The University of Illinois continues its mission to support student financial wellness through its ongoing Get Savvy webinar series. On Thursday, April 3, the University Bursar’s Student Money Management Centerhosted a virtual event titled “Money, Stress, & Bad Habits,” aimed at helping students better understand their financial behavior and reduce stress caused by poor money management.
The session was co-led by Andrea Pellegrini, Assistant Director of the Student Money Management Center, and Nikki Giancola-Shanks, Policy Director for the Office of Illinois Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton. Together, they unpacked the deep connections between financial decisions, mental health, and emotional regulation.
Giancola-Shanks opened the conversation by addressing the often-overlooked emotional drivers behind poor financial habits. “What we’re actually trying to do is regulate our emotions,” she explained. “But bad, counterproductive habits that we choose to try to get calm—like self-medication or impulsive spending—can worsen our stress in the long run.”
Pellegrini explored the influence of external pressures on spending habits, especially among students. She pointed to advertising and social media as major culprits that nudge individuals toward impulsive purchases. “We need to question the motivations of other people that may be trying to convince us to spend,” she said. “Marketers, advertisers, influencers—even family—don’t always have the full picture of what matters most to us when making financial choices.”
The webinar also introduced the idea of reframing financial decisions to focus on long-term satisfaction rather than short-term gratification. “Make your financial health a top priority,” Giancola-Shanks encouraged attendees. “That will help reduce financial stress.”
This conversation is especially timely. According to a 2025 Ellucian survey of college students, 78% reported negative impacts on their mental health due to financial stress. With student debt and cost-of-living pressures on the rise, financial literacy and behavior change are more important than ever.
The Get Savvy series aims to empower students with practical strategies to take control of their financial lives. Interested students can register for upcoming events through UIS Connection, and view past webinars on the Get Savvy YouTube channel.
As financial stress remains a top concern for college students across the country, programs like Get Savvycontinue to serve as an important tool in promoting both financial and emotional well-being.
