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More help available to manage your money
Hi everyone! My name is Emily Harmon, and I am Extension's new Finances Educator for Champaign, Ford, Iroquois, and Vermilion counties. While I am...
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Illinois Extension FCS professionals help area residents to live well
Health is a lot more than how one looks and feels. Conversations about health should include all eight dimensions or areas of wellness—that is mental...
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Five financial tips for single parents
Growing up, I often heard if you want something done well, find the busiest person in the room and ask them. More often than not, that incredible...
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Avoid overspending with smart holiday shopping strategies
It takes extra effort around the holidays to stay within a budget. We tend to spend more when we're tired and stressed, and holidays can add tasks...
Do you really need that? 
Do you really need that? 
In an age dominated by social media and keeping up with the latest trends, it is easy to overspend on “wants” and ignore spending on “needs”. It ...
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Piggybacking credit: Adding an authorized user on a credit card
I had a few conversations with a friend who decided to add a loved one to his credit card as an authorized user. Over the years, we had many...
How can I have fun and stay safe during a pandemic on a budget?
How can I have fun and stay safe during a pandemic on a budget?
There are many ways to have fun while staying safe and healthy during the pandemic without spending a lot of money. A few of my favorite activities...
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Hey, what's for dinner?: New Family Financial Feuds podcast episode!
According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2019), food costs represent about 13% of the average household’s annual expenditures....

News Releases

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Take proactive steps to improve overall economic well-being
URBANA, Ill. – In these times, many people feel overwhelmed by financial worries and feel uncomfortable talking about it. Whatever the circumstances, there are ways to get through these tough economic times, relieve stress and anxiety and regain control of finances. Gain the financial...
Money Mentors Volunteer Program
URBANA, Ill. Financial challenges are real for most people in our community. Last year, University of Illinois Extension’s volunteer Money Mentors helped over 100 community members with their financial goals. This year more people are likely to seek help. You can help others by becoming a Money...

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