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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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  • 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.

  • Mutual Funds vs Exchange Traded Funds

    May 29, 2024 9:00 am1165 views

    Curious about automatically diversified investment options? Learn the key differences between Mutual Funds and ETFs, and find out which might be the best fit for your situation and financial goals.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Collection of Several Hundred Dollar Bill Bundles in US Currency

    How do people with vision impairments manage money?

    Jun 16, 2020 12:45 pm648 views

    Vision impairments can complicate how people manage their money. Learn about ways that people with reduced vision or blindness can be empowered to navigate finances on their own.

  • Overcoming Spending Temptations

    Nov 16, 2020 3:30 pm592 views

    Get some idea starters on how to overcome spending temptations, just in time for the shopping season! 

  • 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 pm586 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. 

  • 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!

  • 4 college students studying at a table together

    Podcast: Saving for College with a 529 Savings Plan

    Feb 10, 2021 12:00 pm476 views

    Episode 11 of Making Cents of Money, Saving for College with a 529 Savings Plan, explored 529 plans, including how they function, a bit on their history, and how they differ from other savings vehicles. Listen to special guests, Fernando Diaz and John Mitchell, from the Illinois Treasurer's Office to learn more about options in Illinois.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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?

  • 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.

  • Image of hand between domino-style blocks - some standing up, others already laying down

    Practicing Self-Advocacy in Your Financial, Professional and Social Life

    Mar 29, 2021 4:30 pm261 views

    Self-advocacy is an important skill to practice, particularly right now. Whether it's getting the resources you need to succeed in school or setting boundaries with your loved ones so you can focus on your own well-being, it's important to communicate with others about your needs, wants, and struggles throughout your life.

  • Person doing yoga on a beach

    The 5 C's: A Guide to Self-Care on a Budget

    Sep 18, 2020 12:00 pm219 views

    We put together a few tips in an effort to add to your ideas and/or motivate you to start practicing self-care/self-love on a budget! 

  • 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.

  • Wellness While Virtual Title over smoothie and fruit ingredients

    How to Support Wellness While Virtual

    Mar 18, 2020 4:15 pm178 views

    Learn ways to enhance your overall wellness in a virtual environment. 

  • UISAVES Week 1: Goal-setting

    Feb 16, 2020 11:30 am135 views

    A strong foundation to any financial plan are goals. Set a goal with #UISAVES to connect with resources to help. universityillinoissaves.org

  • 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.

  • 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. 

  • Podcast: Budgeting

    Jun 17, 2021 12:00 pm122 views

    In episode 20 of Making Cents of Money, Budgeting, Nikki, Andrea, and Jake cover a few of the most popular budgeting (or spending plan, if you prefer) methods to help you think about building a financial plan.

  • 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! 

  • Quote from Oprah Winfrey: “Be thankful for what you have; you’ll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don’t have, you will never, ever have enough.”

    Gratitude & Personal Finances

    Nov 18, 2022 3:45 pm117 views

    There are so many things to be grateful for in this life. As we go into the holiday season, in this article we will discuss about how gratitude impacts our finances. 

  • Picture of an old rusty lockbox

    Podcast: Unclaimed Property in Illinois

    Jan 22, 2025 12:00 pm114 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.

  • UISAVES 2020 runs February 16 - March 7!

    Feb 13, 2020 12:15 pm111 views

    The overall goal of UISAVES is to create a culture of savings at our three universities – University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, University of Illinois at Chicago, and University of Illinois at Springfield. Read on to learn what we're doing for the 2020 campaign!

  • 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. 

  • Travel Planning Templates

    Jul 6, 2021 3:45 pm97 views

    Getting excited to travel? You can use these templates to help get your planning started for your next trip!

  • UISAVES Week 2: Small Amounts Add Up

    Feb 22, 2020 11:30 am95 views

    An important part of building a savings habit is understanding how small amounts add up. 

  • 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: 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.

  • Building Wealth After Graduation

    Podcast: Building Wealth After Graduation

    Mar 25, 2024 12:00 pm90 views

    In episode 80 of Making Cents of Money, Building Wealth After Graduation, Donovan Sanchez returns to talk about how to navigate juggling multiple goals during the transition to life after college.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Conscious Credit text on image of man on bench with headphones in, tablet in one hand and credit card in the other

    Podcast: Conscious Credit

    Apr 7, 2021 12:00 pm77 views

    Episode 15 of Making Cents of Money, Conscious Credit, demystifies parts of the credit system in the United States thanks to our guests, Camaya Wallace Bechard, from University of Illinois Extension, and Natalie Daniels, from DePaul University. 

  • Podcast: Choosing a Financial Professional

    Sep 1, 2021 12:00 pm74 views

    In episode 25 of Making Cents of Money, Choosing a Financial Professional, Andrea, Jake, and Nikki talk to Kathy Sweedler from University of Illinois Extension about type of financial professionals, credentials, and how to choose one that best meets your needs.

  • Preparing for Retirement with pink piggy bank smiling

    Podcast: Preparing for Retirement

    Feb 24, 2021 12:00 pm66 views

    Episode 12 of Making Cents of Money, Preparing for Retirement, discussed the retirement savings crisis, the different types of retirement plans that exist, and the Secure Choice plan in Illinois. Listen to special guest, Courtney Eccles, from the Illinois Treasurer's Office to learn more about the Secure Choice program for small businesses in Illinois.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • UISAVES Week 3: Building Financial Habits

    Feb 29, 2020 11:30 am56 views

    The reality of personal finance is that it is personal and requires behavior change. Learn ways to make behavior changes easier to accomplish your goals.

  • 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.

  • Creating Your Own Financial Education Plan

    Apr 19, 2021 4:00 pm49 views

    Use this guide to identify what modules in the University of Illinois Financial Literacy Badges Program align with your financial education needs and make a learning plan for yourself!

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Podcast: Banked or Unbanked - Choosing Financial Services for You

    Sep 23, 2020 12:00 pm44 views

    Episode 2 of Making Cents of Money, Banked or Unbanked - Choosing Financial Services for You, is all about defining unbanked/underbanked, the differences between banks & credit unions, and how to choose the right financial institution for you. Learn from Illinois' Director of Banking, Chasse Rehwinkel, and Director of Financial Institutions, Francisco Menchaca.

  • 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 pm43 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.

  • 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.

  • Podcast: Buying a Home!

    Mar 16, 2022 12:00 pm42 views

    In episode 36 of Making Cents of Money, Buying a Home!, Andrea, Jake, and Nikki explain terminology, tools, and the basics steps of buying a home.

  • 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.