On February 6, 2025, the University of Illinois System hosted Investing 101: Wealth Building Basics, a webinar designed to introduce students and faculty to the fundamentals of investing. The session covered a wide range of topics, from financial planning and investment strategies to understanding key financial terms.
The webinar was led by Anne McKinley, Assistant Director in the Division of Enforcement at the Chicago Regional Office of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, and Andrea Pellegrini, Assistant Director for the University Bursar Student Money Management Center.
One of the key points discussed was developing a “wealth mindset,” illustrated through practical examples like purchasing a car. Pellegrini emphasized the importance of aligning financial decisions with personal priorities: “Think about what your priorities are when you’re making big or small financial decisions, so it gives you some room to focus on wealth building.”
The session also broke down how investments generate income. McKinley explained that investments can either earn money through interest from savings accounts, loans, and bonds, or through dividends paid by companies. The second method involves profiting from the sale of assets like stocks and real estate. “A stock is basically owning a piece of a company, and it gives you a share,” McKinley noted.
Participants were introduced to different asset classes, such as equities, fixed income, real estate, commodities, futures, and cryptocurrencies. McKinley explained, “Asset classes are created so that they are often treated the same way under tax law and government regulation.” Understanding these asset classes helps individuals diversify their portfolios and explore both passive and active income streams.
In her closing remarks, Pellegrini offered a crucial financial tip: “Three to nine months of essential expenses—make it smart, set milestones, and save securely.” She stressed the importance of building an emergency fund to handle unforeseen expenses and plan for significant future purchases.
This event offered an opportunity for UIS students to learn tips on how to better manage their finances in order to be successful both during their college career and afterwards.
For those who missed the live event, Investing 101: Wealth Building Basics will be available on YouTube. The series continues with Investing 102: Risks & Rewards, scheduled for February 20, 2025.
