Get Savvy - Grow Your Green Stuff' webinar schedule is now live! Topics include tax-planning for students, saving money on food, budgeting, career planning, and more. Register today!

  • Before You Give or Take Financial Advice, Read This

    Before You Give or Take Financial Advice, Read This

    Jun 26, 2025 12:30 pm82 views

    Whether we mean to or not, we all do it at some point in our lives--give or take financial advice that may be ill-informed. Read what to watch for when taking financial advice and what risks exist for giving financial advice.

  • Opening a Bank Account in the US with photo of a phone on the calculator screen laying on top of some US bank notes (cash)

    Opening a Bank Account in the United States

    Jun 17, 2025 11:15 am274 views

    Looking to establish a relationship with a financial institution? We've highlighted reasons you might need one and steps to opening a checking or savings account in the U.S.

  • Black Cat with Yellow Eyes. White Text Says: 13 Ways to Avoid Unlucky Losses in 2025

    13 Ways to Avoid Unlucky Losses in 2025

    Jun 13, 2025 8:00 am107 views

    Friday the 13th is often considered an unlucky day, but let's talk about how to improve your luck with 13 financial planning tips!

  • More Than Money: What to Consider in a Job Offer Package

    More Than Money: What to Consider in a Job Offer Package

    May 1, 2025 4:00 pm370 views

    There are more things to consider with a job offer than salary. Read this article to learn how to evaluate the true value of a job position. 

  • Money and Happiness

    Webinar Recording: Money & Happiness

    May 1, 2025 1:00 pm9 views

    Can money buy happiness? Watch our webinar recording from May 1 to explore the relationship between money and happiness. 

  • What Are Out-Of-Pocket [Healthcare] Costs?

    What Are Out-of-Pocket Costs?

    Apr 29, 2025 8:15 pm233 views

    When it comes to healthcare, it's hard to keep track of out-of-pocket costs and how it can impact our overall healthcare expenses in a given year. This article sheds light on this complicated topic so you can make more informed choices for your overall wellbeing and your wallet.

  • A man in a chair in front of some trees with white text that states Roth vs Traditional Retirement Plans: What’s the difference?

    Roth vs Traditional Retirement Plans: What’s the Difference?

    Apr 22, 2025 12:00 pm191 views

    When it comes to retirement-focused investing, understanding the tax treatment and rules of different accounts is essential for long-term financial planning. In the U.S., these typically fall into two main categories: Traditional and Roth accounts.

  • Fact Check Your Debt

    Fact Check Your Debt Challenge - Spring 2025

    Apr 9, 2025 2:00 pm298 views

    There have been a lot of changes recently that impact student loan borrowers. Can you tell myth from fact in the sea of student loan misinformation? Take the Fact Check Your Debt Quiz by May 1, 2025, to find out.

  • Job Opening with SMMC Grad Students at Urbana Apply Now

    SMMC Grad Hourly Job Openings at Urbana

    Apr 7, 2025 10:00 am238 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!

  • National Financial Capability Month podcast

    Podcast: National Financial Capability Month

    Apr 4, 2025 12:00 pm22 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.

  • Money, Stress, and Bad Habits

    Webinar Recording: Money, Stress, & Bad Habits

    Apr 3, 2025 1:00 pm14 views

    Stress impacting your finances? Watch this webinar recording on YouTube to uncover the connection between stress, money, and bad habits. Learn strategies to improve your financial health and overall well-being. 

  • Neurodiversity and Financial Strategies

    Podcast: Neurodiversity and Financial Strategies

    Mar 26, 2025 12:00 pm107 views

    In episode 106 of Making Cents of Money, Andrea and Kimber discuss the nuances of neurodiversity as it relates to navigating money management.

  • Psychology of Money - Stages of Change

    Webinar Recording: Psychology of Money - Stages of Change

    Mar 13, 2025 1:00 pm5 views

    Transform your financial habits! Explore the Psychology of Money and the Stages of Change. Learn how to achieve lasting financial well-being.

  • Podcast: Stages of Financial Behavior Change

    Mar 10, 2025 12:00 pm86 views

    In episode 105 of Making Cents of Money, Emily Harmon, Illinois Extension Family Life Educator, joins Kimber & Andrea to delve into the Transtheoretical Model which can help explain why behavior change relating to finances can be challenging.

  • Student Loan Management

    Webinar Recording: Student Loan Management

    Mar 6, 2025 1:00 pm13 views

    There are many things to be aware of when it comes to managing those loans from application to pay-off (or forgiveness). Learn the terms, tips, and tools to make managing your education debt easier.

  • Job Search Due Diligence

    Job Search Due Diligence in the U.S. – Avoiding Job Scams

    Feb 25, 2025 10:30 am240 views

    In this article, Kwabena Sarfo Adjei discusses job search due diligence and how job seekers can navigate the perilous journey of landing a dream job while avoiding becoming a victim of a job scam in this digital age.   

  • Webinar Recording: Investing 102 - Risks & Rewards

    Feb 20, 2025 1:00 pm12 views

    Take your investing knowledge to the next level! Watch Investing 102 to learn advanced concepts and key tips for successful investing.

  • Discover Hidden Treasures: Reclaim Your Unclaimed Property Today!

    Feb 19, 2025 8:00 am566 views

    The Illinois State Treasurer’s Office holds over $5 billion in unclaimed property, and through the I-Cash program, residents can easily search for and reclaim forgotten assets, with nearly $299 million returned in 2024. 

  • Money and Relationships

    Podcast: Money and Relationships

    Feb 14, 2025 12:00 pm95 views

    In episode 104 of Making Cents of Money, Andrea & Kimber discuss considerations for navigating financial management when it comes to relationships, be them romantic, familial, or with friends and roommates.

  • Episode 103 of Making Cents of Money: Economics of Cannabis [in Illinois]

    Podcast: Economics of Cannabis [in Illinois]

    Feb 7, 2025 12:00 pm54 views

    In episode 103 of Making Cents of Money, Vaughn Bentley, Deputy Director of Cannabis Control at IDFPR, joins Kimber and Andrea to discuss the economics of cannabis in Illinois.

  • Webinar Recording: Investing 101 - Wealth Building Basics

    Feb 6, 2025 1:00 pm21 views

    Want to start investing? Watch Investing 101: Wealth Building Basics to learn basic investing terms and concepts to confidently begin your investment journey.

  • How the Rule of 72 Can Help You Build Wealth--Or Sink Deeper Into Debt

    How the Rule of 72 Can Help You Build Wealth—Or Sink Deeper Into Debt

    Feb 6, 2025 12:30 pm5056 views

    Whether you are saving for a goal or dealing with debt, the Rule of 72 offers a simple, yet effective way to estimate the time it takes for money to grow or for debt to balloon due to compound interest. 

  • Understand Your Refund Challenge

    Understand Your Refund - Spring 2025

    Jan 29, 2025 10:00 am445 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.

  • Taxes for International Students

    Webinar Recording: Taxes for International Students

    Jan 23, 2025 1:00 pm14 views

    Are you an international student navigating U.S. taxes? Watch Taxes for International Students January 23, 2025, to learn the key rules to stay compliant.

  • Picture of an old rusty lockbox

    Podcast: Unclaimed Property in Illinois

    Jan 22, 2025 12:00 pm126 views

    In episode 102 of Making Cents of Money, Treasurer Michael Frerichs joined as a guest to discuss the state of Illinois' process for getting unclaimed property back to the owners.

  • Tackling Tax Basics

    Webinar Recording: Tackling Tax Basics

    Jan 16, 2025 1:00 pm15 views

    Get ready for tax season! Watch Tackling Tax Basics from January 16, 2025, to learn the basics of tackling taxes. Understand essential concepts to confidently manage your taxes.

  • A notebook on someone's lap with the word "Goals" written on the first page

    Podcast: New Year, New Financial Resolutions

    Dec 28, 2024 12:00 pm51 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: The [Episode] with All the Co-Hosts

    Dec 17, 2024 12:00 pm17 views

    In episode 100 of Making Cents of Money, all the co-hosts (past and present) reunite to celebrate the release of the 100th podcast episode.

  • Mastering the Consumer Credit Game

    Webinar Recording: Mastering the Consumer Credit Game

    Dec 5, 2024 1:00 pm11 views

    Watch Mastering the Consumer Credit Game on YouTube to learn how to build, manage, and protect your credit, a crucial financial tool in the game of life. 

  • Financial Socialization

    Podcast: Financial Socialization

    Dec 4, 2024 12:00 pm72 views

    In episode 99 of Making Cents of Money, Andrea and Kimber discuss financial socialization, how it develops, who contributes to it, and what it means for our relationship with money.

  • Bankruptcy Basics: A Tool for Trouble Finances

    Bankruptcy Basics: A Tool for Troubled Finances

    Nov 26, 2024 12:30 pm60 views

    Bankruptcy is a tool for managing financial responsibilities when circumstances make them more than you can bare. However, understanding the different types of bankruptcy can be tricky, so you can read how they may apply to different situations. 

  • Costs of Car Ownership

    Podcast: Costs of Car Ownership

    Nov 21, 2024 8:00 am37 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.