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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

  • 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 am19 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!

  • Chair with mortarboard / graduation cap hanging over the edge of the top of the chair with the words "6 Considerations for Finding Funding During COVID-19

    6 Considerations for Finding Funding During COVID-19

    Oct 2, 2020 4:45 pm125 views

    Finding money for your education, especially grad school, can be more difficult now. Read the 6 considerations for finding funding during COVID-19 to learn about searching for fellowships. 

  • Screenshot of google map for financial institutions created by SMMC with white text: Financial Institutions Map

    Banking Locations Near Each University

    Jun 14, 2023 9:30 am414 views

    Looking for a financial institution on campus? Explore our Google Map for locations on or close to each campus in the University of Illinois System.

  • Bankruptcy Basics: A Tool for Trouble Finances

    Bankruptcy Basics: A Tool for Troubled Finances

    Nov 26, 2024 12:30 pm39 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. 

  • Before You Give or Take Financial Advice, Read This

    Before You Give or Take Financial Advice, Read This

    Jun 26, 2025 12:30 pm6 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.

  • Behavioral Economics: Five Ways to Shift Your Habits

    Nov 8, 2023 4:00 pm186 views

    When considering decision-making in terms of your finances, it’s important to understand behavioral economics so we can develop healthier spending habits and save money along the way.

  • 2 stacks of coins with a graduation cap on one stack. Text reads Biden Student Loan Cancellation & PSLF Limited Waiver

    Biden Student Loan Cancellation & PSLF Limited Waiver

    Sep 15, 2022 1:00 pm267 views

    Not all federal student loan forgiveness programs are the same. We want to draw your attention to an upcoming deadline to be aware of if you work in public service and will still have a balance after the Biden student loan cancellations are processed.

  • Breaking a Rental Lease in Illinois

    Sep 1, 2023 5:15 pm748 views

    Kwabena Sarfo Adjei, SMMC Support Specialist and LLM student at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's College of Law, describes how he was able to get out of his rental lease after finding the rental property did not meet his expectations.

  • Budget Hacks Presentation Title Slide with brain icon

    Budget Hacks - Get Savvy Webinar Recording

    Oct 21, 2020 1:00 pm55 views

    Money can be messy - it's not just about numbers, calculators and excel sheets. If you're looking for new ways to manage your money mess, we have the budget hacks for you! Learn how to take what we know about human behavior and choices to build better financial habits.

  • Budgeting for a Week white text on photo of printed graphs and charts with a calculator

    Budgeting for a Week: A Realistic Approach

    Nov 8, 2024 4:00 pm997 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.

  • 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.

  • Buying vs Renting a Home - Get Savvy Webinar Recording

    Apr 13, 2022 1:00 pm11 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.

  • Changes to Financial Coaching

    Jun 15, 2020 2:45 pm250 views

    We're restructuring our services to better meet the needs of our stakeholders: students, their families, and employees across the University of Illinois System. Read about what that means for financial coaching!

  • Completing the FAFSA

    Nov 1, 2019 12:30 pm1219 views

    The Free Application for Federal Student Aid, otherwise known as FAFSA, is “the largest source of financial aid to pay for college”. Read about important dates, tips & reminders for filing.

  • Conscious Consumerism - Get Savvy Webinar Recording

    Nov 11, 2021 1:00 pm6 views

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

  • Conscious Credit - Get Savvy Webinar Recording

    Nov 11, 2020 1:00 pm6 views

    In the ever-changing credit market, how do you reconcile what you hear about credit to find accurate, credible information to help you make ethical and conscious borrowing decisions? This webinar explored the role of a responsible borrower, myths and facts about credit, and how building a positive credit profile can have lasting impacts on your overall financial well-being.

  • Coronavirus Challenges Our Financial Security with Image of Empty Wallet

    Coronavirus Challenges Our Financial Security

    Mar 18, 2020 11:45 am394 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 pm57 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.

  • Credit Cards and Travel

    Apr 7, 2023 1:00 pm86 views

    Travel credit cards have become very popular, offering a wide range of benefits if you use them wisely. Read on to learn about the pros and cons of using credit cards during travel and strategies for responsible credit card use.

  • Decreasing Borrowing While in School

    Aug 14, 2023 1:30 pm42 views

    Student loans can be a valuable tool for increasing access to higher education, but it does come with a cost. Learn how to limit those costs while in school so you decrease future costs of compounding interest.

  • Defeat the Debt Monster

    Oct 29, 2018 4:00 pm585 views

    Students across the University of Illinois System are needed to Defeat the Debt Monster between October 1 – October 29 for a chance to win one of three $25 gift cards.

    Discover ways to defeat your personal debt monster!

  • Discover Hidden Treasures: Reclaim Your Unclaimed Property Today!

    Feb 19, 2025 8:00 am188 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. 

  • ESG: Investing in Values to Make the World a Better Place

    Oct 4, 2022 4:30 pm181 views

    Investing has become more than just seeking financial returns. It can be a means to support organizations, projects, and companies that align with your values. Read on to learn more about ESG and what it means to consumer influence.

  • Ethics & Economics of "Informed Consent" for Medical Treatment in the U.S.

    Jul 23, 2024 10:00 am216 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.

  • Executing a Power of Attorney in Illinois

    May 16, 2024 3:45 pm2246 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.

  • Exit Counseling is Live for Institutional Student Loan Borrowers

    Oct 1, 2020 4:15 pm4 views

    If you borrowed institutional loans to pay for school and are graduating or leaving school soon, don't forget to complete your Exit Counseling to avoid a transcript hold!

  • 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.

  • Experience a Scam or Discrimination? Here's How to File a Complaint

    Jun 14, 2024 8:00 am22 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.

  • Fact Check Your Debt

    Fact Check Your Debt Challenge - Spring 2025

    Apr 9, 2025 2:00 pm256 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.

  • Factors Influencing Financial Knowledge

    Apr 22, 2022 10:45 pm3927 views

    This article highlights some of the factors that influence financial knowledge, factors that affect one's appreciation of financial concepts, habits, and decisions.

  • Fall 2019 Understand Your Refund Quiz

    Aug 30, 2019 4:00 pm2805 views

    Hundreds of students end up unable to register every semester because they owe money back to the university, even after receiving a refund.

    Learn how to avoid being one of them.

  • Financial Aid Notifications: Cost of Attendance is Estimated

    Aug 9, 2023 1:30 pm60 views

    Financial aid notifications, or award letters, contain valuable information that help you understand the costs of college. However, it's important to remember that Cost of Attendance is an estimate.

  • Financial Emergency Preparedness - Get Savvy Webinar Recording

    Mar 30, 2022 1:00 pm8 views

    Discover tools to help you prepare for dealing with potential financial emergencies by watching this webinar recording from March 30, 2022.

  • 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.

  • Financial Socialization and Influences of K-12 Financial Education on Adult Financial Decisions

    Apr 8, 2022 11:30 am255 views

    Financial socialization, as well as formal financial education in the early stages of life, do influence adult attitudes, habits, and decisions concerning money. Looking at what state legislation exists in promoting K-12 financial education as well as resources for policymakers and parents in providing spaces for early exposure to financial education may help.

  • Finding Funding Opportunities: Insights From a Current PhD Student

    Mar 13, 2019 3:00 pm62 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. 

  • Pair of glasses with "Focus Your spending with Lists" laid over the image

    Focus Your Spending with Lists

    Nov 18, 2020 4:00 pm330 views

    Lists are helpful for all kinds of things, but how can they help you focus your spending?

  • Empty grocery store shelves

    Food Insecurity Takes on New Meaning in 2020

    Sep 25, 2020 1:00 pm69 views

    As Hunger Action Month comes to a close, we're reflect on how food insecurity has looked different in 2020 than in previous years. 

  • Crow

    Friday the 13th! Financial Planning to Avoid Unlucky Losses

    Mar 13, 2020 10:00 am155 views

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

  • Funding a College Education

    Aug 11, 2023 1:30 pm44 views

    Funding your education can be a daunting task, but there are many tools to help students and their families cover the cost of a college education.

  • Funding New Year's Festivities

    Dec 10, 2019 2:30 pm28 views

    The best way to manage your finances on New Year’s Eve is to plan ahead and set a defined budget you are comfortable with. Read more tips to save while celebrating.

  • Get Savvy: Grow Your Green Stuff Webinar Series

    Get $avvy - Grow Your Green $tuff Webinars

    Jul 2, 2020 12:00 pm86 views

    The 2020-2021 Get Savvy: Grow Your Green Stuff annual webinar series schedule is out. Register today and #GetSavvy.

  • Get $avvy - Grow Your Green $tuff Webinar Series

    Aug 14, 2018 8:00 am214 views

    The 2018-2019 Get Savvy: Grow Your Green Stuff annual webinar series schedule is out. Register today and #GetSavvy.

  • Get $avvy - Grow Your Green $tuff Webinar Series

    Sep 18, 2019 8:00 am52 views

    The 2019-2020 Get Savvy: Grow Your Green Stuff annual webinar series schedule is out. Register today and #GetSavvy.

  • Get $avvy - Grow Your Green $tuff Webinar Series (Spring 2020)

    Jan 29, 2020 8:00 am122 views

    The Spring 2020 Get Savvy: Grow Your Green Stuff webinar series schedule is out. Register today and #GetSavvy.

  • Get Savvy: Grow Your Green Stuff Webinar Series

    Get $avvy - Grow Your Green $tuff Webinars for 2021-2022

    Jun 29, 2021 12:00 pm115 views

    The 2021-2022 Get Savvy: Grow Your Green Stuff annual webinar series schedule is out. Register today and #GetSavvy.

  • Get Savvy: Grow Your Green Stuff Webinar Series

    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.

  • Get Savvy: Grow Your Green Stuff Webinar Series

    Get $avvy - Grow Your Green $tuff Webinars for 2023-2024

    Jul 11, 2023 5:00 pm8 views

    The 2023-2024 Get Savvy: Grow Your Green Stuff annual webinar series schedule is out. Register today and Get Savvy.

  • 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!

  • Good Food, Good Mood

    Sep 19, 2019 12:30 pm329 views

    Is having to find consistent, affordable food always putting you in a bad mood?  Read our article about ways to fight food insecurity to learn of resources that can help.