Making Cents of Money

This month, the federal government began taking action against student loan borrowers with accounts in default. In this episode of Making Cents of Money, learn what that means for borrowers and what options might be available. Show Notes: Cunningham, M. (2025, May 5). Student loan collections resume as record number of borrowers fall behind. CBS News. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/defaulted-loans-restart-collection-delinquency-may-5/ Dunbar, M. (2025, May 6). US student loan collections resume: Here's what you need to know. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/may/06/us-student-loan-collections-explainer Federal Student Aid. (n.d.). Rehabilitated loan. U.S. Department of Education. https://studentaid.gov/help-center/answers/article/loan-rehabilitation Federal Student Aid. (n.d.). What is the difference between student loan delinquency and default? U.S. Department of Education. https://studentaid.gov/help-center/answers/article/what-is-difference-between-loan-delinquency-and-default Hanson, M. (2025, March 16). Student loan debt statistics [2025]. Education Data Initiative. https://educationdata.org/student-loan-debt-statistics Kim, J. (2024, September 30). Deadline for Fresh Start defaulted student loans program gets extended. NPR. https://www.npr.org/2024/09/30/nx-s1-5133296/student-loan-default-fresh-start-explainer Prater, N. (2025, May 6). Trump administration gets aggressive on student-debt collection. New York Magazine. https://nymag.com/intelligencer/article/trump-admin-gets-aggressive-on-student-debt-collection.html Reyes, Y., & Lalljee, J. (2025, May 7). What Floridians should know as student loan penalty pause ends. Axios Tampa Bay. https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/05/07/floridian-student-loan-penalty-pause-ends Student Loan Borrower Assistance. (2024, September 20). Fresh Start ends Sept. 30: What borrowers need to know. https://studentloanborrowerassistance.org/fresh-start-ends-sept-30-what-borrowers-need-to-know/ TransUnion. (2025, May 5). As federal collections activity resumes, more than one in five student loan borrowers are 90+ days delinquent. https://newsroom.transunion.com/may-2025-student-loan-update/ U.S. Department of Education. (2025, April 21). U.S. Department of Education to begin federal student loan collections and other actions to help borrowers get back into repayment. https://www.ed.gov/about/news/press-release/us-department-of-education-begin-federal-student-loan-collections-other-actions-help-borrowers-get-back-repayment

Looking for a new job? In our latest episode of Making Cents of Money, Kwabena Sarfo Adjei - one of Andrea's colleagues at the University of Illinois Student Money Management Center – discusses how scammers target people searching for a job and how you can avoid becoming a victim. Show Notes • Federal Trade Commission. (n.d.). Job scams explained. Consumer.gov. Overview of how job scams work, common tactics scammers use, and ways to protect yourself when job hunting. https://consumer.gov/scams-identity-theft/job-scams-explained • Federal Trade Commission. (n.d.). Job scams. Consumer.ftc.gov. Detailed examples of job scams and what to do if you encounter one, including red flags and reporting resources. https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/job-scams#examples • Federal Trade Commission. (n.d.). If you were scammed. Consumer.gov. Step-by-step instructions on what to do if you've been scammed, how to report it, and how to start recovering. https://consumer.gov/scams • Federal Bureau of Investigation. (n.d.). Common frauds and scams. FBI.gov. A broad overview of scams reported to the FBI, including employment scams, with advice on prevention and reporting. https://www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/scams-and-safety/common-frauds-and-scams • Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. (n.d.). License lookup. IDFPR. A tool for verifying whether a job recruiter, employment agency, or financial services professional is properly licensed in the state of Illinois — helpful for confirming the legitimacy of job offers or financial opportunities. https://idfpr.illinois.gov/checklicense.html • Palmquist, K. (2025, January 28). 17 common job scams and how to protect yourself. Indeed Career Guide. A practical guide listing 17 types of job scams with tips on how to identify them and avoid falling victim. https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/job-scams • U.S. General Services Administration. (n.d.). Learn where to report a scam. USA.gov. Official government guide on where and how to report various types of scams, including job scams, at the federal and local levels. https://www.usa.gov/where-report-scams

Concerned about filing your taxes by the April 15th deadline? In this micro-episode of Making Cents of Money, we walk you through the process of filing for an extension and offer some helpful reminders about tax liabilities in general. Show notes: Extension for Filing: IRS Form 4868: https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-4868 Illinois Tax Extension Information: https://tax.illinois.gov/individuals/filingrequirements/extension.html Making Cents of Money, Episode 99, Financial Socialization: https://soundcloud.com/idfpr/episode-99-financial-socialization?utm_source=clipboard&utm_campaign=wtshare&utm_medium=widget&utm_content=https%253A%252F%252Fsoundcloud.com%252Fidfpr%252Fepisode-99-financial-socialization Get Savvy: Grow Your Green Stuff, Tackling Tax Basics: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r5kBeRHplTY

April is #NationalFinancialCapabilityMonth and Making Cents of Money is celebrating with an episode that covers a variety of financial topics that reference favorite throwback episodes. Ready for a challenge this month? Tune in to learn more. Show Notes: Making Cents of Money Episodes • Episode 101: New Year, New Financial Resolutions: https://soundcloud.com/idfpr/episode-101-new-year-new-financial-resolutions?si=09578c6ba28040a6b3b56260fc9fd276&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing • Episode 91: Retirement Savings in Illinois: https://soundcloud.com/idfpr/episode-91-retirement-savings-in-illinois?si=a573cc37160345ed857904b3da4d8447&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing • Episode 90: Back to School: College and Credit: https://soundcloud.com/idfpr/episode-90-back-to-school-college-and-credit?si=59d2e6f067714030a6cc2134f6700250&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing • Episode 88: Financial Wellness Concepts: https://soundcloud.com/idfpr/episode-88-financial-wellness-concepts?si=1477cb78feae4add9792f9849d3808e8&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing • Episode 82: Free Financial Education Resources for Illinois Residents: https://soundcloud.com/idfpr/sto?si=2f8559d9b5ba4b1e9f9d6067914e88cd&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing • Episode 72: Budgeting and Financial Planning: https://soundcloud.com/idfpr/sets/budgeting-financial-planning?si=6a9c76d0112146ce8bdeb7dfa3130e0e&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing • Episode 70: Establishing and Managing Credit: https://soundcloud.com/idfpr/sets/establishing-managing-credit?si=6a9ec01a0c014cdda669638db760169b&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing • Episode 67: What is a Credit Report Anyway?: https://soundcloud.com/idfpr/episode-67-whats-a-credit-report-anyway?si=467b672c529647a4932ee79883b3e592&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing • Episode 26: Building an Emergency Fund: https://soundcloud.com/idfpr/episode-26-emergency-funds?si=6fc286c508264a658d15f6235a79f589&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing

Managing money isn't one-size-fits-all—especially for neurodivergent individuals. In this episode of Making Cents of Money, we explore how ADHD, autism, dyslexia, and executive functioning challenges impact personal finance. Show Notes: • Illinois Assistive Technology Program: https://iltech.org/ • Illinois ABLE Program: https://illinoisable.com/ • ADA National Network. n.d. “What is the definition of disability under ADA?” https://adata.org/faq/what-definition-disability-under-ada. • Altszuler, A. R., T. F. Page, E. M. Gnagy, S. Coxe, A. Arrieta, B. S. Molina, and W. E. Pelham Jr. 2016. “Financial Dependence of Young Adults with Childhood ADHD.” Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology 44 (6): 1217–1229. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10802-015-0093-9. • American Psychological Association. n.d. “Speaking of Psychology: The Stress of Money.” American Psychological Association. www.apa.org/research/action/speaking-of-psychology/financial-stress. • Komarow, A. 2020. “Neurodiversity and Finances: Planning for the Future When You Think Differently.” Different Brains. www.differentbrains.org/neurodiversity-finances-planning-for-the-future-when-you-think-differently/. • How Being Neurodiverse Affects Your Relationship With Money, Duke University Career Hub: https://careerhub.students.duke.edu/blog/2025/01/03/how-being-neurodiverse-affects-your-relationship-with-money/ • An Inclusive Approach to how Financial Institutions Might Design Financial Information for Neurodiversity Accessibility: https://openresearch.ocadu.ca/id/eprint/4020/1/Copeland_Jocelyne_Mbaziira_Isaac_2023_MDES_SFI.pdf • Financial Literacy Among Autistic Adults, The Journal of Consumer Affairs: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/joca.12564 • Inclusive Financial Well-being Empowerment Model for Serving Independent, Neurodivergent Individuals: www.financialplanningassociation.org/article/journal/NOV21-inclusive-financial-well-being-empowerment-model-serving-independent-neurodivergent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, May 16). Data and statistics on autism spectrum disorder. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/autism/data-research/index.html FT Adviser. (2024, May 9). Understanding the financial challenges faced by neurodivergent people. Retrieved from https://www.ftadviser.com/investments/2024/05/09/understanding-the-financial-challenges-faced-by-neurodivergent-people/ National Disability Institute. (n.d.). National Disability Institute and the Association for Financial Counseling and Planning Education® launch Financial Inclusion Essentials. Retrieved from https://www.nationaldisabilityinstitute.org/press/national-disability-institute-and-the-association-for-financial-counseling-and-planning-education-launch-financial-inclusion-essentials-2/ Shattuck, P., Narendorf, S., Cooper, B., Sterzing, P., Wagner, M., & Taylor, J. (2012). Postsecondary education and employment among youth with an autism spectrum disorder. Pediatrics, 129(6), 1042-1049. https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2011-2864. Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/224958489_Postsecondary_Education_and_Employment_Among_Youth_With_an_Autism_Spectrum_Disorder

Ever wondered why it can be so difficult to change your financial habits? In this episode of Making Cents of Money, join our hosts and special guest, Emily Harmon, Illinois Extension Family Life Educator, as they delve into the Transtheoretical Model to help explain why behavior change relating to finances can be challenging. Show Notes Links: Ep. 23, Money Personalities & Financial Well-being: https://blogs.uofi.uillinois.edu/view/7550/303401558 Illinois Extension. All My Money, What's Important to Me? Activity. https://extension.illinois.edu/sites/default/files/all_my_money_values_activity.pdf Money Harmony Personalities Quiz by Olivia Mellan: https://moneyharmony.com/moneyharmony-quiz/ Klontz Money Scripts Inventory (KMSI-R): https://www.bradklontz.com/moneyscriptstest Publications on the Klontz Money Scripts Inventory: Klontz, B., Britt, S. L., Mentzer, J., & Klontz, T. (2011). Money beliefs and financial behaviors: Development of the Klontz Money Script Inventory. Journal of Financial Therapy, 2(1), 1. Klontz, B., Britt, S. L., Archuleta, K. L., & Klontz, T. (2012). Disordered money behaviors: Development of the Klontz money behavior inventory. Journal of Financial Therapy, 3(1), 2. Taylor, C. D., Klontz, B., & Britt, S. L. (2016). Reliability and convergent validity of the Klontz Money Script Inventory-revised (KMSI-R). Journal of Financial therapy, 6(2), 2.

Making Cents of Money: Episode 99 – Financial Socialization: https://soundcloud.com/idfpr/episode-99-financial-socialization?utm_source=clipboard&utm_campaign=wtshare&utm_medium=widget&utm_content=https%253A%252F%252Fsoundcloud.com%252Fidfpr%252Fepisode-99-financial-socialization Making Cents of Money: Episode 94 – Cost of Living: https://soundcloud.com/idfpr/episode-94-cost-of-living?utm_source=clipboard&utm_campaign=wtshare&utm_medium=widget&utm_content=https%253A%252F%252Fsoundcloud.com%252Fidfpr%252Fepisode-94-cost-of-living Klontz Money Scripts Quiz: https://www.bradklontz.com/moneyscriptstest Get Saavy Webinar: Budget Hacks: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X2p09ddcB4Q FTC Fraud Report: https://reportfraud.ftc.gov FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center: https://www.ic3.gov Christy, K., Welter, T., Dundon, K., Valandra, & Bruce, A. (2022). Economic Abuse: A Subtle but Common Form of Power and Control. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 37(1–2), NP473–NP499. https://doi.org/10.1177/0886260520916264 Eickmeyer, K. J., Manning, W. D., Longmore, M. A., & Giordano, P. C. (2023). Exploring the Married-Cohabiting Income Pooling Gap Among Young Adults. Journal of Family and Economic Issues, 44(4), 990–1006. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10834-023-09885-0 Granados, W. (2025, January 28). NRF survey: Valentine's day spending reaches record $27.5 billion. NRF National Retail Federation. https://nrf.com/media-center/press-releases/nrf-survey-valentine-s-day-spending-reaches-record-27-5-billion Klontz, B., Britt, S. L., Mentzer, J., & Klontz, T. (2011). Money Beliefs and Financial Behaviors: Development of the Klontz Money Script Inventory. Journal of Financial Therapy, 2(1). https://doi.org/10.4148/jft.v2i1.451 Koochel, E. E., Markham, M. S., Crawford, D. W., & Archuleta, K. L. (2020). Financial Transparency Scale: Its Development and Potential Uses. Journal of Financial Counseling and Planning, 31(1), 14–27. https://doi.org/10.1891/JFCP-18-00009 Li, X., Khan, M. A., Xiao, J. J., & Kong, D. (2024). Actions for solutions: Financial behaviors, power (im)balance, and economic abuse among Chinese young adults in non-marital cohabitation. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 41(6), 1554–1576. https://doi.org/10.1177/02654075241227125 Olson, J. G., & Rick, S. I. (2023). Subjective Knowledge Differences within Couples Predict Influence over Shared Financial Decisions. Journal of the Association for Consumer Research, 8(4), 378–389. https://doi.org/10.1086/726430 Romo, L. K. (2015). An Examination of How People in Romantic Relationships Use Communication to Manage Financial Uncertainty. Journal of Applied Communication Research, 43(3), 315–335. https://doi.org/10.1080/00909882.2015.1052831 Romo, L. K., & Abetz, J. S. (2016). Money as Relational Struggle: Communicatively Negotiating Cultural Discourses in Romantic Relationships. Communication Studies, 67(1), 94–110. https://doi.org/10.1080/10510974.2015.1121158 Totenhagen, C. J., Wilmarth, M. J., Serido, J., Curran, M. A., & Shim, S. (2019). Pathways from Financial Knowledge to Relationship Satisfaction: The Roles of Financial Behaviors, Perceived Shared Financial Values with the Romantic Partner, and Debt. Journal of Family and Economic Issues, 40(3), 423–437. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10834-019-09611-9

Making Cents of Money discusses the economics of the cannabis in Illinois with Vaughn Bentley, the Deputy Director of Cannabis Control at IDFPR. Tune in to learn more about the impact this industry (the first nationally to prioritize social equity) has in our state. Show Notes: Illinois Cannabis Regulation Oversight Office. (2024). Annual cannabis regulation report. Springfield, IL: State of Illinois. https://cannabis.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/cannabis/documents/media/reports-and-public-presentations/Compiled%20Cannabis%20Annual%20Report%202024%20(1).pdf Illinois Department of Agriculture. (2023). Cannabis regulation and tax act. Administrative rules for adult use cannabis. https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs4.asp?DocName=041007050HArt.15&ActID=3992&ChapterID=35&SeqStart=3000000&SeqEnd=6400000 UIC Entrepreneurial Support Program: https://business.uic.edu/academics-research/research-2/centers/uic-entrepreneurial-support-program/. Making Cents of Money Ep. 50: Becoming an Entrepreneur! https://blogs.uofi.uillinois.edu/view/7550/1409980922

Making Cents of Money is proud to partner with the Office of the State Treasurer in its latest episode. Treasurer Michael Frerichs shared that 1 in 4 Illinoisans have unclaimed property waiting for them. Want to learn more? Tune in to learn more: link to podcast. Show Notes: Making Cents of Money: Ep. 11 – Saving for College with a 529 Savings Plan https://blogs.uofi.uillinois.edu/view/7550/2145536872 *I-Cash website: https://icash.illinoistreasurer.gov/

Are you looking to start fresh financially this new year? Join the hosts of Making Cents of Money as they kick off 2025 with a special episode – New Year, New Financial Resolutions. Show Notes: • National Endowment for Financial Education (NEFE) – Emergency Fund Tips https://www.nefe.org/what-we-provide/consumer-financial-literacy-resources/emergency-fund • Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) – Paying Off Debt https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/what-is-the-debt-snowball-method-en-1916/ • Charles Schwab, New Years Financial Resolutions: https://www.schwab.com/learn/story/new-years-financial-resolutions-get-your-finances-in-shape • CNBC: Financial New Years Resolutions: https://www.cnbc.com/select/financial-new-years-resolutions/ • Motley Fool Money: https://www.fool.com/money/research/financial-new-years-resolutions/ • Consumer Financial Protection Bureau: An essential guide to building an emergency fund: https://www.consumerfinance.gov/an-essential-guide-to-building-an-emergency-fund/ • PowerPlay: https://extension.usu.edu/powerpay/ • Making Cents of Money episodes about establishing credit: https://soundcloud.com/idfpr/sets/establishing-managing-credit • Episode 80: Building Wealth After Graduation: https://soundcloud.com/idfpr/episode-80-building-wealth-after-graduation • Episode 55: Making Cents of Money: Wealth Building as a Balancing Act: https://soundcloud.com/idfpr/episode-55-wealth-building-as-a-balancing-act?utm_source=clipboard&utm_campaign=wtshare&utm_medium=widget&utm_content=https%253A%252F%252Fsoundcloud.com%252Fidfpr%252Fepisode-55-wealth-building-as-a-balancing-act • Episode 49: Making Cents of Money: Dealing with Emergencies: https://soundcloud.com/idfpr/episode-49-dealing-with-emergencies?utm_source=clipboard&utm_campaign=wtshare&utm_medium=widget&utm_content=https%253A%252F%252Fsoundcloud.com%252Fidfpr%252Fepisode-49-dealing-with-emergencies • Budget Hacks webinar: https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=shared&v=X2p09ddcB4Q • Experian: Debt Snowball vs. Debt Avalanche: https://www.experian.com/blogs/ask-experian/avalanche-vs-snowball-which-repayment-strategy-is-best/#:~:text=For%20the%20most%20part%2C%20the,money%20in%20interest%20over%20time.

Making Cents of Money reaches a major milestone in releasing its 100th episode! Join all the co-hosts (past and present) as they reunite to celebrate this achievement, reflect on their favorite episodes, and discuss how the show has evolved through the years. SHOW NOTES: Episode 86: The Illinois Community Reinvestment Act: https://soundcloud.com/idfpr/episode-86-the-illinois-community-reinvestment-act?si=da23db5a5eb54864ac46902a6ef22457&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing Episode 85: The Federal Community Reinvestment Act: https://soundcloud.com/idfpr/episode-85-the-federal-community-reinvestment-act-cra?si=f53b327f41df4d66a308ab44949fb4f9&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing Episode 78: Is Crypto the Wild West?: https://soundcloud.com/idfpr/episode-78-is-crypto-the-wild-west?si=2f70e3f31d1c44659977d0da1a5e7a30&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing Episode 54: Financial Resolutions!: https://soundcloud.com/idfpr/episode-54-financial-resolutions?si=585e0e5ced134bce868e116e3fc4740b&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing Episode 47: The Community Reinvestment Act: https://soundcloud.com/idfpr/episode-47-the-community-reinvestment-act?si=ca8fe23d82f54daf8d0234c7f5c596f8&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing Episode 27: Student Loan Update: https://soundcloud.com/idfpr/episode-27-student-loan-update?si=6b2eb7d9b261485a83d6713fd3fbf3a0&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing Episode 24: Cryptocurrency: https://soundcloud.com/idfpr/mcom-ep24-cryptocurrencyfinal?si=bf3802ea62564039a4e271184589ef6f&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing Episode 15: Credit: https://soundcloud.com/idfpr/episode-15-credit?si=7b887916e593400191676b78a514bae5&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing Episode 13: Investing Basics: https://soundcloud.com/idfpr/episode-13-investing-basics?si=ba6bbf0d5d1643bd81c19f9502dec3c6&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing Episode 11: Saving for College with a 529 Savings Plan: https://soundcloud.com/idfpr/episode-11-saving-for-college-with-529-savings-plans?si=021504277e61467f9aa42c84f754cb4a&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing

Show Notes: • Hasler, A., & Lusardi, A. (2019). The gender gap in financial literacy: A global perspective. Global Financial Literacy Excellence Center. https://gflec.org • Jorgensen, B. L., & Savla, J. (2010). Financial literacy of young adults: The importance of parental socialization. Family Relations, 59(4), 465–478. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1741-3729.2010.00616.x • Kim, J., Gutter, M. S., & Spangler, T. (2020). Extended family financial socialization and financial behavior in adulthood. Journal of Family and Economic Issues, 41(3), 497-510. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10834-020-09674-3 • Klontz, B., Britt, S. L., Archuleta, K. L., & Klontz, T. (2011). Mind over money: Overcoming the money disorders that threaten our financial health. Broadway Books. • Mellan, O. (2014). Money harmony: Resolving money conflicts in your life and relationships. Walker and Company. • Shim, S., Barber, B. L., Card, N. A., Xiao, J. J., & Serido, J. (2021). Financial socialization: A model of family pathways to financial well-being. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 50(4), 788-806. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10964-020-01272-0 • Tang, N., & Baker, A. (2016). Self-esteem, financial knowledge and financial behavior. Journal of Economic Psychology, 54, 164-176. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joep.2016.04.005 • The Psychology of Financial Planning Podcast: https://www.psychologyoffinancialplanning.com/podcast • Making Cents of Money Episode 70: The Impact of Compound Interest: https://soundcloud.com/idfpr/episode-70-the-impact-of-compound-interest?utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing • Klontz Money Scripts Test: https://www.bradklontz.com/moneyscriptstest • Dr. Brad Klontz on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/drbradklontz • Money Habitudes: https://www.moneyhabitudes.com/ • Money Personality Quiz by Olivia Mellan via the California Courts' Families Change website: https://fas.familieschange.ca.gov/en/course/27-activity-money-personality-quiz

In this episode of Making Cents of Money, we discuss the costs of car ownership and the impact it could have on your budget. Are you ready to see if you're prepared to purchase a vehicle? Tune in to learn more. Show Notes: MCOM Episode 74: Credit Reports Update: https://soundcloud.com/idfpr/episode-74-credit-reports-update?utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing MCOM Episode 70: The Impact of Compound Interest: https://soundcloud.com/idfpr/episode-70-the-impact-of-compound-interest?utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing Comparing Commute Costs Calculator: https://bicycleuniverse.com/car-free-millionaire/ Calculating Cost of Ownership • Edmund's True Cost to Own ® Calculator: https://www.edmunds.com/tco.html • What Is the Total Cost of Owning a Car? via NerdWallet: https://www.nerdwallet.com/blog/loans/total-cost-owning-car/ • Illinois Tollway Trip Calculator: https://ua.getipass.com/trip-calculator Can Your Budget Handle It? • Budgeting & Financial Planning episode list for Making Cents of Money: https://on.soundcloud.com/CJbxcrPsLRzCXVW78 • Budgeting Web Page from University of Illinois Student Money Management Center: https://www.studentmoney.uillinois.edu/learn/budgeting • You can also use something like this budget worksheet from the CFPB: https://files.consumerfinance.gov/f/documents/cfpb_well-being_monthly-budget.pdf Manufacturer vs Extended Warranties • CFPB Article, “What is the difference between a manufacturer's warranty and an extended vehicle warranty or service contract?”: https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/what-is-the-difference-between-a-manufacturers-warranty-and-an-extended-vehicle-warranty-or-service-contract-en-825/ Title and Registration • ILLINOIS Registration Renewal and ID Cards: https://www.ilsos.gov/departments/vehicles/title_and_registration/regid.html • FAQ on Title & Registration in Illinois: https://www.ilsos.gov/departments/vehicles/faq.html • Buying or Selling a Used Vehicle Pamphlet from IL Sec of State: https://www.ilsos.gov/publications/pdf_publications/sos_dop141.pdf • Seller's Report of Sale Form: https://www.ilsos.gov/publications/pdf_publications/vsd703.pdf Don't Forget Monthly Costs • Edmund's True Cost to Own ® Calculator: https://www.edmunds.com/tco.html Two Types of Financing • CFPB's Take Control of Your Auto Loan Guide: https://files.consumerfinance.gov/f/documents/201606_cfpb_take-control-of-your-auto-loan-guide.pdf Know Your Resources • Kelly Blue Book: https://www.kbb.com • NADA Guides: https://www.nadaguides.com/Cars • Edmunds True Market Value: https://www.edmunds.com/tmv.html • CarFax History-Based Value: https://www.carfax.com/value/ Research & Compare • CFPB Auto Loan Worksheet: https://files.consumerfinance.gov/f/documents/201606_cfpb_auto-loan-worksheet.pdf • CFPB Site on Auto Loans: https://www.consumerfinance.gov/consumer-tools/auto-loans/ • FTC Used Cars Site: https://consumer.ftc.gov/features/used-cars • Prioritize debt repayment: https://powerpay.org/ Auto Loan Calculator Examples: • NerdWallet Car Loan Calculator: https://www.nerdwallet.com/blog/loans/car-loan-calculator/ • Bankrate Auto Loan Calculator: https://www.bankrate.com/calculators/auto/auto-loan-calculator.aspx Know Your Credit • Get Free Weekly Credit Reports from Equifax, Experian, & TransUnion: https://www.annualcreditreport.com/ • Ep. 74 – Credit Reports Update: https://blogs.uofi.uillinois.edu/view/7550/1222872163 Insurance • State of Illinois Mandatory Insurance: https://www.ilsos.gov/departments/vehicles/mandatory_insurance.html Tips to Protect Yourself • FTC article: “Put the brakes on phony online car sales”: https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2019/06/put-brakes-phony-online-car-sales • Buying a Used Car from FTC: https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/features/feature-0040-used-cars

‘Tis the season to make holiday travel plans! This episode of Making Cents of Money offers helpful hints for staying on budget when traveling to celebrate with family and friends. SHOW NOTES: • Berg, H. (2023, September 19). 2023 holiday travel outlook. Hopper. https://media.hopper.com/research/2023-holiday-travel-outlook • French, S. (2024, October 10). Travel inflation report: October 2024. NerdWallet. https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/travel-price-tracker • Pellegrini, A. (2021, July 6). Travel planning templates. University of Illinois System Student Money Management Center Blog. https://blogs.uofi.uillinois.edu/view/7550/2045942096 • Rodriguez, A. (n.d.). How to save money on travel this holiday season. AXA Travel Insurance. https://www.axatravelinsurance.com/resources/travel-tips/-/asset_publisher/dbn8rbCGSjcs/content/how-to-save-money-on-travel-this-holiday-season • Vaidyanathan, R. (2023, April 7). Credit cards and travel. University of Illinois System Student Money Management Center Blog. https://blogs.uofi.uillinois.edu/view/7550/1536325046 • Wallace Bechard, C., Giancola-Shanks, N., Sweedler, K., & Pellegrini, A. (2022, December 15). Spend less, travel more webinar recording [Video]. University of Illinois System Student Money Management Center. https://youtu.be/7jgv_wgd_z14 • University of Illinois System Student Money Management Center. (2022). Revisiting travel (ep. 53). https://blogs.uofi.uillinois.edu/view/7550/1155020853 • University of Illinois Extension. (n.d.). Saving on travel. https://extension.illinois.edu/finances/saving-travel • U.S. Department of Energy & Environmental Protection Agency. (n.d.). Fuel economy trip calculator. https://www.fueleconomy.gov/trip/ • U.S. Department of Transportation. (2024, October 15). Statistics on airfare pricing and trends: Bureau of Transportation Statistics. https://www.bts.gov/air-fares

On a special Halloween-themed edition of Making Cents of Money, the Division of Banking's Kari Beyer joins the show to discuss zombie mortgages and zombie properties. But don't be scared! Just tune in to fight out how to protect yourself from being spooked this scary season. Show Notes: 1. National Community Reinvestment Coalition - Report on the impact of zombie properties: https://library.nclc.org/book/mortgage-lending/1352-consequences-communities-vacant-and-zombie-properties 2. U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) - Resources for homeowners: https://www.hud.gov/homeownerhelp 3. NeighborWorks America - Counseling and education resources: https://www.neighborworks.org/Training-Services/NCHEC-Resources 4. Chicago Rehab Network - Report on abandoned properties in Chicago: https://www.chicagorehab.org/ 5. MCM Episodes 63 and 64– Help for Homeowners and Help for Renters with Kari Beyer: https://idfpr.illinois.gov/banks/making-cents-of-money.html 6. Annual Credit Report: annualcreditreport.com 7. File a Complaint with IDFPR: https://idfpr.illinois.gov/admin/complaints.html

Join us for our latest podcast episode, “Basic Needs and Needs Insecurity,” where we dive into the essentials of financial decisions using Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs! From food and shelter to safety and belonging, we discuss how these foundational aspects impact your financial decisions and overall well-being. Show Notes: • 211 o Dial 211 or visit https://www.211.org/ to get connected with local community resources related to caregiving, mental health, and basic needs. • United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) o Food Security in the U.S. https://www.ers.usda.gov/topics/food-nutrition-assistance/food-security-in-the-u-s/ o Household Food Security in the United States in 2022. https://www.ers.usda.gov/publications/pub-details/?pubid=104655 o Survey Questions Used by USDA To Assess Household Food Security. https://www.ers.usda.gov/topics/food-nutrition-assistance/food-security-in-the-u-s/measurement/#survey • Illinois Department of Human Services. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=30357 • U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) o Definitions of Housing Insecurity. https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/comm_planning/affordablehousing o Housing Choice Vouchers Fact Sheet (Section 8). https://www.hud.gov/topics/housing_choice_voucher_program_section_8 • Illinois Housing Development Authority. Programs and Resources. https://www.ihda.org/

On this week's episode of Making Cents of Money, our hosts discuss the cost of living and how many factors influence our everyday expenses—from housing and groceries, to utilities and transportation. Cost of Living Calculators - Bankrate: https://www.bankrate.com/real-estate/cost-of-living-calculator/ - Forbes: https://www.forbes.com/advisor/mortgages/real-estate/cost-of-living-calculator/ - NerdWallet: https://www.nerdwallet.com/cost-of-living-calculator - Numbeo: https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/comparison.jsp - SmartAsset: https://smartasset.com/mortgage/cost-of-living-calculator Other sources for considering cost of living - FAQ: Is the Consumer Price Index (CPI) a cost-of-living index? (U.S. Department of Labor): https://webapps.dol.gov/dolfaq/go-dol-faq.asp?faqid=93&topicid=6&subtopicid=116 - Consumer Price Index, Midwest Region – August 2024 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics): https://www.bls.gov/regions/mountain-plains/news-release/consumerpriceindex_midwest.htm - Post-Secondary Employment Outcomes Explorer (U.S. Census): https://lehd.ces.census.gov/applications/pseo/?type=earnings&compare=postgrad&specificity=2&state=08&institution=08°reelevel=05&gradcohort=0000-3&filter=50&program=52,45 - Recorded Webinar – Inflation: When Prices Rise: https://youtu.be/JeGD22v19xI?feature=shared Budgeting resources - Budgeting: How to create a budget and stick with it (CFPB): https://www.consumerfinance.gov/about-us/blog/budgeting-how-to-create-a-budget-and-stick-with-it/ - SMMC's Budgeting Web Page: https://www.studentmoney.uillinois.edu/learn/budgeting Other relevant podcast episodes: - Budgeting (ep. 20) - https://blogs.uofi.uillinois.edu/view/7550/804394514 - Wealth Building as a Balancing Act (ep. 55) - https://blogs.uofi.uillinois.edu/view/7550/1517205319 - Investing to Reach Financial Goals (ep. 57)- https://blogs.uofi.uillinois.edu/view/7550/1002945600 - Conscious Consumerism (ep. 59) - https://blogs.uofi.uillinois.edu/view/7550/1273369699 - Understanding Your Paycheck (ep. 69) - https://blogs.uofi.uillinois.edu/view/7550/1213480115

Federal student loan repayment restarted last October and the 12-month “On Ramp to Repayment” that limited consequences of missed payments ends this month. Learn what this means for you and your federal student loans in our latest episode of “Making Cents of Money.” Show Notes: https://www.cnbc.com/2024/08/26/student-loan-payment-on-ramp-ends-september-30.html https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/repayment/prepare-payments-restart

Show notes: Relevant Federal Student Aid web pages and announcements: • Announcement: We're Streamlining Your Loan and Grant Web Experience: https://studentaid.gov/announcements-events/streamlining-loan-web-experience • SAVE Plan Court Actions: Impact on Borrowers: https://studentaid.gov/announcements-events/save-court-actions • Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Buyback: https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service/public-service-loan-forgiveness-buyback PSLF Update! (ep. 84): https://on.soundcloud.com/JxTURayvBypTagz37

Planning for retirement can be complicated. Christine Cheng from the Illinois Treasurer's Office discusses how Illinois is addressing barriers and helping small businesses provide retirement benefits to their employees in our latest episode of Making Cents of Money. Show Notes: Other relevant Making Cents of Money episodes: • Free Financial Education Resources for Illinois Residents (ep. 82): https://on.soundcloud.com/qTW36fwcpVm39qWm9 • Building Wealth After Graduation (ep. 80): https://on.soundcloud.com/Jbsh4K1RTt6zLMnx7 • The Impact of Compound Interest (ep. 70): https://on.soundcloud.com/ZV4F8Kh9XuiaXtcW9 • Understanding Your Paycheck (ep. 69) https://on.soundcloud.com/ZUusJGntzDHEJeDw9 • Investing to Reach Financial Goals (ep. 57): https://on.soundcloud.com/2rneJZ3YPXSyUStY9 • Preparing for Retirement (ep. 12): https://on.soundcloud.com/hnQVfEy2p5xQwgBs5 Research discussed in this episode: • Pew's look at how much states will pay for residents having insufficient retirement savings: https://www.pewtrusts.org/en/research-and-analysis/articles/2023/06/01/states-face-334-billion-shortfall-over-20-years-due-to-insufficient-retirement-savings • AARP's Illinois fact sheet: https://www.aarp.org/content/dam/aarp/ppi/2022/state-fact-sheets/illinois.doi.10.26419-2Fppi.00164.015.pdf • Illinois Secure Choice website: https://www.ilsecurechoice.com/ • Illinois Financial Wellness Hub: https://illinoistreasurer.enrich.org/

Going back to college means it's time to evaluate credit cards and financing options for students and families. We break down the different tools available (and their short- and long-term impacts) in this episode of Making Cents of Money. Show Notes: Unbiased sources of consumer education from the CFPB: - Student banking and college credit card marketing agreements: https://www.consumerfinance.gov/data-research/student-banking/ - Your Money, Your Goals toolkit (p. 121 of the downloadable toolkit has a comparison of paying for the costs of an unexpected car repair with emergency savings, a credit card, or a payday loan): https://www.consumerfinance.gov/consumer-tools/educator-tools/your-money-your-goals/toolkit/ Previous Making Cents of Money episodes on Credit: - Credit Reports Update (ep. 74): https://blogs.uofi.uillinois.edu/view/7550/1222872163 - What's a Credit Report Anyway? (ep. 67): https://blogs.uofi.uillinois.edu/view/7550/171138189 - Credit Scores (ep. 51): https://blogs.uofi.uillinois.edu/view/7550/343469214 - Choosing a Credit Card (ep. 43): https://blogs.uofi.uillinois.edu/view/7550/295268937 - Credit Access (ep. 42): https://blogs.uofi.uillinois.edu/view/7550/203994282 - Conscious Credit (ep. 15): https://blogs.uofi.uillinois.edu/view/7550/1450729729 - Understanding Credit (ep. 5): https://blogs.uofi.uillinois.edu/view/7550/270248943 Get Savvy Webinars - Your Financial Tool Chest – We discussed Buy Now, Pay Later tools starting at 45:35 in the YouTube video: https://youtu.be/XdUgsotxCqE?feature=shared&t=2735 - Build Credit to Your Advantage: https://youtu.be/FZGqbTavfsY?feature=shared - Mastering the Consumer Credit Game on December 5, 2024, at 12 PM – Register at https://go.uillinois.edu/getsavvywebinars Legislation related to Credit Cards: - Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure Act of 2009 (Credit CARD Act): https://www.ftc.gov/legal-library/browse/statutes/credit-card-accountability-responsibility-disclosure-act-2009-credit-card-act - Fair Credit Reporting Act: https://www.ftc.gov/legal-library/browse/statutes/fair-credit-reporting-act Research on Credit Use: - Blankson, C., Paswan, A., & Boakye, K. G. (2012). College students' consumption of credit cards. International Journal of Bank Marketing, 30(7), 567-585. https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/02652321211274327/full/html - D'innocenzio, A., & Lewis, C. (2024, July 30). Stores lure back-to-school shoppers with deals and “buy now, pay later” plans. AP News. https://apnews.com/article/backtoschool-shopping-deals-inflation-c7fc6041e4d34cabc2edbfbc556ef667 - Hayhoe, C., Leach, L. J., Allen, M., & Edwards, R. (2005). Credit cards held by college students. Journal of Financial Counseling and Planning, 16(1). https://www.researchgate.net/publication/253767760_Credit_Cards_Held_by_College_Students - Shupe, C., Li, G., & Fulford, S. (2023). Consumer Use of Buy Now, Pay Later Insights from the CFPB Making Ends Meet Survey. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Office of Research Reports Series, (23-1). https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=4399626

After being part of the Making Cents of Money podcast since its launch in August 2020, we say goodbye to long-time host Nikki Giancola-Shanks – but welcome a new voice, Kimber Beckler! Join us as we begin this new chapter of Making Cents of Money.

From financial literacy to financial capability -and everything in between - we explain key terms related to financial well-being in our latest episode of Making Cents of Money! Show Notes: Find out your financial well-being (CFPB): https://www.consumerfinance.gov/consumer-tools/financial-well-being/ Some Research on Financial Terms: De Bruijn, E. J., & Antonides, G. (2022). Poverty and economic decision making: a review of scarcity theory. Theory and Decision, 92(1), 5-37. Johnson, E., & Sherraden, M. S. (2007). From financial literacy to financial capability among youth. J. Soc. & Soc. Welfare, 34, 119. Lee, J. M., Lee, J., & Kim, K. T. (2020). Consumer financial well-being: Knowledge is not enough. Journal of Family and Economic Issues, 41(2), 218-228. Lusardi, A., & Mitchell, O. S. (2011). Financial literacy around the world: an overview. Journal of pension economics & finance, 10(4), 497-508. Remund, D. L. (2010). Financial literacy explicated: The case for a clearer definition in an increasingly complex economy. Journal of consumer affairs, 44(2), 276-295. Rothwell, D. W., Khan, M. N., & Cherney, K. (2016). Building financial knowledge is not enough: Financial self-efficacy as a mediator in the financial capability of low-income families. Journal of Community Practice, 24(4), 368-388. Sherraden, M. S. (2010). Financial capability: What is it, and how can it be created?. Xiao, J. J., & O'Neill, B. (2016). Consumer financial education and financial capability. International Journal of Consumer Studies, 40(6), 712-721.

In real estate, appraisal bias can keep homeowners from receiving the full value of their home. IDFPR Deputy Secretary Ericka Johnson breaks down what appraisal bias is, how exactly it affects consumers, and what you can do if you believe you're a victim in our newest episode of Making Cents of Money. Show Notes: HUD: Appraisal Bias and the Valuation Process - https://www.hudexchange.info/programs/housing-counseling/housing-counseling-today/appraisal-bias-and-the-valuation-process/ NPR: Racial Bias often creeps into home appraisals. Here's what's happening to change that -https://www.npr.org/2023/03/13/1161713496/home-appraisals-racial-bias-black-latino-homeowners-lawsuit Making Cents of Money podcasts: - Buying a Home! (ep. 36): https://soundcloud.com/idfpr/episode-36-buying-a-home - Mortgages (ep. 38): https://soundcloud.com/idfpr/episode-38-mortgages - Credit Access (ep. 42): https://soundcloud.com/idfpr/episode-42-credit-access - Selling a Home (ep. 45): https://soundcloud.com/idfpr/episode-45-selling-a-home - The Community Reinvestment Act (ep. 47): https://soundcloud.com/idfpr/episode-47-the-community-reinvestment-act - Help for Homeowners (ep. 63): https://soundcloud.com/idfpr/episode-63-help-for-homeowners - Lines of Injustice: What is Redlining? (ep. 83): https://soundcloud.com/idfpr/episode-83-lines-of-injustice-what-is-redlining - The Federal Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) (ep. 85): https://soundcloud.com/idfpr/episode-85-the-federal-community-reinvestment-act-cra - The Illinois Community Reinvestment Act (ep. 86): https://soundcloud.com/idfpr/episode-86-the-illinois-community-reinvestment-act Research • How racial bias in appraisals affects the devaluation of homes in majority-Black neighborhoods (Brookings, 2022): https://www.brookings.edu/articles/how-racial-bias-in-appraisals-affects-the-devaluation-of-homes-in-majority-black-neighborhoods/ • HUD reaches groundbreaking settlement with The Appraisal Foundation to ensure equal opportunity in the appraisal profession (HUD, 2024): https://www.hud.gov/press/press_releases_media_advisories/HUD_No_24_176 • Racial and ethnic valuation gaps in home purchase appraisals (FreddieMac, 2021): https://www.freddiemac.com/fmac-resources/research/pdf/202109-Note-Appraisal-Gap.pdf Government Resources and Legislative Efforts: • How to become an appraiser in Illinois: https://idfpr.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/idfpr/forms/dre/hdi/how-do-i-become-an-appraiser-in-illinois.pdf • Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity from HUD: https://www.hud.gov/fairhousing • PAVE Interagency task force on property appraisal and valuation equity (HUD): https://pave.hud.gov/ • Protecting homeowners from discriminatory home appraisals (CFPB, 2023): https://www.consumerfinance.gov/about-us/blog/protecting-homeowners-from-discriminatory-home-appraisals/ • IDFPR Real Estate Valuation Task Force: https://idfpr.illinois.gov/profs/boards/rev-task-force.html • IDFPR “How To” Series from the Division of Real Estate: https://idfpr.illinois.gov/dre/howtoseriesdre.html

In our latest episode of Making Cents of Money, Acting Director of Banking Susana Soriano discusses Illinois' historic Community Reinvestment Act (CRA). From reducing discrimination to combatting redlining, learn how this landmark legislation will help Illinois consumers! Show Notes: • Please note, this podcast was recorded before rules for Illinois' Community Reinvestment Act were adopted on May 1, 2024. The rules may be found below: o Banks: https://idfpr.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/idfpr/forms/CRA-Banks.pdf o Credit Unions: https://idfpr.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/idfpr/forms/CRA-CU.pdf o Mortgage Lenders: https://idfpr.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/idfpr/forms/CRA-ML.pdf • Legislation for the Illinois Community Reinvestment Act: https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ChapterID=20&ActID=4086 • Illinois CRA Coalition Fact Sheet: https://housingactionil.org/downloads/Policy/ILCRAOverviewMarch2023.pdf

Did you know federal law aims to curb discriminatory lending? Ed Hill from IDFPR's Division of Banking breaks down the Community Reinvestment Act and how it works to increase lending to underserved communities in our latest episode of the Making Cents of Money podcast! Show Notes: • Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) via Federal Reserve Board - https://www.federalreserve.gov/consumerscommunities/cra_about.htm o CRA Ratings via FFIEC - https://www.ffiec.gov/craratings/default.aspx • Housing Discrimination Under the Fair Housing Act via HUD - https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/fair_housing_equal_opp/fair_housing_act_overview • Equal Credit Opportunity Act via FTC - https://www.ftc.gov/legal-library/browse/statutes/equal-credit-opportunity-act • Home Mortgage Disclosure Act via FFIEC - https://ffiec.cfpb.gov/ • Illinois Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) via IDFPR - https://idfpr.illinois.gov/admin/cra.html

There's a big transition happening for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)! In our latest episode of Making Cents of Money, we break down what's happening and what this means for borrowers looking to have their college loans forgiven for public service.

In the newest episode of Making Cents of Money, IDFPR Secretary Mario Treto, Jr. discusses the topic of redlining and how it leads to disparities for generations. Learn what IDFPR is doing to address this serious topic and to help redlining to become a policy of the past. Resources: Investopedia: What is Redlining? Definition, Legality, and Effects: https://www.investopedia.com/terms/r/redlining.asp#:~:text=Redlining%20is%20the%20discriminatory%20practice,on%20their%20race%20or%20ethnicity. Federal Reserve: Redlining: https://www.federalreservehistory.org/essays/redlining Urban Institute: The Ghosts of Housing Discrimination Reach Beyond Redlining: https://www.urban.org/features/ghosts-housing-discrimination-reach-beyond-redlining Rothstein, R. (2017). The color of law: A forgotten history of how our government segregated America. Liveright Publishing. Previous episode: - Ep. 42: Credit Access: https://soundcloud.com/idfpr/episode-42-credit-access?utm_source=clipboard&utm_campaign=wtshare&utm_medium=widget&utm_content=https%253A%252F%252Fsoundcloud.com%252Fidfpr%252Fepisode-42-credit-access

Show Notes Money Minded Curriculum: https://www.illinoistreasurer.gov/Financial_Education/Money_Minded_Illinois Financial Literacy Resources: https://www.illinoistreasurer.gov/Financial_Education/Financial_Literacy_Resources IL Financial Wellness Hub https://www.illinoistreasurer.gov/Financial_Education/IL_Financial_Wellness_Hub

There's an important deadline at the end of this month for student loans! We break down the steps being taken by the Biden Administration for borrowers that may result in loan discharge sooner than anticipated in our latest episode of Making Cents of Money. Show Notes: U.S. Department of Education Press Release: https://www.ed.gov/news/press-releases/biden- harris-administration-announces-additional-49-billion-approved-student-debt-relief Biden Extends Key Student Loan Forgiveness Deadline: Why It Matters: https://www.forbes.com/sites/adamminsky/2023/12/18/biden-extends-key-student-loan- forgiveness-deadline-why-it-matters/?sh=7386b27a6dbf Payment Count Adjustments Toward Income-Driven Repayment and Public Service Loan Forgivness Programs: https://studentaid.gov/announcements-events/idr-account-adjustment Consumer Advisory: Opportunity to cancel student loan debt ends soon: https://www.consumerfinance.gov/about-us/newsroom/consumer-advisory-opportunity-to- cancel-student-loan-debt-ends-soon/ Direct Consolidation Loan Application: https://studentaid.gov/loan-consolidation/

Graduation, first jobs, and financial transitions, oh my! In our latest episode of Making Cents of Money, we're joined again by the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's Donovan Sanchez to break down first steps for that first full-time job after graduation! Show Notes: Previous Episodes with Donovan Sanchez • Ep. 33 – Establishing a Vision for Your Life: https://blogs.uofi.uillinois.edu/view/7550/2108012941 • Ep. 55 – Wealth Building as a Balancing Act: https://blogs.uofi.uillinois.edu/view/7550/1517205319 Budgeting & Financial Planning • Ep. 20 – Budgeting: https://blogs.uofi.uillinois.edu/view/7550/804394514 • Ep. 25 – Choosing a Financial Professional: https://blogs.uofi.uillinois.edu/view/7550/518681996 • Ep. 75 – Setting & Prioritizing Financial Goals: https://blogs.uofi.uillinois.edu/view/7550/1854370435 • Get Savvy – Home Buying vs Renting: https://youtu.be/x6oggcypRkE Managing Student Loans • Get Savvy: Student Loan Updates webinar series: https://go.uillinois.edu/repay • Federal Student Aid Repaying Student Loans 101: https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/repayment/repaying-101 • Federal Student Aid Loan Simulator: https://studentaid.gov/loan-simulator/ • Public Service Loan Forgiveness: https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service Investing, Retirement, & Job Benefits • Ep. 12: Preparing for Retirement: https://blogs.uofi.uillinois.edu/view/7550/1801541619 • Ep. 57 – Investing to Reach Financial Goals: https://blogs.uofi.uillinois.edu/view/7550/1002945600 • Ep. 69 – Understanding Your Paycheck: https://blogs.uofi.uillinois.edu/view/7550/1213480115 • Get Savvy – Investing Webinar Recording Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OuslkX86bGI&list=PLc0xo-6von5TmTidS-LlEN1ygiG6WzmQF • Get Savvy – What's Your Job Worth?: https://youtu.be/kjxKgtjWBJE Establishing & Managing Credit • “How do I get and keep a good credit score?” (CFPB, 2020): https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/how-do-i-get-and-keep-a-good-credit-score-en-318/ • Ep. 5 – Understanding Credit: https://blogs.uofi.uillinois.edu/view/7550/270248943 • Ep. 42 – Credit Access: https://blogs.uofi.uillinois.edu/view/7550/203994282 • Ep. 43 – Choosing a Credit Card: https://blogs.uofi.uillinois.edu/view/7550/295268937 • Ep. 51 – Credit Scores: https://blogs.uofi.uillinois.edu/view/7550/343469214 • Ep. 67 – What's a Credit Report Anyway?: https://blogs.uofi.uillinois.edu/view/7550/171138189 • Get Savvy – Build Credit to Your Advantage: https://youtu.be/FZGqbTavfsY Financial Stress & Mindfulness • Ep. 26 – Emergency Funds: https://blogs.uofi.uillinois.edu/view/7550/1471084251 • Ep. 31 – Financial Security and Stress: https://blogs.uofi.uillinois.edu/view/7550/1806905857 • Get Savvy – How Your Spending Can Change the World: https://youtu.be/2qcb3LKegUk

Last year featured some of the largest bank failures in U.S. history. In this episode of Making Cents of Money, Chicago City Comptroller (and former Illinois Director of Banking) Chasse Rehwinkel joins us to break down what went wrong, how regulators respond, and why most consumers should not be worried about ever losing the money in their bank accounts. Show Notes: FDIC & California Regulator Reports • FDIC Releases Report Detailing Supervision of the Former First Republic Bank, San Francisco, California: https://www.fdic.gov/news/press-releases/2023/pr23073.html • Review of DFPI's Oversight and Regulation of Silicon Valley Bank: https://dfpi.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/337/2023/05/Review-of-DFPIs-Oversight-and-Regulation-of-Silicon-Valley-Bank.pdf Financial Institution Insurance: • FDIC: https://www.fdic.gov/ • NCUA: https://ncua.gov/ Recorded Webinar: • Your Financial Tool Chest: https://youtu.be/XdUgsotxCqE?feature=shared (part of the Get Savvy: Grow Your Green Stuff Series) Books: • Too Big to Fail: The Inside Story of How Wall Street and Washington Fought to Save the Financial System from Crisis — and Themselves by Andrew Ross Sorkin (Book and Movie) • The Continental affair: The rise and fall of the Continental Illinois Bank by James P. McCollom (Book) Previous Podcasts with Chasse: • Episode 2: Banked or Unbanked - Choosing Financial Services for You https://soundcloud.com/idfpr/making-cents-of-money-episode-2?si=81bc1ead8b4b425db9b2c6bfd9b7f4e0&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing • Episode 14: Short-selling https://soundcloud.com/idfpr/episode-14-short-selling?si=fd95e90d0de64fb2a1743ec92a8c7cd3&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing • Episode 47: Community Reinvestment Act https://soundcloud.com/idfpr/episode-47-the-community-reinvestment-act?si=0b0b179278a74e0982f396809780aa1c&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing

Cryptocurrency is still new, and with new frontiers come new challenges. David DeCarlo and Jake Hamilton from IDFPR's Office of Innovation join us on our latest episode of Making Cents of Money to discuss gaps in regulation and what can be done to help protect consumers. Show Notes: • CFPB Publishes New Bulletin Analyzing Rise in Crypto-Asset Complaints: https://www.consumerfinance.gov/about-us/newsroom/cfpb-publishes-new-bulletin-analyzing-rise-in-crypto-asset-complaints/ • How Chicago Fell for Crypto: https://chicagoreader.com/news-politics/how-chicago-fell-for-crypto/ • Pew Research Center: https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2023/04/10/majority-of-americans-arent-confident-in-the-safety-and-reliability-of-cryptocurrency/ • Debunking the narratives about cryptocurrency and financial inclusion: https://www.brookings.edu/articles/debunking-the-narratives-about-cryptocurrency-and-financial-inclusion/ • Ariel-Schwab Black Investor Study: https://www.schwabmoneywise.com/tools-resources/ariel-schwab-survey-2022 • www.reportfraud.FTC.gov • www.IlAttorneyGeneral.gov • www.IDFPR.illinois.gov • www.investor.gov • www.theblock.co • www.coindesk.com • www.coinmarketcap.com • Sign up for Bloomberg Cypto Newsletter: https://www.bloomberg.com/account/newsletters/crypto • Track IDFPR Digital Asset Bills: Go to www.ilga.gov and search for SB 3666, SB 3670, and SB3675

It's tax season! We break down the common forms you'll need to complete, where you find help if you need it, and when you can expect that refund (if you qualify!) on our latest episode of Making Cents of Money! Show Notes: IRS (federal) online account: https://www.irs.gov/individuals/free-tax-return-preparation-for-qualifying-taxpayers IRS Identity Protection PIN: https://www.irs.gov/identity-theft-fraud-scams/get-an-identity-protection-pin Illinois Tax site: http://mytax.illinois.gov and 1-800-732-8866 IRS Free File: https://apps.irs.gov/app/freeFile/ Volunteer Income Tax Assistance & Tax Counseling for the Elderly: https://www.irs.gov/individuals/free-tax-return-preparation-for-qualifying-taxpayers United Way My Free Taxes: https://myfreetaxes.com/ Ladder Up's Tax Assistance Program: https://www.goladderup.org/our-services/tax-assistance/ IRS Refund Tracker: https://www.irs.gov/wheres-my-refund Making Cents of Money Episode 25: Choosing a Financial Professional https://open.spotify.com/episode/1h1EYlZVYNku6embWmDaKB?si=a4d74bb7ae82447a&nd=1&dlsi=3db07992d5994fd2 Making Cents of Money Episode 10: Taxes! https://open.spotify.com/episode/5HYt5s47HzrYUMcJ4QoyCK?si=565ac23204f74a5f&nd=1&dlsi=422f666b5c54430c Get Savvy Illinois Webinar: Tackling Taxes https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=DSbtHl1gkSRIojmG&v=teZIDH8TL8A&feature=youtu.be Get Savvy Illinois Webinar: Choosing a Financial Professional https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=im_GUn3w4ZlWXjlw&v=PrhWdm-ALX4&feature=youtu.be Option for bank accounts: Bank On Illinois https://illinoiscomptroller.gov/constituent-services/public-services-community-programs/bankon-illinois

It dominates the headlines, but what is cryptocurrency anyway? In this episode of Making Cents of Money, IDFPR's Jake Hamilton provides an overview of how it works and what the future looks like for this financial technology. Sources of Information Discussed in Today's Episode: • Office of Innovation in IDFPR: https://idfpr.illinois.gov/about/innovation.html • Previous Related Episodes: o Episode 24: Cryptocurrencies https://blogs.illinois.edu/view/7550/2007128217 or https://on.soundcloud.com/ARLa1 o Episode 56: Fintech and Digital Assets https://blogs.illinois.edu/view/7550/1352982227 or https://on.soundcloud.com/eXDm8 • Coin Market Cap for information about value of cryptocurrency: https://coinmarketcap.com/ • “The Dynamics and Demographics of U.S. Household Crypto-Asset Use” via JP Morgan Chase: https://www.jpmorganchase.com/institute/research/financial-markets/dynamics-demographics-us-household-crypto-asset-cryptocurrency-use • “Majority of Americans aren't confident in the safety and reliability of cryptocurrency” via Pew Research Center: https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2023/04/10/majority-of-americans-arent-confident-in-the-safety-and-reliability-of-cryptocurrency/ • “Hot Wallet vs. Cold Wallet” via Investopedia: https://www.investopedia.com/hot-wallet-vs-cold-wallet-7098461 • U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission Resources: o Join the HoweyTrade Investment Program (educational): https://www.investor.gov/additional-resources/spotlight/howeytrade o Crypto Assets and Cyber Enforcement Actions: https://www.sec.gov/spotlight/cybersecurity-enforcement-actions o Thinking about buying the latest new cryptocurrency or token?: https://www.investor.gov/additional-resources/spotlight/directors-take/thinking-about-buying-latest-new-cryptocurrency-or o Digital asset and “crypto” investment scams – Investor alert: https://www.investor.gov/introduction-investing/general-resources/news-alerts/alerts-bulletins/investor-alerts/digital-asset o Investor alert: Watch out for fraudulent digital asset and “crypto” trading websites: https://www.investor.gov/introduction-investing/general-resources/news-alerts/alerts-bulletins/investor-alerts/investor-3

Looking to kick off the new year right with some new financial goals? We break down the best strategies for doing that in our latest episode of Making Cents of Money! Show Notes: • “Setting Goals for Your Well-being” (Pellegrini, 2020): https://blogs.illinois.edu/view/7550/404129912 • “An Innovative Way to Face Retirement” (Brandon, 2013): https://money.usnews.com/money/retirement/articles/2013/01/14/an-innovative-way-to-face-retirement • “TikTok's Aging Filter Could Help Spur Retirement Planning” (Stanich, 2023): https://www.kiplinger.com/retirement/tiktok-aging-filter-could-spur-retirement-planning • “A History of Objectives and Key Results (OKRs)” (Bas, n.d.): https://peoplelogic.ai/blog/history-of-objectives-and-key-results • “Understanding By Design ® Framework (PDF)” (ASCD, 2012): https://files.ascd.org/staticfiles/ascd/pdf/siteASCD/publications/UbD_WhitePaper0312.pdf • Rethinking Positive Thinking: Inside the New Science of Motivation (Oettingen, 2014): https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=2ZLaCwAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PR11&dq=Oettingen,+G.+(2014).+%22Rethinking+Positive+Thinking:+Inside+the+New+Science+of+Motivation.%22+Current+Hardcover.&ots=XVSRt9Dkoz&sig=k1-A8iozWG7oNxkjfYei9bsSCi0#v=onepage&q&f=false • “When Financial Platforms Become Gamified, Consumers' Risk Preferences Change” (Hüller, Reimann, Warren, 2023): https://www.journals.uchicago.edu/doi/abs/10.1086/726431#:~:text=Six%20experiments%20(N%3D3%2C766),i.e.%2C%20winning%20the%20game). • ABC (Antecedent-Behavior-Consequence) Model (BQIS Fact Sheet): https://www.in.gov/fssa/ddrs/files/AssistedSupports_BS_BT_ABC_V2.pdf

We have a Consumer Alert for you – but it's good news! Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion are allowing access to free, weekly credit reports indefinitely. Check out the latest episode of Making Cents of Money to learn more. Show Notes: You now have permanent access to free weekly credit reports (FTC) - https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2023/10/you-now-have-permanent-access-free-weekly-credit-reports CFPB Resources: • How do I get a free copy of my credit reports? - https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/how-do-i-get-a-free-copy-of-my-credit-reports-en-5/ • Fraud Alert - https://www.consumerfinance.gov/consumer-tools/credit-reports-and-scores/answers/key-terms/#fraud-alert • [Credit] Security Freeze - https://www.consumerfinance.gov/consumer-tools/credit-reports-and-scores/answers/key-terms/#security-freeze • Office of Research blog: Initial Fresh Start program changes followed by increased credit scores for affected student loan borrowers - https://www.consumerfinance.gov/about-us/blog/initial-fresh-start-program-changes-followed-by-increased-credit-scores-for-affected-borrowers/ • What is the difference between a credit report ad a credit score? - https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/what-is-the-difference-between-a-credit-report-and-a-credit-score-en-2069/

With the return to repayment for federal student loans in October for millions of loan holders, Nikki and Andrea breakdown the “on-ramp” to repayment being made available, along with several other helpful resources! Show Notes: • Federal Student Aid (FSA) Dashboard o So Your Loan was Transferred, What's Next?: https://studentaid.gov/articles/your-loan-was-transferred-whats-next/ o Get Out of Default with Fresh Start: https://studentaid.gov/announcements-events/default-fresh-start • Student Loan Updates Webinars o Registration Page: https://go.uillinois.edu/repay o July 14, 2023 - Recording & materials to Log into FSA and Update Contact Info o August 18, 2023 - Recording & materials to Explore Repayment Plans with the Loan Simulator o September 15, 2023 - Recording & materials to Review Consolidation or Refinancing o October 20, 2023 – TBD (Working on it) • Student Loan Management webinar is scheduled for April 3, 2024 @ 12 PM CT: o Registration: https://go.uillinois.edu/getsavvywebinars o SMMC webinars page: https://www.studentmoney.uillinois.edu/events/webinars

Have questions about FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)? Join us as we hear from Beth Groves, Professional Development Specialist from the Illinois Student Assistance Commission, as she talks about major changes to the form, why it's delayed this year, and why it's essential that everyone fills one out when considering post secondary education. Show notes: Illinois Student Assistance Commission: https://www.isac.org/ Federal Student Aid: www.studentaid.gov

It's World Investor Week! Listen to Alan Sorcher and Anne McKinley from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission discuss the SEC's role in providing education and protection to investors. Resources Discussed in the Show • World Investor Week: https://www.worldinvestorweek.org/ • US Securities & Exchange Commission's Investor-oriented Website: https://www.investor.gov/ o Office of Investor Education and Advocacy: https://www.sec.gov/page/oieasectionlanding o Compound Interest Calculator: https://www.investor.gov/financial-tools-calculators/calculators/compound-interest-calculator o Investor Bulletins (Subscription at bottom of page): https://www.investor.gov/introduction-investing/general-resources/news-alerts/alerts-bulletins • US Securities & Exchange Commission's Website: https://www.sec.gov/ o Chicago Regional Office: https://www.sec.gov/chicago; Email: chicago@sec.gov o Division of Enforcement: https://www.sec.gov/page/enforcement-section-landing • World Investor Week Collaborators with SEC: o Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC): https://www.cftc.gov/ o Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA): https://www.finra.org/#/ o North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA): https://www.nasaa.org/ o National Futures Association (NFA): https://www.nfa.futures.org/ o International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO): https://www.iosco.org/ • Resources & Events to Learn More About Investing: o Upcoming Webinar – Steps to Investing: What to Know Now on February 7, 2024 at 12 PM CT. Registration required: https://go.uillinois.edu/getsavvywebinars o Previous Webinars  Investing Risks & Rewards (recorded February 8, 2023): https://youtu.be/cQm5eCIOY9Y  Steps to Investing (recorded January 26, 2022): https://youtu.be/3AYXsYQup-4  Investing Basics (recorded March 10, 2021): https://youtu.be/OuslkX86bGI o Ep. 57, Investing to Reach Financial Goals: https://on.soundcloud.com/jngYf

We've heard the stories of how compound interest can be your best friend. But did you know it can also be your worst enemy? We break down this financial concept in our latest episode of Making Cents of Money! Show Notes: • Compound Interest Calculator: https://www.investor.gov/financial-tools-calculators/calculators/compound-interest-calculator • The Life-Changing Magic of Compound Interest: https://www.forbes.com/advisor/investing/compound-interest/ • Understanding Credit Card Interest: https://www.investopedia.com/articles/01/061301.asp • Relevant articles from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau: o What is the difference between paying interest and paying off my principal in an auto loan?: https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/what-is-the-difference-between-paying-interest-and-paying-off-my-principal-in-an-auto-loan-en-845/ o How does my credit card company calculate the amount of interest I owe?: https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/how-does-my-credit-card-company-calculate-the-amount-of-interest-i-owe-en-51/ o What's the difference between a simple interest rate and a precomputed interest in an auto loan contract?: https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/whats-the-difference-between-a-simple-interest-rate-and-precomputed-interest-in-an-auto-loan-contract-en-841/ o What is the difference between an interest rate and the Annual Percentage Rate (APR) in an auto loan?: https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/what-is-the-difference-between-an-interest-rate-and-the-annual-percentage-rate-apr-in-an-auto-loan-en-733/ • Interest Rate vs APR: What's the difference?: https://www.investopedia.com/ask/answers/100314/what-difference-between-interest-rate-and-annual-percentage-rate-apr.asp • Time Value of Money Explained with Formula and Examples: https://www.investopedia.com/terms/t/timevalueofmoney.asp

This episode, we're talking about something you're bound to love: your paycheck! Show Notes: • Tax Withholding Types (IRS): https://www.irs.gov/individuals/international-taxpayers/tax-withholding-types

In today's society, being digitally literate is a key life skill that we all need. As time goes on, this will only become more important. But did you know that there is a financial impact to you, businesses, and society from lack of digital literacy? Take a listen in our latest episode of Making Cents of Money to find out how. Show notes: ‘Verified' Twitter accounts share fake image of ‘explosion' near Pentagon, causing confusion”- https://www.cnn.com/2023/05/22/tech/twitter-fake-image-pentagon-explosion/index.html Anti-vaxxers are costing Americans billions of dollars per year: :https://finance.yahoo.com/news/antivaxxers-costing-americans-billions-each-year-191839191.html Public Act 102-0055: https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/publicacts/fulltext.asp?Name=102-0055 The Economic Cost of Bad Actors on the Internet: https://s3.amazonaws.com/media.mediapost.com/uploads/EconomicCostOfFakeNews.pdf  Resource for checking fake news: https://www.snopes.com/ HoweyTrade from Investor.gov (learn how to identify securities scams): https://www.investor.gov/additional-resources/spotlight/howeytrade

Credit Reports are an important tool in managing your finances. But what are they exactly? And how do you get them? Take a listen to find out! Show Notes: • AnnualCreditReport.com – get your free credit reports annually from Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax • Episode 51: Credit Scores: https://on.soundcloud.com/6aXWi • Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act of 2003 (FACTA): https://www.ftc.gov/legal-library/browse/statutes/fair-accurate-credit-transactions-act-2003 • How to get your annual credit report from Experian (includes disclaimer about free weekly credit reports through December 31, 2023): https://www.experian.com/help/annual-credit-report.html#:~:text=Through%20December%2031%2C%202023%2C%20Experian,hardship%20caused%20by%20COVID%2D19.

Too many passwords to remember? There's a solution for that- Password Managers! Check out the latest episode of Making Cents of Money to learn how to make your life just a little bit easier. Additional Resources: • Best password manager in 2023” by CNET (June 30, 2023): https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/best-password-manager/ • Check if your email or phone has been part of a data breach: https://haveibeenpwned.com/

Join us for a unique game show: Financial Planner Donovan Sanchez vs. ChatGPT (a popular artificial intelligence tool). What types of answers does this AI give to financial questions? Does it actually give good financial advice? Listen and find out! Additional Resources: Try ChatGPT yourself: https://openai.com/blog/chatgpt ChatGPT and buying a home: https://fortune.com/recommends/mortgages/i-used-chatgpt-as-my-financial-planner/ Chat GPT Takes on Taxes: https://www.forbes.com/sites/taxnotes/2023/04/04/chatgpt-takes-on-tax/?sh=3099db4070e6 Financial Planner takes ChatGPT for a test drive: https://www.advisorperspectives.com/articles/2023/03/06/a-financial-planner-takes-chatgpt-for-a-test-drive

In part two of our housing series, Kari Beyer from IDFPR is back to talk about different types of help that may be available for renters and real estate fraud. Additional Resources: Housing Characteristics in Illinois (e.g., Median Gross Rent) From US Census Bureau: https://data.census.gov/profile/Illinois?g=040XX00US17 The White House Blueprint for a Renters Bill of Rights (January 2023): https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/White-House-Blueprint-for-a-Renters-Bill-of-Rights.pdf US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD): https://www.hud.gov/ FBI Internet Crime Report 2021: https://www.ic3.gov/Media/PDF/AnnualReport/2021_IC3Report.pdf

The costs of home-ownership, from the initial purchase thru long-term maintenance, continue to rise. Kari Beyer, Director of the APLD & Investigations, joins us to talk about programs designed to help those who may be struggling to cover these costs. Additional Resources: - Making Cents of Money episodes: o Episode 36: Buying a Home! https://on.soundcloud.com/tFdA9 o Episode 37: Renting!: https://on.soundcloud.com/EGJXa o Episode 38: Mortgages: https://on.soundcloud.com/Qhu2W - US Census Bureau Quick Facts for Illinois:https://bit.ly/IllinoisCensus - Illinois Housing Development Authority: https://www.ihda.org/ - Habitat for Humanity of Illinois: https://habitatillinois.org/ - U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD): https://www.hud.gov/ -Tax Exemptions: https://tax.illinois.gov/localgovernments/property/taxrelief.html

Confused about health insurance? You're not alone. On this episode of Making Cents of Money, Brian Gorman, the Director of Outreach and Engagement for Get Covered Illinois, answers our health care questions. Additional Resource: https://getcovered.illinois.gov/

Struggling with utility costs? You're not alone! Thanks to the Illinois Low income Home Energy Assistance program (LIHEAP), you may qualify for help, but you have to act fast! Applications are due on May 31! Additional Resources: Utilities Assistance in Illinois (LIHEAP & LIHWAP): helpillinoisfamilies.com Phone: 833-711-0374 Champaign County Regional Planning Committee: https://ccrpc.org/ 1776 E. Washington Street Urbana, IL 61802 Phone: (217) 328-3313 TTY: (217) 384-3864 Fax: (217) 328-2426 Email: info@ccrpc.org

The return to repayment for federal student loans should be in the next few months. We break down the resources available to help loan holders prepare their budgets in our latest episode of Making Cents of Money! Additional Resources: • COVID-19 Emergency Relief and Federal Student aid updates: https://studentaid.gov/announcements-events/covid-19 • Login Page for Federal Student Aid (get info about your federal loans): https://studentaid.gov/fsa-id/sign-in/landing • Student Loan Management webinar is scheduled for May 3, 2023 @ 12 PM CT: https://go.uillinois.edu/getsavvywebinars • Illinois Attorney General Student Loan Hotline: 1-800-455-2456