Career Services

Financial Literacy

kathyy — Mon, 09 Jun 2025 14:15:54 +0000

Financial Literacy kathyy Mon, 06/09/2025 - 09:15

Do You Know What is Financial Literacy?

Financial literacy means having the knowledge and skills to make informed, confident decisions about your money—both now and in the future. It’s not just about budgeting; it’s about understanding how your financial choices affect your daily life, your education, your mental health, and your long-term goals.

Whether you're managing a meal plan, saving for an emergency, paying bills, or preparing for your first job offer, financial literacy gives you the tools to stay in control, reduce stress, and build the future you want.

Ready to Take Control of Your Finances?

Whether you're just starting your financial journey or looking to sharpen your money skills, personalized support is available. Registered students may schedule a free one-on-one financial literacy advising session to ask questions, get guidance, and build confidence in managing their money.

Curtis Sanders, MBA | Financial Literacy Program Coordinator
csand4@uis.edu | 217-206-6508 | Career Development Center in HRB 80 | Appointments available throughout the week in HRB 80 or via Zoom

Budget & Expense Tracking

Budgeting Basics: Take Control of Your Finances

Creating and following a budget is one of the most powerful steps you can take toward financial wellness — especially as a student. A budget is more than just numbers; it's a plan for how you'll use your money to meet your needs, reduce stress, and achieve your goals.

Start with a monthly spending plan.

A spending plan helps you map out your income and expenses so you can track where your money is going. It ensures you can cover essentials, avoid overspending, and build savings over time.

Know the difference: Fixed vs. Variable Costs.

Fixed costs stay the same each month (e.g., rent, subscription services, loan payments).
Variable costs fluctuate (e.g., groceries, transportation, entertainment).
Understanding these can help you identify where to cut back if needed.

Make the most of limited income.

Student income — whether from part-time jobs, work-study, or allowances — can be tight. Budgeting helps you stretch those dollars, prioritize essentials, and plan ahead for irregular expenses (like books or travel).

Budgeting resources

Tips & Tricks for making a budget

Information and tools on how to make a budget.

Microsoft Excel Budget Templates

Saving

What is saving?

Saving is the act of setting aside money now to prepare for the future.

What to save for?

Big ticket items, such as a car, house, or wedding
Emergencies, such as medical expenses or unemployment
Retirement
Other unplanned expenses, such as car repairs

Where to put savings?

Banks and credit unions are the two common types of financial institutions that offer savings options.

Savings Accounts vs. Certificates of Deposit vs. Money Market Accounts

Generally, banks and credit unions provide four basic types of accounts to help you manage your settings:

Savings Accounts – Ideal for short-term goals and emergency funds. They earn modest interest and allow easy access, though some may limit the number of withdrawals per month.
Certificates of Deposit (CDs) – These accounts lock in your money for a set period (like 6 months or 1 year) in exchange for a higher interest rate. There are penalties if you withdraw early.
Money Market Accounts – These offer higher interest than regular savings accounts and often come with check-writing privileges. They may require a higher minimum balance.
Checking Accounts – Best for everyday spending. These usually don’t earn interest, but they allow unlimited withdrawals and purchases via debit card or checks.

Saving Resources

Emergency Funds

Understanding Credit

What is credit?

Credit is your ability to borrow money now with the promise to repay it later. It can come in many forms, such as credit cards, loans, or financing agreements.

What is a credit score?

A credit score is a number that lenders use to assess how likely you are to repay your debts.

Scores range from 300–850
670+ (FICO) or 700+ (VantageScore) is considered good
Your score is based on factors like payment history, amount owed, credit length, and new credit inquiries.

What is a credit report?

A credit report summarizes your borrowing history and repayment behavior. It does not include your credit score.
You can access your report for free once per year from each of the three credit bureaus: Annual Credit Report

How to Use Credit Wisely?

Tips to establish and maintain good credit:

Open a checking and savings account
Start with one credit card
Make on-time payments every month
Keep your credit utilization below 30%
Let accounts age—length of credit history matters
Check your credit report regularly

Managing Debt

What is debt?

Debt is money borrowed that must be repaid—often with interest. Mismanaging debt can hurt your credit and overall financial well-being.

Common student traps to avoid:

Payday loans or high-interest short-term borrowing
Overusing Buy Now, Pay Later services without a repayment plan

Paying off credit card debt:

There are two popular methods:

Avalanche Method
Pay off the card with the highest interest rate first while making minimum payments on others. Saves more on interest long term.
Snowball Method
Pay off the card with the smallest balance first to gain momentum and confidence.

Tip: Pause new charges while working on debt payoff.

Debt Resources

How do I reduce my credit card debt?

Salary Negotiation

Salary Negotiation & Career Prep

Know your worth: research salaries for your field at sites like Salary.com, Glassdoor, and the Illinois Comptroller's Salary Database.
Learn to evaluate full compensation: benefits, retirement, paid time off, etc.
Practice how to negotiate a starting salary or internship pay with confidence.

“Based on my research and the value I bring, I’d like to discuss a salary that aligns with the market rate for this role.”

Negotiations Resources

Work Smart & Start Smart: Salary Negotiation

Inspire Salary Negotiation Workshop Handout

Financial Wellness & Mental Health

Did you know? Financial stress is one of the leading causes of anxiety in college students.

Promote Mental Wellness by:

Setting small, achievable financial goals.
Practicing a financial self-care routine (e.g., weekly “money check-ins”).
Using money habits to build structure and confidence.
Talking to a coach or counselor if money feels overwhelming.

Financial Wellness Resources

Helpful Calculators

University System Resources

Student Money Management Center

Badges – Build Your Financial Skills with the SMMC Badges Program

Want to boost your financial knowledge at your own pace? The Student Money Management Center (SMMC) offers free, self-paced courses through its Badges Program, designed to help you master essential money topics like budgeting, credit, student loans, and more.

Podcasts - Tune In: Making Cents of Money Podcast

Get financial tips on the go! The Making Cents of Money podcast explores real-world money topics in quick, digestible episodes.

Webinars - Learn Live with the Get Savvy Webinar Series

Looking for expert financial advice on real-life topics? The Get Savvy: Grow Your Green Stuff webinar series brings together financial educators across Illinois to deliver free, interactive webinars throughout the academic year.

Navigating Graduation Season Without a Job Offer: Why You’re Not Behind

eewest2 — Thu, 27 Mar 2025 18:55:29 +0000

Navigating Graduation Season Without a Job Offer: Why You’re Not Behind eewest2 Thu, 03/27/2025 - 13:55

C2C (College to Career) Exchange Coffee Hour

hbruc3 — Mon, 03 Mar 2025 15:22:25 +0000

C2C (College to Career) Exchange Coffee Hour hbruc3 Mon, 03/03/2025 - 09:22

UIS Faculty & Staff are invited to join the C2C (College to Career) Exchange Coffee Hour in advance of the Career Connections Expo on March 21, 2025 at The Recreation and Athletic Center (TRAC). The C2C Exchange will be held in the TRAC gymnasium in a section we will have separated by pipe and drape and designated as the hospitality area for participating employers and guests.

Using this promotional flyer, please also help spread the word about the Career Connections Expo to students, alumni, and community job seekers to make professional connections and learn about job and internship opportunities.

RSVP to Participate

RSVPs are appreciated, though not required.

Have questions or need an accommodation? Contact us at careerservices@uis.edu or 217-206-6508.

Career Development Center

Human Resources Building (HRB) 80

Email: careerservices@uis.edu

Phone: 217.206.6508

When

Fri, Mar 21 2025, 9:45 - 10:45am

Location

TRAC Gymnasium, Hospitality Area

Department

Career Services

Office of Engaged Learning

Businesses and organizations are invited to take part in the UIS Career Connections Expo

bwood8 — Thu, 16 Jan 2025 20:38:59 +0000

Businesses and organizations are invited to take part in the UIS Career Connections Expo bwood8 Thu, 01/16/2025 - 14:38

Presenter Proposals For Leadership Conference

hbruc3 — Fri, 01 Nov 2024 14:31:39 +0000

Presenter Proposals For Leadership Conference hbruc3 Fri, 11/01/2024 - 09:31

Donations Appreciated for the UIS Professional Clothing Closet

hbruc3 — Tue, 13 Aug 2024 14:31:38 +0000

Donations Appreciated for the UIS Professional Clothing Closet hbruc3 Tue, 08/13/2024 - 09:31

Professional Clothing Closet

kathyy — Fri, 09 Aug 2024 14:20:27 +0000

Professional Clothing Closet kathyy Fri, 08/09/2024 - 09:20

Student Usage

Who: The UIS Professional Clothing Closet is open to UIS students registered for classes during the current semester.

What: The UIS Professional Clothing Closet provides professional clothing and accessories. Students may have items for FREE, to use during professional activities such as interviews, presentations, career fairs, networking events, conference, and online meetings. Maximum of two outfits per person!

When: The UIS Professional Clothing Closet is typically open 9:00 am - 4:30 pm central, Monday through Friday. Call 217-206-6508 or email careerservices@uis.edu to schedule a time to shop the closet. The closet is closed when the Career Center is closed, including during campus events.

Where: The UIS Professional Clothing Closet is located within the UIS Career Development Center in the Human Resources Building (HRB), room 80.

Why: What you wear can impact your comfort and confidence during professional interaction, even when the top half of you is the only part visible.

Additional Info: Sizes and quantities are limited based on donations received. On rare occasions, later shopping hours may be scheduled in advance. Clothing and accessories are not shipped, students must be able to come to the physical Career Center to get items of interest.

Donations

UIS employees may donate clean, ready to wear, professional and business casual clothing throughout the year. Accessories such as jewelry, ties, scarves, handbags, wallets, belts, and pins may also be accepted. Shoes must be in new condition.

Clothing donations from community members are only accepted during special clothing drives. No drives are currently scheduled.

Call 217-206-6508 or email careerservices@uis.edu to schedule a time to donate to the closet.

Financial donations to our gift fund may be submitted at any time and can help support the UIS Professional Clothing Closet. Funds may be used for dry cleaning, support items such as lint rollers, student grants for sizes we do not have available, and other operational needs.

A quick look at the UIS Professional Clothing Closet in 2024

Registration Open for the Foot in the Door Fair - August 29

hbruc3 — Sat, 20 Jul 2024 04:34:57 +0000

Registration Open for the Foot in the Door Fair - August 29 hbruc3 Fri, 07/19/2024 - 23:34

Leadership Lived Experience Application - Submit by June 21

hbruc3 — Tue, 18 Jun 2024 15:09:09 +0000

Leadership Lived Experience Application - Submit by June 21 hbruc3 Tue, 06/18/2024 - 10:09

I need a job! Your Guide to Job Hunting

eewest2 — Thu, 09 May 2024 15:36:48 +0000

I need a job! Your Guide to Job Hunting eewest2 Thu, 05/09/2024 - 10:36