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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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  • Student Loan Management

    Webinar Recording: Student Loan Management

    Mar 6, 2025 1:00 pm5 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.

  • Mastering the Consumer Credit Game

    Webinar Recording: Mastering the Consumer Credit Game

    Dec 5, 2024 1:00 pm4 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. 

  • Cash at College

    Webinar Recording: Cash at College

    Aug 16, 2023 1:00 pm6 views

    Discover how spending, saving, and student loans impact your college experience.

  • Understand Your Refund Challenge

    Understand Your Refund - Spring 2025

    Jan 29, 2025 10:00 am309 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.

  • Understand Your Refund - Spring 2024

    Feb 1, 2024 7:00 am112 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.

  • woman drinking coffee and smiling at a computer with her hand in the air

    Understand Your Refund - Spring 2023

    Feb 1, 2023 1:00 pm173 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.

  • woman drinking coffee and smiling at a computer with her hand in the air

    Understand Your Refund - Spring 2022

    Feb 1, 2022 1:00 pm49 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.

  • woman drinking coffee and smiling at a computer with her hand in the air

    Understand Your Refund - Spring 2021

    Jan 28, 2021 3:30 pm283 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.

  • Understand Your Refund Quiz

    Understand Your Refund - Fall 2024

    Aug 29, 2024 7:00 am194 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.

  • woman drinking coffee and smiling at a computer with her hand in the air

    Understand Your Refund - Fall 2023

    Sep 1, 2023 1:00 pm130 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.

  • woman drinking coffee and smiling at a computer with her hand in the air

    Understand Your Refund - Fall 2022

    Sep 1, 2022 1:00 pm229 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.

  • woman drinking coffee and smiling at a computer with her hand in the air

    Understand Your Refund - Fall 2021

    Sep 1, 2021 1:00 pm1120 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.

  • woman drinking coffee and smiling at a computer with her hand in the air

    Understand Your Refund - Fall 2020

    Aug 28, 2020 1:00 pm724 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.

  • Things to Keep in Mind with Financial Aid Offers

    Jun 25, 2024 8:00 am41 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.

  • Student Loan Update 8 - Different Types of Student Loans

    Student Loans Webinar #8 Recording: Different Types of Student Loans

    Feb 16, 2024 1:00 pm16 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.

  • Student Loan Update 7 - Public Service Loan Forgiveness

    Student Loans Webinar #7 Recording: Public Service Loan Forgiveness

    Jan 19, 2024 1:00 pm17 views

    Learn if you can qualify for PSLF as a federal student loan borrower working in public service.

  • Student Loan Update 6 - Managing PLUS Loans

    Student Loans Webinar #6 Recording: Managing PLUS Loans

    Dec 15, 2023 1:00 pm12 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.

  • Student Loan Update 5 - Fresh Start & On-Ramp to Repayment

    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. 

  • Student Loan Update 4 - Know Options if You Can't Pay

    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. 

  • Student Loan Update 3 - Consolidation or Refinancing

    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.

  • Student Loan Update 2 - Explore Repayment Plans

    Student Loans Webinar #2 Recording: Explore Repayment Plans with the Loan Simulator

    Aug 18, 2023 1:00 pm10 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.  

  • Student Loan Update 1 - Log into FSA and Update Contact Info

    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 Repayment - Get Savvy Webinar Recording

    Apr 14, 2021 1:00 pm15 views

    There are 8 repayment plans for federal student loans, 10 federal student loan servicers, and an abundance of terms, tools, and tips to remember to manage federal, institutional, and private student loans. Watch our Student Loan Repayment webinar recording to learn about your options as a borrower.

  • image of cash and graduation cap with "Student Loan Management" text

    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.

  • Setting Goals for Your Well-being

    Nov 6, 2020 9:00 am4302 views

    Explore how Maslow's hierarchy of needs and the dimensions of well-being can help you set, prioritize, and manage your SMART goals.

  • What's a Credit Report Anyway?

    Podcast: What's a Credit Report Anyway?

    Aug 9, 2023 12:00 pm66 views

    In episode 67 of Making Cents of Money, What's a Credit Report Anyway?, Nikki and Andrea discuss what's in your credit reports and how to get them at AnnualCreditReport.com.

  • Podcast: What is Crypto Anyway?

    Jan 29, 2024 12:00 pm29 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.

  • Podcast: Understanding FAFSA

    Oct 18, 2023 12:00 pm49 views

    In episode 72 of Making Cents of Money, Understanding FAFSA, Beth Groves, Professional Development Specialist from the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) talks about major changes to the FAFSA, delays, and its importance for anyone considering post-secondary education.

  • Podcast: Understanding Credit

    Nov 10, 2020 12:00 pm110 views

    Episode 5 of Making Cents of Money, Understanding Credit, explores the complicated world of credit to help demystify things like scores, reports, and credit management.

  • Podcast: The Illinois Community Reinvestment Act

    Jul 1, 2024 12:00 pm26 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.

  • Podcast: The Federal Community Reinvestment Act (CRA)

    Jun 17, 2024 12:00 pm23 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.

  • Chicago skyline with "Community Reinvestment Act" as text overlay

    Podcast: The Community Reinvestment Act

    Aug 17, 2022 12:00 pm26 views

    In episode 47 of Making Cents of Money, Chasse Rehwinkel joined Nikki & Andrea to discuss the Community Reinvestment Act and how it is intended to support economic equality.

  • Episode 77 - Tax Talk with two people speaking to each other over some paperwork.

    Podcast: Tax Talk

    Feb 9, 2024 12:00 pm20 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.

  • 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.

  • Man with over the ear headphones around his neck studying on a laptop. White text reads: Student Loans

    Podcast: Student Loans

    Apr 13, 2021 12:00 pm129 views

    Episode 16 of Making Cents of Money, Student Loans, lays out some student loan statistics, considerations, and protections for borrowers in preparation for our webinar on Student Loan Repayment tomorrow!

  • Podcast: Student Loan Repayment (update)

    May 25, 2022 12:00 pm55 views

    In episode 41 of Making Cents of Money, Andrea and Nikki discuss some of the big updates on federal student loans that have occured over the past couple months.

  • Podcast: Setting & Prioritizing Financial Goals

    Dec 20, 2023 12:00 pm122 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! 

  • Top of graduation cap with money and words overlaid that say "Return to Repayment UPDATE"

    Podcast: Return to Repayment (Student Loans Update)

    Apr 7, 2023 12:00 pm68 views

    In episode 60 of Making Cents of Money, Andrea and Nikki talk about the current status of federal student loans and how to prepare for the return to repayment which is expected in the next few months.

  • PSLF Transition Update

    Podcast: PSLF Transition Update

    May 20, 2024 12:00 pm17 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).

  • PSLF Seekers in SAVE: Costs of Administrative Forbearance

    Podcast: PSLF Seekers in SAVE: Costs of Administrative Forbearance

    Sep 10, 2024 12:00 pm74 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.

  • piggy bank with grad cap on money

    Podcast: Paying for College with Scholarships

    Nov 18, 2022 12:00 pm128 views

    In episode 52 of Making Cents of Money, Nikki and Andrea talk to special guest, Kara Holloway, Director of Scholarships at UIC, about paying for college with scholarships.

  • On Ramp to Repayment Ends September 30 for Federal Student Loan Borrowers

    Podcast: On Ramp to Repayment Ends 9/30 for Federal Loan Borrowers

    Sep 16, 2024 12:00 pm43 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: 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.

  • Podcast: Loan Payments Resumed in October

    Oct 31, 2023 12:00 pm21 views

    In episode 73 of Making Cents of Money, Loan Payments Resumed in October, we discussed the "on-ramp" to repayment being implemented by the U.S. Department of Education as millions of borrowers started making payments on their federal loans again in October.

  • Lines of Injustice: What is Redlining?

    Podcast: Lines of Injustice: What is Redlining?

    May 6, 2024 12:00 pm98 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. 

  • Is Crypto the Wild West? with a sunset and silhouettes of saguaro cacti.

    Podcast: Is Crypto the Wild West?

    Feb 26, 2024 12:00 pm26 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.

  • sunset with utilities lines and white text that reads "Help with Utilities Bills"

    Podcast: Help with Utility Bills

    May 3, 2023 12:00 pm17 views

    In episode 61 of Making Cents of Money, we learn about the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). If you're struggling to pay utilities, apply by May 31!

  • Calendar with date circled that says Pay Rent! next to a roll of money

    Podcast: Help for Renters

    Jun 21, 2023 12:00 pm26 views

    In episode 64 of Making Cents of Money, Kari Byer, Director of the APLD & Investigations, joins us again to talk about programs designed to help find and afford renting a place to live.

  • Image of wooden family figurines and house with text "Help for Homeowners"

    Podcast: Help for Homeowners

    Jun 7, 2023 12:00 pm25 views

    In episode 63 of Making Cents of Money, Kari Byer, Director of the APLD & Investigations, joins us to talk about programs designed to help those who may be struggling with initial and ongoing homeownership costs.

  • Image of capital building and stethascope with white text that says "Get Covered, Illinois"

    Podcast: Get Covered, Illinois

    May 22, 2023 12:00 pm29 views

    In episode 62 of Making Cents of Money, Brian Gorman, Director of Outreach & Engagement for Get Covered Illinois, answers our questions about managing healthcare costs.