Are you graduating this spring? Are you starting a new job or graduate school or unsure about what comes next? If you are graduating from college or career school (technical and vocational school) this spring, congratulations! It is a big accomplishment. Preparing for life after college deserves...

What summer jobs have you done? Why did you choose those jobs? I have worked many summer jobs over the years to save and pay off debt. This type of seasonal work is important to our economy, and it has important personal financial effects on youth and their families. July is the summertime peak...

There has been an important focus on digital advertising on social media platforms. For those of us who grew up prior to the advance we now see with technology and streaming services, we had to sit through all the commercials if we wanted to watch our favorite shows. Marketing strategies have...

My shopping experiences have changed radically over the past few years. The older I get, the more I have a hard time going shopping. On the other hand, I have friends and family members who enjoy walking through the stores, finding the best bargains, and the right things that fit their needs....

One of the most common questions consumer economics educators receive about credit has to do with the difference between a credit score and a credit report. In some instances, both are used interchangeably and that has helped fuel the confusion. So, let's start by defining these terms: The...

University of Illinois Extension Money Mentor Program is BACK in McLean County! BLOOMINGTON, IL. – If money, finances, savings, retirement, budgets, and planning are a few of your key buzzwords; we have just the program for you. University of Illinois Extension is restarting...

Many people look forward to taking time off to relax, explore, spend time with their loved ones, and gain more experiences. Summertime presents great opportunities to take a vacation with their friends or family. For some people, that means trips to visit new places or to see a friend who you...

If you or someone you know are interested in receiving FREE, one-on-one financial mentorship, we have the program for you! Individuals who participated in the program made significant changes to their financial lives. This includes: (a) paying down debt, (b) saving money for family members in need...

We just launched our new podcast! We hope you'll give us a listen! https://go.illinois.edu/FamilyFinancialFeuds-Introductions. Let us know what you think! Either in the comments or on our Facebook page!https://www.facebook.com/PlanWellRetireWell/

Camaya and Sasha discuss sharing your credit history with your significant other! https://soundcloud.com/user-345375160/toshowornottoshow

Check out my new post for our Plan Well Retire Well blog. The post focuses on incorporating Mindfulness techniques in your financial decision-making! Click on the link (highlighted words) below. Mind Your Money   Happy Weekend!

It is fair season! What are some of your favorite memories of the local or state fair? What are some money decisions you wish did not make at the fair? My family and I look forward to attending our local fairs and festivals each...

Is it time to add your teenager to your family's cell phone plan? Are you looking to make changes to your individual plan? Do you still predominantly use landlines because of where you live, package deals, or comfort level? Whatever your current telephone situation, having a telephone service or...

About six years ago, my partner learned about a new bank (and like he does with everything), he did a lot of research and decided that this was the financial institution for him. This bank helps him set goals, stay disciplined, keep track with his spending, and it offers good interest rates. In...

Happy first day of summer! For those of us in the colder regions of the U.S., the warmer months present us with options we longed for during the winter, but how do we take advantage of the warm weather? What are some ways we can save over the summer? Check out local opportunities...

March is National Women's History Month and today, March 8 is International Women's Day! This month provides a great opportunity to have more discussions about women and finances. Developing positive money management skills is important for all age groups and genders. However, a...