Get Savvy Webinar Series 

The earlier you start smart money management habits, the sooner you’ll be on your way to a solid financial future. Learn techniques for smart spending, investing, securing loans, and money management in a 7-part series geared to college students and young adults. Our experts break down these financial topics into easy-to-understand practices to get you started. All webinars are free and open to the public. 

Online registration is required. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate, or for more information, contact Kathy Sweedler at sweedler@illinois.edu. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time for meeting access needs. 

Current Webinar 

Investing Basics | March 10, 2021
You see investors take big risks in movies, and maybe hear of family or friends who invest in the markets. But what exactly is investing, and how do you actually do it wisely? Knowing and understanding terminology, fees, types of professionals, and investment types can be a whirlwind of knowledge that can be confusing. Learn the basics and have a better understanding on how investing works. NOTE: This webinar is meant to be educational and will not offer individual investing advice. Presented by Sasha Grabenstetter, University of Illinois Extension, Nikki Giancola-Shanks, Illinois Division of Financial and Professional Regulation, and Andrea Pellegrini, University of Illinois Student Money Management Center.

Other Webinars in the series

Financial Tools for Uncertain Times | September 23, 2020
Extraordinary times leads to uncertainty, especially with our finances. Join in our discussion to learn strategies for building positive financial habits during ordinary and uncertain times. Start the academic year strong and put these practical financial tips into action. Presented by Kathy Sweedler, University of Illinois Extension, Kelsey Gerber, Loyola University Chicago, and Andrea Pellegrini, University of Illinois Student Money Management Center.

Budget Hacks | October 21, 2020  
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. Presented by Sasha Grabenstetter, University of Illinois Extension, Nikki Giancola-Shanks, Illinois Division of Financial and Professional Regulation, and Andrea Pellegrini, University of Illinois Student Money Management Center.

Conscious Credit | November 11, 2020 
In the ever-changing credit market, it can be difficult to find accurate, credible information to help you make conscious borrowing decisions. But bad credit choices can haunt you for years. This webinar provides tips on how to be a responsible borrower, myths and facts about credit, and how building a positive credit profile can have lasting impacts on your overall financial well-being.  Presented by Camaya Wallace-Bechard, University of Illinois Extension, Natalie Daniels, DePaul University, and Andrea Pellegrini, University of Illinois Student Money Management Center.

Tackling Taxes | January 27, 2021
Taxes are complicated, whether you’re a first-time filer or have been filing for years. How do you know if you’re required to file? What are deductions and credits? Why are there so many forms, and what are they for? Join us as we walk you through the basics of taxes and provide resources to help you file for free. NOTE: This webinar is meant to be educational and will not offer individual tax advice. Presented by Nikki Giancola-Shanks, Illinois Division of Financial and Professional Regulation, Kelsey Gerber, Loyola University Chicago, Kathy Sweedler, University of Illinois Extension, and Andrea Pellegrini, University of Illinois Student Money Management Center.

Save Money on Food | February 24, 2021
At the end of a busy day, when you’re hungry and tired, do you go home knowing you’re all set to prepare a tasty, healthy dinner? Are you happy with how much money you spend on food? Would you like to learn some tricks for eating well for less money? Join us to get a grip on your food spending to have more cash to stash. Presented by Kathy Sweedler, University of Illinois Extension, Camaya Wallace-Bechard, University of Illinois Extension, and Andrea Pellegrini, University of Illinois Student Money Management Center.

Student Loan Repayment | April 14, 2021
It seems every year we see a record high for student loan debt. In 2020, that record hit $1.56 trillion. As of 2018, average student loan for bachelor degree recipients in Illinois was $29,855. Understanding repayment is a key to driving down individual student loan debt post graduation. Join us on April 14 at noon CST to learn the terms, tools, and strategies to empower your student loan pay-off plan. Presented by Kelsey Gerber, Loyola University Chicago, Natalie Daniels, DePaul University, and Andrea Pellegrini, University of Illinois Student Money Management Center.