SMMC News & Events Blog

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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.

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

Aug 11, 2025 11:00 am2 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!
Webinar Recording: Money & Happiness

May 1, 2025 1:00 pm3 views

Can money buy happiness? Watch our webinar recording from May 1 to explore the relationship between money and happiness.
Webinar Recording: Money, Stress, & Bad Habits

Apr 3, 2025 1:00 pm3 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.
Webinar Recording: Psychology of Money - Stages of Change

Mar 13, 2025 1:00 pm3 views

Transform your financial habits! Explore the Psychology of Money and the Stages of Change. Learn how to achieve lasting financial well-being.
Webinar Recording: Student Loan Management

Mar 6, 2025 1:00 pm6 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.
Webinar Recording: Investing 102 - Risks & Rewards

Feb 20, 2025 1:00 pm6 views

Take your investing knowledge to the next level! Watch Investing 102 to learn advanced concepts and key tips for successful investing.
Webinar Recording: Investing 101 - Wealth Building Basics

Feb 6, 2025 1:00 pm9 views

Want to start investing? Watch Investing 101: Wealth Building Basics to learn basic investing terms and concepts to confidently begin your investment journey.
Webinar Recording: Taxes for International Students

Jan 23, 2025 1:00 pm3 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.
Webinar Recording: Tackling Tax Basics

Jan 16, 2025 1:00 pm2 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.
Webinar Recording: Mastering the Consumer Credit Game

Dec 5, 2024 1:00 pm6 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.
Webinar Recording: Building, Protecting, & Leaving Your Nest Egg

Nov 7, 2024 1:00 pm4 views

Plan your legacy with confidence. Watch Building, Protecting, & Leaving Your Nest Egg to learn essential concepts of asset management across the life span. Build, protect, and leave your nest egg for future generations.
Webinar Recording: Side Hustles & Small Business

Oct 3, 2024 1:00 pm4 views

Turn your passion into profit! Explore the world of Side Hustles and Small Businesses on YouTube to learn how to start, manage, and grow your entrepreneurial ventures.
Webinar Recording: Budget Hacks

Sep 12, 2024 1:00 pm6 views

Ready to save more and spend smarter? Discover practical tips and tricks to make your money go further and achieve your financial goals by watching Budget Hacks on YouTube.
Webinar Recording: Demystifying the Financial Aid Process

Aug 22, 2024 1:00 pm29 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.
Get Savvy: Grow Your Green Stuff webinar series for 2024-2025

Jul 29, 2024 9:15 am6 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!
Facilitator Guide - How to Throw a Webinar Watch Party

Jun 11, 2024 10:00 am32 views

We aren't able to accommodate workshops by request, but we have dozens of webinar recordings on YouTube and plan new, live webinars each academic year on different financial topics. You can empower your peers or students with increased financial knowledge by throwing a webinar watch party.
Webinar Recording: Money, Stress, & Bad Habits

May 1, 2024 1:00 pm9 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.
Webinar Recording: Student Loan Management

Apr 3, 2024 1:00 pm8 views

Learn how to navigate your student loan journey. Understand crucial terms, tips, and tools for managing your education debt.
Webinar Recording: Save Money on Food

Mar 6, 2024 1:00 pm6 views

Hungry for savings? Uncover tricks for affordable dining. Say goodbye to overspending and hello to tasty savings.
Student Loans Webinar #8 Recording: Different Types of Student Loans

Feb 16, 2024 1:00 pm18 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.
Webinar Recording: Steps to Investing - What to Know Now

Feb 7, 2024 1:00 pm7 views

Ready to start investing? Learn investing basics and explore new trends in securities.
Webinar Recording: Money In Your Entrepreneurial Pursuit

Jan 24, 2024 1:00 pm5 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 pm18 views

Learn if you can qualify for PSLF as a federal student loan borrower working in public service.
Student Loans Webinar #6 Recording: Managing PLUS Loans

Dec 15, 2023 1:00 pm14 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 pm7 views

Unlock the power of financial tools! Explore the best services for your goals, safety, and cost-efficiency.
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.
Webinar Recording: Don't Get Phished

Nov 8, 2023 1:00 pm6 views

Stay one step ahead of scams and fraud! Learn ways to protect yourself, recognize identity theft, and take action if affected.
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.
Webinar Recording: Spooked by Spending Plans?

Oct 11, 2023 1:00 pm8 views

Discover spending motivations and find money management tools that work for you to face your financial fears.
Student Loans Webinar #3 Recording: Review Consolidation or Refinancing

Sep 15, 2023 1:00 pm11 views

We discussed interest and the differences between consolidating and refinancing your student loans. Carefully consider the consequences of using a private refinance loan to pay off federal student loans.
Webinar Recording: Read Before You Sign

Sep 6, 2023 1:00 pm5 views

Get savvy about renting & leasing! Understand your rights & responsibilities when it comes to renting a place to live.
Student Loans Webinar #2 Recording: Explore Repayment Plans with the Loan Simulator

Aug 18, 2023 1:00 pm11 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.
Webinar Recording: Cash at College

Aug 16, 2023 1:00 pm6 views

Discover how spending, saving, and student loans impact your college experience.
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.
Student Loan Management - Get Savvy Webinar Recording

May 3, 2023 1:00 pm6 views

Explore methods of student loan management by watching this webinar recording from May 3, 2023.
Health Insurance Dissected - Get Savvy Webinar Recording

Apr 12, 2023 1:00 pm7 views

Dissect the ins and outs of health insurance by watching this webinar recording from April 12, 2023.
How Your Spending Can Change the World - Get Savvy Webinar Recording

Mar 29, 2023 1:00 pm7 views

Explore how your spending can change the world by watching this webinar recording from March 29, 2023.
Investing Risks & Rewards - Get Savvy Webinar Recording

Feb 8, 2023 1:00 pm8 views

Discover investing risks & rewards by watching this webinar recording from February 8, 2023.
Memes & Money: What are the Facts? - Get Savvy Webinar Recording

Jan 25, 2023 1:00 pm6 views

Learn about money memes, digital assets, and more by watching this webinar recording from January 25, 2023.
Spend Less, Travel More - Get Savvy Webinar Recording

Dec 7, 2022 1:00 pm9 views

Learn about how to spend less to travel more by watching this webinar recording from December 7, 2022.
Build Credit to Your Advantage - Get Savvy Webinar Recording

Nov 9, 2022 1:00 pm9 views

Learn about building credit to your advantage by watching this webinar recording from November 9, 2022.
Side Hustles & Small Businesses - Get Savvy Webinar Recording

Oct 26, 2022 1:00 pm8 views

Learn about side hustles & small businesses by watching this webinar recording from October 26, 2022.
Inflation: When Prices Rise - Get Savvy Webinar Recording

Sep 28, 2022 1:00 pm17 views

Learn about how inflation impacts individual consumers by watching this webinar recording from September 28 2022.
Student Loan Repayment - Get Savvy Webinar Recording

May 18, 2022 1:00 pm6 views

Learn about managing student loan repayment once it restarts and the limited time PSLF waiver by watching this webinar recording from May 18, 2022.
Buying vs Renting a Home - Get Savvy Webinar Recording

Apr 13, 2022 1:00 pm13 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.
Financial Emergency Preparedness - Get Savvy Webinar Recording

Mar 30, 2022 1:00 pm10 views

Discover tools to help you prepare for dealing with potential financial emergencies by watching this webinar recording from March 30, 2022.
Money in Relationships - Get Savvy Webinar Recording

Feb 9, 2022 1:00 pm10 views

Explore methods of communicating and managing money in relationships by watching this webinar recording from February 8, 2022.
Steps to Investing - Get Savvy Webinar Recording

Jan 26, 2022 1:00 pm6 views

Learn more advanced concepts to take steps to investing from this webinar recording from January 26, 2022.
Planning for the Unforeseen - Get Savvy Webinar Recording

Dec 8, 2021 1:00 pm10 views

Learn about tools you can use in estate planning, like power of attorney, wills, and more, from this webinar recording from December 8, 2021.
Conscious Consumerism - Get Savvy Webinar Recording

Nov 11, 2021 1:00 pm7 views

Learn how you can align your own behaviors with your personal values and goals with this webinar recording from November 10, 2021.