Tips to create good financial habits

URBANA, Ill.- Establishing good financial habits early is a foundational element for long-term financial stability. University of Illinois Extension has teamed up with University of Illinois Student Money Management Center, Illinois Division of Financial and Professional Regulation, Loyola University Chicago, and DePaul University to deliver a seven-part series of money-saving webinars. Get Savvy covers budgeting, taxes, credit, investing, paying down student loan debt, and timely advice on navigating financially uncertain times.

“Young adults are confronted with new financial decisions and challenges regularly,” says Kathy Sweedler, Extension consumer economics educator. “Learning research-based financial strategies while in college and entering the workforce allows you to build positive money management habits that will last a lifetime.”

College students and young adults will learn strategies for smart spending, investing, securing loans, and money management, Sweedler says. "Our experts break down these financial topics into easy-to-understand practices to get you started.

Started in 2013, the program informs, educates and empowers students about important financial topics to help them build a stronger foundation, Sweedler says.

The noon webinars are free and begin Sept. 23 with Financial Tools for Uncertain Times, which will provide practical financial tips for the school year during these extraordinary times. Other webinars include:

  • Oct. 21: Learn to identify budget busters and take control of your money in Budget Hacks;
  • Nov. 11: Debunk credit myths and build a positive credit history in Conscious Credit;
  • Jan. 27: Gain an overview of tax basics and free resources for filing taxes with Tackling Taxes;
  • Feb. 24: Find out tricks to eat well for less in Save on Food Costs;
  • March 10: Learn how to begin investing for wealth over time in Investing Basics;
  • April 14: Build a student loan pay-off plan that fits your situation during Student Loan Repayment.

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

Presenters include:

SOURCE: Kathy Sweedler, Consumer Economics Educator, Illinois Extension
WRITER: Carissa Mann, Communications, Illinois Extension, cdmann@illinois.edu

ABOUT EXTENSION: Illinois Extension leads public outreach for University of Illinois by translating research into action plans that allow Illinois families, businesses, and community leaders to solve problems, make informed decisions, and adapt to changes and opportunities.

Keywords
Youth and Money
Credit
Debt Management
Expenses
Taxes