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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.
Budgets

blog posts

  • Your Financial Tool Chest

    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.

  • Tackling Tax Basics

    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.

  • Student Loan Management

    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.

  • Spooked by Spending Plans?

    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.

  • Save Money on Food

    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. 

  • Money, Stress, and Bad Habits

    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.

  • Money in Your Entrepreneurial Pursuit

    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.

  • Money and Happiness

    Webinar Recording: Money & Happiness

    May 1, 2025 1:00 pm0 views

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

  • Don't Get Phished: Avoid Scams & Fraud

    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.  

  • Rabbit in a hat with white text stating "Demystifying the financial aid process"

    Webinar Recording: Demystifying the Financial Aid Process

    Aug 22, 2024 1:00 pm22 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. 

  • Building, Protecting, and Leaving Your Nest Egg

    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.

  • Budget Hacks

    Webinar Recording: Budget Hacks

    Sep 12, 2024 1:00 pm5 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.

  • Tax Filing 101: Forms & Facts You Need to Know

    Mar 10, 2023 5:00 pm875 views

    As we get closer to the tax filing deadline for the United States, it is important to knwo the intricacies and important forms for filing taxes.

  • Student Loan Repayment - Get Savvy Webinar Recording

    May 18, 2022 1:00 pm5 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.

  • Two silhouetted people standing in front of a sunrise.

    Seasonal Themes: Get More Done with a Mindset Shift

    Jan 29, 2021 11:00 am577 views

    Has Your New Year's Resolution Failed? Try a Seasonal Theme!

  • Searching for Part-Time Jobs as a Student

    Sep 30, 2024 5:00 pm82 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.

  • Saving Up for a Side Hustle

    May 12, 2023 1:00 pm85 views

    To complement our Side Hustles & Small Businesses webinar from last fall, we wanted to share some tips on saving up for starting a small business.

  • Title slide for How to Save Money on Food with icons of groceries like milk, corn, cans, eggs, etc.

    Save Money on Food - Get Savvy Webinar Recording

    Feb 24, 2021 1:00 pm6 views

    At the end of a busy day, when you’re hungry and tired, do you go home knowing you’re all set to prepare a tasty, healthy dinner?  Are you happy with how much money you spend on food? Would you like to learn some tricks for eating well for less money?  If any of these questions resonate with you, then How to Save on Food is the educational opportunity for you!

  • Zombie Properties & Mortgages

    Podcast: Zombie Properties & Mortgages

    Oct 22, 2024 12:00 pm15 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. 

  • Wealth Building as a Balancing Act text over image of hand holding a balanced scale

    Podcast: Wealth Building as a Balancing Act

    Jan 19, 2023 12:00 pm77 views

    In episode 55 of Making Cents of Money, Donovan Sanchez from University of Illinois' Financial Planning program talks about wealth building as a balancing act.

  • Man smiling while holding paycheck. White text reads "Understanding Your Paycheck"

    Podcast: Understanding Your Paycheck

    Sep 5, 2023 12:00 pm51 views

    In episode 69 of Making Cents of Money, Understanding Your Paycheck, Nikki and Andrea talk about something you're bound to love: your paycheck!

  • Podcast: Time to Travel!

    Jul 7, 2021 12:00 pm39 views

    In episode 21 of Making Cents of Money, Time to Travel!, Nikki, Andrea, and Jake discuss travel aspirations, goals, and tips for planning a trip to help you make your next dream vacation a reality.

  • Magnifying glass over newspaper focusing on Interest Rates with white text that reads "The Impact of Compound Interest"

    Podcast: The Impact of Compound Interest

    Sep 20, 2023 12:00 pm43 views

    In episode 70 of Making Cents of Money, The Impact of Compound Interest, Andrea and Nikki explore the complicated relationship we can have with compound interest when it comes to accomplishing financial goals.

  • The Financial Impact of Digital Illiteracy

    Podcast: The Financial Impact of Digital Illiteracy

    Aug 23, 2023 12:00 pm55 views

    In episode 68 of Making Cents of Money, The Financial Impact of Digital Illiteracy, Andrea and Nikki explore the financial implications of digital Illiteracy in our digital age.

  • Podcast: The [Episode] with All the Co-Hosts

    Dec 17, 2024 12:00 pm9 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.

  • Podcast: Tackling Insurance! (Part 2)

    Nov 3, 2021 12:00 pm22 views

    In episode 29 of Making Cents of Money, Tackling Insurance! (Part 2), Nikki and Jake talked with Laura Pellikan from the Illinois Department of Insurance about the basics of health insurance and ways you can get covered.

  • Podcast: Tackling Insurance! (Part 1)

    Oct 20, 2021 12:00 pm40 views

    In episode 28 of Making Cents of Money, Tackling Insurance! (Part 1), Deputy Director of Consumer Education & Protection at the Illinois Department of Insurance, Patrice Dziire, talked to us about auto, home, renters, and life insurance. 

  • Podcast: Student Loan Update

    Oct 6, 2021 12:00 pm19 views

    In episode 27 of Making Cents of Money, Student Loan Update, Jake and Nikki gave a quick update on the state of federal student loans.

  • Podcast: Stages of Financial Behavior Change

    Mar 10, 2025 12:00 pm62 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.

  • Podcast: Shopping for Appliances

    Jul 8, 2022 12:00 pm20 views

    In episode 44 of Making Cents of Money, Nikki and Andrea talk about shopping for appliances, and they've focused on times when it may be a surprise shopping need!

  • Saving Money on Holiday Travel text over photo of a toy plane and gift on pink table

    Podcast: Saving Money on Holiday Travel

    Nov 6, 2024 8:00 am47 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)! 

  • airplane in sky over palm trees

    Podcast: Revisiting Travel

    Nov 23, 2022 12:00 pm78 views

    In episode 53 of Making Cents of Money, Andrea & Nikki discuss a few updates to consider when traveling before re-airing the Time to Travel podcast from July 2021.

  • Podcast: Renting!

    Mar 30, 2022 12:00 pm25 views

    In episode 37 of Making Cents of Money, Renting!, Andrea, Jake, and Nikki discuss the basic steps and what to watch for when renting a place to live.

  • Podcast: Protecting Pets

    May 10, 2022 12:00 pm36 views

    In episode 39 of Making Cents of Money, Protecting Pets, Andrea, Jake, and Nikki discuss pet insurance and other ways to handle the financial risk of vet bills for our pets with Presley Fee, Digital Financial Planning Program Coordinator at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

  • 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 pm22 views

    In episode 101 of Making Cents of Money, join Kimber and Andrea for pointers on pursuing your financial resolutions in the new year.

  • Neurodiversity and Financial Strategies

    Podcast: Neurodiversity and Financial Strategies

    Mar 26, 2025 12:00 pm60 views

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

  • National Financial Capability Month podcast

    Podcast: National Financial Capability Month

    Apr 4, 2025 12:00 pm13 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.

  • Podcast: Mortgages

    Apr 14, 2022 12:00 pm30 views

    In episode 38 of Making Cents of Money, Renting!, Andrea, Jake, and Nikki interview IDFPR's Anti-Predatory Lending Database Director, Kari Beyer, about the ins and outs of mortgages.

  • Podcast: Money Personalities & Financial Well-being

    Aug 4, 2021 11:00 am93 views

    In episode 23 of Making Cents of Money, Money Personalities & Financial Well-being, Andrea, Jake, and Nikki discuss several financial personality inventories and the CFPB's financial well-being scale as tools to better understand financial values, habits, and internal feelings around money.

  • Money and Relationships

    Podcast: Money and Relationships

    Feb 14, 2025 12:00 pm38 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.

  • Podcast: Inflation

    Nov 17, 2021 12:00 pm24 views

    In episode 30 of Making Cents of Money, Inflation, Jake, Nikki, and Andrea discuss what inflation is as one of many metrics to gauge how an economy is doing and how it impacts our spending power as consumers.

  • Podcast: Gross National Happiness

    Feb 9, 2022 12:00 pm23 views

    In episode 34 of Making Cents of Money, Gross National Happiness, Jake and Nikki discuss an alternative metric to Gross Domestic Product that some countries use to help monitor the health of their economies called Gross National Happiness.

  • Podcast: Gross Domestic Product (GDP)

    Dec 22, 2021 12:00 pm40 views

    In episode 32 of Making Cents of Money, Gross Domestic Product (GDP), Andrea, Nikki, and Jake explain Gross Domestic Product as part of an ongoing mini series on economic indicators. 

  • Financial Socialization

    Podcast: Financial Socialization

    Dec 4, 2024 12:00 pm40 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.

  • Podcast: Financial Security and Stress

    Dec 8, 2021 12:00 pm91 views

    In episode 31 of Making Cents of Money, Financial Security and Stress, Andrea, Nikki, and Jake talk about statistics related to both financial security and stress and tips to deal with them.

  • Financial Resolutions white text over image of a 2023 flatlay with notebook and coffee

    Podcast: Financial Resolutions!

    Dec 14, 2022 12:00 pm31 views

    In episode 54 of Making Cents of Money, Nikki & Andrea talk about some recent changes in setting new years resolutions and how to make finances part of your goals for 2023.

  • Podcast: Financial Planner vs AI

    Jul 12, 2023 12:00 pm37 views

    In episode 65 of Making Cents of Money, Financial Planner vs AI, we discuss the pros and cons of using Artificial Intelligence language model, ChatGPT, to answer financial planning questions with the help of Donovan Sanchez, CFP®.

  • Podcast: Establishing a Vision for Your Life

    Jan 20, 2022 12:00 pm44 views

    In episode 33 of Making Cents of Money, Establishing a Vision for Your Life, Andrea, Nikki, and Jake talk to Donovan Sanchez, CFP and instructor of financial planning at University of Illinois Urbana Champaign about making meaningful money choices that allow you to live life now and make progress towards the future.

  • Podcast: Employment

    Feb 23, 2022 12:00 pm29 views

    In episode 35 of Making Cents of Money, Employment, Andrea, Jake, and Nikki continue the podcast series on economic indicators by discussing metrics related to employment.

  • Podcast: Emergency Funds

    Sep 16, 2021 12:00 pm45 views

    In episode 26 of Making Cents of Money, Emergency Funds, Jake, Nikki, and Andrea discuss the value of building emergency funds and a few ways to get started.