Interest rates are interesting. See what we did there? Word play is fun. Interest rates? Maybe not so much. Like we said, interesting is a more appropriate descriptor. They can often be an obstacle when you’re trying to get approved for a loan. Everyone wants a lower interest rate, but not every lender is willing to offer one. In most cases, lenders will use your credit history to determine your interest rate, but there are outside influences that can also affect interest rates. Understanding why interest rates change Interest rates are interesting. See what we did there? Word play is fun. Interest rates? Maybe not so much. Like we said, interesting is a more appropriate descriptor. They can often be an obstacle when you’re trying to get approved for a loan. Everyone wants a lower interest rate, but not every lender is willing to offer one. In most cases, lenders will use your credit history to determine your interest rate, but there are outside influences that can also affect interest rates. Interest rates are interesting. See what we did there? Word play is fun. Interest rates? Maybe not so much. Like we said, interesting is a more appropriate descriptor. They can often be an obstacle when you’re trying to get approved for a loan. Everyone wants a lower interest rate, but not every lender is willing to offer one. In most cases, lenders will use your credit history to determine your interest rate, but there are outside influences that can also affect interest rates. If you’re willing to follow along as we peel back the curtain, you can get a better understanding of what interest rates and how they are impacted by the world around us. What is an interest rate? Interest rates are the cost of doing business. If you want to borrow money from a lender, they’re taking a risk and expect a reward in return. You might be able to borrow money from a friend with nothing more than a promise to pay them back, but lenders don’t work on an honor system. The interest rate determines how much of a reward the lender gets. If you are approved for a loan with a 2 percent interest rate, in the end the lender will get back the total amount borrowed for the loan, plus an extra 2 percent. Think of that extra 2 percent as a tip for services rendered. One term you might see mentioned alongside the interest rate is Annual Percentage Rate (or APR). The APR is the total amount you pay each year to borrow money. Not only does that include the amount of interest paid, but it also considers any fees charged for the loan. Why do interest rates change? The answers you’ve been waiting five paragraphs for are here. Now that you know exactly what an interest rate is, you’re ready to see who is pulling the strings. Government. If the economy is a train, the U.S. Federal Reserve is the conductor. It wants to keep the train moving. If the economy is starting to slow down, the Federal Reserve can lower interest rates. When the interest rates are lower, people are more open to borrowing and spending money, which helps fuel the economy. Lower interest rates also make it cheaper for businesses to borrow money and use it to invest and create new jobs, reducing unemployment. The Federal Reserve is also known as the “central bank” of the U.S. It can create more money and deposit it with commercial bankers, increasing their supply of money. With more money in the bank, lenders can often lower interest rates to their borrowers. Supply and Demand. We all know the feeling of opening up the refrigerator, only to find it empty with nothing inside to satisfy our hunger. Well when you apply for a loan from a lender, they might not have money for you to borrow. They don’t have an infinite supply of cash. If the demand for money is greater than their supply, lenders will charge higher interest rates. Because they may have to borrow from another lender, they will be charged a fee, which the borrower ends up paying for. Inflation. Remember when a ticket to the movies was 25 cents? You probably don’t because that was the price of admission in 1920. Unless of course you’ve invented time travel, in which case we’d love to hear more about that. But back on topic, inflation has dramatically affected the value of our money over time, and that has consequences. Lenders will consider future inflation when figuring out interest rates to ensure that their return will still be profitable at the end of your loan. If you have any questions about interest rates or are in fact a time traveler willing to share your secrets, please get in touch with us . We’re here to help you! Next Item Previous Item

When the Federal Reserve changes interest rates, it affects nearly every part of the financial world — including your savings account. So, if you’ve noticed an update to our deposit rates, here’s what’s happening and why Vibrant Credit Union remains one of the best places to grow your money. Why Savings Rates Are Changing — and Why That’s Still Good News for You When the Federal Reserve changes interest rates, it affects nearly every part of the financial world — including your savings account. So, if you’ve noticed an update to our deposit rates, here’s what’s happening and why Vibrant Credit Union remains one of the best places to grow your money. What Happens When the Fed Lowers Rates When the Federal Reserve lowers interest rates, it encourages more borrowing and spending to help the economy grow. Lower rates make it cheaper for businesses and consumers to borrow money — but they also reduce what financial institutions earn on loans and investments. That’s why you’ll often see banks and credit unions adjust deposit rates shortly after the Fed makes a change. It’s not about cutting corners — it’s about staying aligned with the larger economy. How Rate Changes Affect Your Savings Deposit rates tend to move in the same direction as the Fed’s benchmark rate. When the Fed cuts rates, the “cost of money” across the financial system drops. To keep everything balanced, banks and credit unions adjust savings rates too. This ensures they can continue operating responsibly while offering competitive returns. Why Lower Rates Aren’t a Bad Sign A lower savings rate doesn’t mean something’s wrong. In fact, it’s a sign that we’re managing funds wisely. Staying in step with the market helps Vibrant maintain financial stability, protect member value, and continue offering strong deposit rates within our suite of products such as our Premier Checking and Preferred Savings accounts, along with services that benefit everyone. A Quick Term to Know: Basis Points You’ll often hear changes described in basis points . One basis point equals one one-hundredth of a percent (0.01%). So, if the Fed lowers rates by 25 basis points, that means a quarter of a percent (0.25%). Using basis points makes it easier to describe small but meaningful shifts clearly and consistently. Balancing Member Value and Stability Every rate change is about balance. By managing what we pay on deposits, we can also keep loan rates low — helping members borrow affordably while still earning a fair return on savings. It’s part of how we make sure the credit union stays strong for the long haul. There’s More to It Than the Fed While the Fed’s rate plays a major role, it’s not the only factor we look at. We also consider market trends, liquidity (how much cash we have available to lend), loan demand, and how other financial institutions (both big banks and credit unions) are adjusting their rates. Our goal is always the same: to stay nationally competitive, responsible, and member-focused. Part of a Bigger Financial Strategy These rate adjustments aren’t quick reactions — they’re part of our long-term financial strategy. By maintaining a healthy balance between deposits, loans, and investments, we can keep earning enough to reinvest in our members, our products, our team, and our communities. What to Tell Friends (or Yourself) Who Miss the Old Rate It’s natural to feel a little disappointed when savings rates go down. But it helps to remember that your rate reflects larger economic trends — and that we’re doing everything we can to stay transparent, consistent, and competitive. Your money is still working hard here. Especially in Vibrant’s Premier Checking , Preferred Savings , and our CDs accounts. When Rates Rise Again We monitor the market closely and respond thoughtfully — never rushing, but never lagging either. Our goal is always to make smart, sustainable choices that benefit our members. Still Among the Best Even after this adjustment, our deposit rates remain among the top tier in the nation compared to many other credit unions and big banks. In fact, many large institutions offer significantly lower returns on savings accounts — and fewer personalized benefits. The Vibrant Difference We’re proud to be digitally led and human assisted — giving you powerful online tools backed by real people who care. That balance lets us stay efficient and innovative while never losing sight of what matters most: you. Even as rates shift, we stay focused on total member value — trusted services that keep you confident in your financial future. With industry-leading rates and our promise of no hoops, no hassle, and always great rates , Vibrant makes banking refreshingly simple. It’s a difference that’s been recognized nationally — The Wall Street Journal’s Buy Side named us one of the best for deposit rates , a testament to the value and experience our members enjoy every day. In Short: Rates change. Our commitment doesn’t. We’ll always make thoughtful, transparent decisions that balance market realities with what’s best for our members. Your money remains in a secure, competitive, and community-focused place — exactly where it belongs. Vibrant — No hoops. No Hassle. Always great rates. Federally insured by NCUA. Next Item Previous Item

TPC Community Business Disclaimer Giveaway Overview: Individuals who attend a community banking meeting (in person or virtual) are eligible to receive up to four (4) TPC Deere Run golf passes per person, while supplies last. Schedule your meeting here . Participants may also qualify by referring a friend. Once the referred individual completes their meeting, both the referrer and the referee will be eligible to receive two (2) golf passes each. Submit your referral here . By providing your email address, you consent to receive marketing communications. Unsubscribe at any time. OFFICIAL RULES FOR GIVEAWAYS OR DRAWINGS NO PURCHASE OR PAYMENT OF ANY KIND IS NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN.  The Giveaway (“Giveaway or Drawing”) is sponsored by Vibrant Credit Union. (“Vibrant” or “Credit Union”). Each Giveaway is governed by these Official Rules (“Official Rules”). By participating in a Giveaway, each entrant agrees to abide by these Official Rules, including all eligibility requirements, and understands that the Giveaway results, as determined by Vibrant and its agents or representatives, are final in all respects. The Giveaway is subject to all federal, state, and local laws and regulations and is void where prohibited by law. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed, or administered by, or associated with any social media platform such as Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, etc. Any questions, comments, or complaints regarding any promotion should be directed to Vibrant, not to the social media platform. ELIGIBILITY The Giveaway offer is limited to U.S. residents aged eighteen (18) years of age or older. Vibrant, Board of Directors, Committee members, and all immediate family members are ineligible to participate in the Giveaway. Vibrant has the right to verify the eligibility of each entrant and, in its sole discretion, disqualify any individual from participating in the Giveaway. The Giveaway is void where prohibited. The Giveaway and these Official Rules will be governed, construed, and interpreted in accordance with Illinois law and any applicable federal law. GIVEAWAY PERIOD The Giveaway begins and ends on the dates specified in the Guidelines for the particular promotion. All entries or submissions must be received on or before the time stated. Vibrant reserves the right to extend or shorten the Giveaway at their sole discretion. HOW TO ENTER Entrants must follow all required rules of entry to participate in the Giveaway. For social media specific Giveaways, rules may include “Liking” a post on Vibrant’s corresponding social media or commenting on a Timeline as instructed. No post or tag etc., on a personal timeline will be considered. After complying with the instructions and submitting the required information, the entrant will automatically be entered to win. You may enter as many times as you wish unless specifically prohibited by in the Guidelines for the particular promotion. By entering, the entrant agrees to be bound by these Official Rules and by the decisions of Vibrant. WINNER SELECTION All eligible entries received during the Giveaway Period will be gathered into a database at the end of the Giveaway Period. A certain number of winners will be chosen at random by Vibrant with the number notated on the Credit Union’s corresponding Guidelines to the specific promotion. Some Giveaways may have as few as one (1) winner but may have more than one as announced. The winner(s) will be announced after the Giveaway Period ends. Announcements and instructions for prize collection will be sent via a posting on Vibrant’s social media and/or by other means in Vibrant’s discretion. The prize or prizes shall be selected at the discretion of Vibrant and will be notated on the Credit Union’s social media with other applicable information. Each entrant is responsible for monitoring Vibrant’s social media for posts regarding prize notification and receipt or other communications related to the Giveaway or as specifically stated in the Guidelines. Vibrant may at its discretion contact winners using email, social media messaging or by comment on a Post. Potential winners must pick up their prize within ten (10) business days of the Winner Announcement, otherwise they forfeit the prize and such will be awarded to another randomly selected eligible winner. SOCIAL MEDIA GIVEAWAYS AND DRAWINGS The number of Giveaways, prizes, and winners is at the discretion of Vibrant. Specific details relevant to a particular Giveaway are posted on Vibrant’s social media and by other means at Vibrant’s discretion. PRIZES, TAXES AND LIMITATIONS Prizes may consist of tickets for entry to a local venue or include gift cards or other items announced by Vibrant. Terms and conditions may apply. Incidental expenses and all additional costs and expenses that are not explicitly listed as part of a prize in these Official Rules and may be associated with the award, acceptance, receipt, and use of all or any portion of the awarded prize are solely the responsibility of the respective prize winner. All federal, state, and local taxes associated with the receipt or use of any prize are solely the winner's responsibility. Vibrant will not be responsible for reporting any winnings to the IRS. Odds of winning depend on the total number of entries received. ADDITIONAL LIMITATIONS Prize(s) is non-transferable. No substitution or cash equivalent of prizes is permitted. Vibrant, its agents, and representatives are not responsible for any typographical or other errors in the o giveaway ffer or administration of the Giveaway including, but not limited to, errors in any printing or posting or these Official Rules, Guidelines, the selection and announcement of any winner, or the distribution of any prize. Any attempt to damage the content or operation of this Giveaway is unlawful and subject to possible legal action by Vibrant. Vibrant reserves the right to terminate, suspend or amend the Giveaway, without notice, and for any reason, including, without limitation, if Vibrant determines that the Giveaway cannot be conducted as planned or should a virus, bug, tampering or unauthorized intervention, technical failure or other cause beyond Vibrant’s control corrupt the administration, security, fairness, integrity or proper play of the Giveaway. If any tampering or unauthorized intervention may have occurred, Vibrant reserves the right to void suspect entries at issue. Vibrant and its agents, and representatives, and any telephone network or service providers, are not responsible for inaccurate transcription of entry information or for any human error, technical malfunction, lost or delayed data transmission, omission, interruption, deletion, line failure, or malfunction of any telephone network, computer equipment or software, the inability to access any website or online service or any other error, human or otherwise. INDEMNIFICATION, LIMITATION OF LIABILITY AND USE OF PLATFORM By entering the Giveaway, each entrant agrees to indemnify, release and hold harmless Vibrant and its agents and representatives, social media platforms, administrator(s), advertising and promotional agencies, and all their respective officers, directors, employees, representatives, and agents from any liability, damages, losses or injury resulting in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, from that entrant’s participation in the Giveaway and the acceptance, use or misuse of any prize that may be won waiving any and all causes of action related to any claims, costs, injuries, losses or damages of any kind arising out of, or in connection with, directly or indirectly, the Giveaway, drawing, prize, acceptance, possession, use of, or inability to use any prize (including) without limitation, claims, costs, injuries, losses and damages related to personal injuries, death, damage to or destruction of property, rights of publicity, privacy or defamation, whether intentional or unintentional) whether under a theory of contract, tort (including negligence), warranty, or other theory. Vibrant does not collect users’ content or information, or otherwise access social media platforms, using automated means (such as harvesting bots and robots) or deploy the use of an automated system to generate invites, etc. Vibrant does use Social Media platforms for the promotion of commercial business, interaction with customers and potential customers alike as a means to promote its commercial enterprise. If a subject prize is within the control of a third party, or if the prize consists of the obligation of a third party to perform (e.g., without limitation, a coupon, a gift card from a retailer, or a ticket to an event), then Vibrant assigns all rights to performance and all entitlement to the prize winner. However, Vibrant does not guarantee the third-party's performance. The prize winner agrees that Vibrant is not liable or responsible to the prize winner for the failure of the third party to perform. Vibrant and its agents and representatives do not make any warranties, express or implied, as to the prize's condition, fitness, or merchantability. Vibrant and its agents and representatives, advertising and promotional agencies, and all their respective officers, directors, employees, representatives, and agents disclaim any liability for damage to any computer system resulting from access to or the download of information or materials connected with the Giveaway. Vibrant reserves the right to change these Official Rules at any time, without prior notice, and in its sole discretion to suspend or cancel the Giveaway or any entrant's participation in the Giveaway. RELEASE Upon the request of Vibrant, the potential winner will be required to return a Release and Prize Acceptance Form. The winner is responsible for all applicable state, federal and local taxes associated with the prize(s) if any. If a potential winner fails to comply with these Official Rules, that potential winner will be disqualified. Prizes may not be awarded if an insufficient number of eligible entries are received. All prizes are non-transferrable. PUBLICITY By participating, each entrant or winner grants Vibrant permission to use their name, likeness, photo, voice, image, statements, or comments for publicity purposes including web, television, and print without payment of additional consideration, further authorization, or notification; except where prohibited by law. NO ENDORSEMENT OR SPONSORSHIP Vibrant may obtain prizes by purchase or donation from third parties. Vibrant’s offering of a prize, or use of the logo of others to publicize the prizes, does not suggest the endorsement, sponsorship, affiliation, association, or authorization by the third-parties. ENFORCEABILITY If any portion of these Official Rules is determined to be unenforceable, it will not invalidate the other terms and provisions of these Official Rules. Any unenforced terms or conditions of these Official Rules will not constitute a waiver of any of the terms mentioned above, and all remaining terms and conditions of these Official Rule will remain in full force and effect. Only a written, signed amendment, agreement, waiver or like-kind construction will constitute a waiver of these Official Rules by Vibrant. ALTERNATIVE WAYS TO ENTER GIVEAWAYS For an alternative way to enter, email your first and last name along with your phone number to marketing@vibrantcu.org . QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS? Any questions or comments regarding this Giveaway should be directed to the Vibrant Marketing Department by phone at 1-800-323-5109. Orig. 04/2025 Next Item Previous Item

According to an Investopedia survey, American couples spent an average of about $20,000 on their weddings in 2021—a decrease of about $9,000 from the previous year, but still enough to buy a decent new car or pay for a year of tuition and board at your state’s flagship university. How to set a wedding budget and stick to it According to an Investopedia survey, American couples spent an average of about $20,000 on their weddings in 2021—a decrease of about $9,000 from the previous year, but still enough to buy a decent new car or pay for a year of tuition and board at your state’s flagship university. How much is a realistic wedding budget? According to an Investopedia survey, American couples spent an average of about $20,000 on their weddings in 2021—a decrease of about $9,000 from the previous year, but still enough to buy a decent new car or pay for a year of tuition and board at your state’s flagship university. Yet even with that five-figure budget, many brides and grooms will admit they still had to scale back their wish list to avoid spending even more—by inviting fewer people, having a cocktail reception instead of a sit-down dinner, or hosting the event in a park instead of a hotel ballroom. Many of us expect a wedding to be the most perfect day of our lives, a day when every detail is the most beautiful it can be. This is a risky way to approach wedding planning—partly because there are so many opportunities for things to go wrong, but mostly because couples can wind up spending a lot more than they planned on. The fact is, you can throw a pretty wonderful wedding for $10,000, $5,000, or even $1,000. (For that last amount, it helps if the bride already owns an appropriate dress, and you’re okay with a wedding reception that takes the form of dinner for 12 at a favorite restaurant.) Start with a dollar figure and plan your wedding accordingly Wedding planners generally advise that, no matter the size of your budget, you should plan to allocate your expenses along the following lines: 50% – venue, food, and drink (including your wedding cake) 12% – photography 9% – clothes, makeup, hair, and accessories 8% – décor 7% – entertainment 3% – wedding planner or coordinator 2% – invitations and thank-you cards 2% – officiant and license 2% – transportation 2% – wedding bands 2% – gifts for guests and attendants If you’re absolutely certain that you’ll be happy with an MP3 player and a Bluetooth speaker instead of a live band or that you won’t need a wedding planner, congratulations! That’s more money for your food and drink budget. Now it’s time to see how to get the most bang for your buck with the items you do want. Save money on your wedding venue by choosing the right date You really can get married on a day other than Saturday and in a month other than June. In fact, your venue rental could be significantly less expensive if you choose to get married in January, March, April, or November. In addition, Mondays are generally the least expensive day of the week to rent a venue, with prices rising the closer you get to the weekend. Of course, it may be difficult for your out-of-town guests to make it to a Wednesday wedding—or for locals to make it to work the day after if you do it up right. Save money at your reception by offering a limited selection of alcoholic beverages If you plan to serve alcohol at your wedding, you don’t need to resort to a cash bar to keep it affordable. Consider limiting your selection to beer and wine only. If you can’t imagine getting married without sipping a Negroni because that’s what you drank on your first date, make them your signature cocktail. Mixing just one type of drink will make it easier on your bartender and minimize your total bar bill. If you don’t plan to serve alcohol at your wedding, imagine the people who you know will grumble about the lack of booze, and then … Save money on your reception by trimming your guest list Think back on the weddings you’ve attended. Even setting aside the ceremonies where you served as someone else’s plus-one, you can probably think of a few where you were invited because your parents are friends with the couple’s parents, because you're good friends at work, or because the groom is your cousin, and your grandma would be sad if you weren’t there. Cutting your guest list can be one of the most painful negotiations you’ll ever make with your spouse, your parents, and your in-laws. It’s also a guaranteed money-saver. Finally, choose carefully now, and maybe you won’t feel a pang 10 years from now when you realize the last time you saw your old college friends was at your wedding reception—that happens more often than you’d think. Save money by skipping a fancy cake Those multi-tiered wedding cakes are expensive—and after they're sliced, there’s not a lot of difference between them and any other cake. In fact, they’re as much décor as they are food—they cost more not because they taste better than regular cake, but because it’s a practical challenge to bake a single cake large enough to serve 50 people. Still want a dessert that will look lovely on display at your reception? Consider getting a tiered stand (or a couple!) and filling it with cupcakes. Save money by understanding your priorities While the guidelines above offer a good starting point for how you’ll spend your budget, take a look at your priorities. If you’ve always looked forward to wearing a beautiful custom-fitted dress that makes you feel like a princess, but you don’t care as much about floral centerpieces on every table, go ahead and adjust accordingly. If you’ve always imagined stepping out for your first dance as a live band plays "Wouldn’t It Be Nice", but you don’t care about fancy invitations, skip the save-the-date cards and multiple envelopes and choose a design from a big-box office supply store. One more thing to keep in mind: Most couples are so busy preparing for the ceremony, posing for photos in their wedding finery, and visiting with guests that they actually have very little time to enjoy the food or the decorations. So, make sure you have a good photographer so you can enjoy the details later, remind yourself your guests aren't there for the food, and remember: You’re getting married to someone you love enough to imagine spending the rest of your lives together. Your day is already perfect. Next Item Previous Item

Did you know that it only takes a deposit of $5 to start a savings account at Vibrant? Go ahead and pluck that five dollar bill out of your wallet, where it’s more likely to end up spent than saved. By putting it in a savings account for safe keeping, you’re planting a seed. How quickly that seed sprouts and grows into a beautiful flower depends on where you’ve planted it. Tips for choosing a savings account Did you know that it only takes a deposit of $5 to start a savings account at Vibrant? Go ahead and pluck that five dollar bill out of your wallet, where it’s more likely to end up spent than saved. By putting it in a savings account for safe keeping, you’re planting a seed. How quickly that seed sprouts and grows into a beautiful flower depends on where you’ve planted it. Did you know that it only takes a deposit of $5 to start a savings account at Vibrant? Go ahead and pluck that five dollar bill out of your wallet, where it’s more likely to end up spent than saved. By putting it in a savings account for safe keeping, you’re planting a seed. How quickly that seed sprouts and grows into a beautiful flower depends on where you’ve planted it. To help you find the best place to grow your savings, here are four tips for choosing a savings account that is going to turn your five dollar bill into so much more. Aim high for your interest rate Opening a savings account is about growing your money, and how quickly that money grows will depend on the interest rate . The higher the interest rate, the more you’ll earn from your deposit. Most lenders will offer a basic savings account with interest rates as low as .01%, but keep an eye out for high-interest savings accounts that could help you earn more at a faster rate. Pay attention to minimum balance requirements Behind every savings account are a set of terms and conditions. You might be tempted to skim them, but do yourself a favor and give them a read. Different lenders will have different minimum deposit requirements, ranging from $1 to $10,000. You might also be expected to maintain a minimum balance to earn interest. There could even be fees for dropping below the minimum required balance. Always take the time to read the terms and conditions. Shop local for the best rates No two savings accounts are the same. Different financial institutions are going to offer different types of savings accounts with different interest rates, fees, and minimum balances. It’s up to you to look around and find the best savings account for you, and the best place to start is your local credit union or community bank. Because they’re nonprofit and member-owned , credit unions generally offer higher interest rates than banks, so be sure to give them a look. Ask about mobile banking Having a brick-and-mortar location close by is convenient, but in this day and age, most people expect to be able to handle the bulk of their financial transactions through their phone. You should be able to manage your savings account from anywhere, so be sure to ask about online and mobile banking services when kicking the tires on different financial institutions. If you’re interested in opening a savings account, get in touch with us ! Next Item Previous Item

To save money, you have to spend less than you earn. Simple enough, right? The truth is that it’s easier said than done. Saving money takes discipline, especially when you’re fresh out of college. No more classes and no more homework, but there are bills to pay and plenty of opportunities to spend your hard-earned money now that you’ve entered “the real world.” 5 money-saving tips for college graduates To save money, you have to spend less than you earn. Simple enough, right? The truth is that it’s easier said than done. Saving money takes discipline, especially when you’re fresh out of college. No more classes and no more homework, but there are bills to pay and plenty of opportunities to spend your hard-earned money now that you’ve entered “the real world.” To save money, you have to spend less than you earn. Simple enough, right? The truth is that it’s easier said than done. Saving money takes discipline, especially when you’re fresh out of college. No more classes and no more homework, but there are bills to pay and plenty of opportunities to spend your hard-earned money now that you’ve entered “the real world.” Here are five simple tips for how to stay on top of your savings after you graduate college. Start with a simple budget You can certainly keep a running list of expenses and then add it up at the end of the month to see if you spent less than you earned, but making a budget might be more helpful. Consider the 50/30/20 approach to budgeting. Set aside 50% of your budget for your “needs” like rent, utilities, and groceries, 30% for your “wants” like road trips, tickets to concerts, and pizza on Friday nights, and the last 20% for savings. The idea is to figure out how much you have to spend on what you need, so that you know how much you can afford to spend on what you want. Make your student loan payments According to the most recent statistics, about 45 million Americans have student loan debt. If you’re one of them, the sooner you start making payments, the better off you’ll be. Most student loans have a six-month grace period after graduation, but you’ll save on interest if you can start paying off that debt sooner. Most importantly, make sure you are making your payments on time. If you have federal student loans and are struggling to make payments, it might be worth considering applying for an income-driven repayment plan. Work on building your credit Need another reason to make your student loan payments? Well, aside from the fact that that debt isn’t going anywhere unless you start paying it off, making payments helps build your credit. It’s an opportunity to show lenders that you are a responsible borrower, improving your chances of being approved for a mortgage or a car loan. You should also explore other ways to build your credit, like applying for a credit card. Just remember to spend responsibly! Keep enough in your savings for emergencies Not all savings is for retirement. And considering you’re a recent college graduate, it’s safe to say retirement is probably not in your immediate future. Savings at your age is about creating breathing room, because a budget will only get you so far before an unexpected expense wrecks your budget. You can start by aiming to save at least 20% of your paycheck and setting it aside in a high-yield savings account. Consider that your emergency fund. If you can reach the point where you have at least $500 set aside for emergencies, you’ll have a great start. Understand the basics of investing The next best thing to saving your money is investing it. Now before you start dreaming about trading on Wall Street, there are simpler ways to invest than buying individual stocks. You can invest your income in a retirement account like a 401(k) or IRA, allowing your money to grow over time due to compound interest. Retirement may be in your distant future, but your future self will almost certainly be thankful you invested as early as you did. If you are interested in learning more about how you can start saving post-graduation, please get in touch with us . The learning never stops, even after college! Next Item Previous Item

Plan your next visit to SouthPark - Moline. Get hours, services, and driving directions. SouthPark - Moline 4400 16th St Moline, IL 61265 United States (800) 323-5109 Get directions Lobby hours Mon 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Tue 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Wed 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Thu 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Fri 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Sat 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Sun Closed ITM (digital banking) hours Services Coin machine Night drop Branch lobby open Drive-thru open FAQ

Learn how my interest is calculated Premier Checking: Interest dividends are paid monthly on your average daily balance for the month. So if you have an average daily balance of $100, you'll earn approximately 33 cents in interest at the end of the month. Interest dividends are paid to your account at the end of every month. On our Savings Accounts , interest dividends are paid monthly on your average daily balance for the month. So if you have an average daily balance of, say, $104.35 in a Preferred Savings account, you'll earn 4.00% APY on that amount. Previous Item Next Item

With interest rates high, now is a great time to consider adding a CD to your financial portfolio. Is a Certificate of Deposit (CD) right for you? With interest rates high, now is a great time to consider adding a CD to your financial portfolio. You shouldn’t expect to become fabulously wealthy by opening a Certificate of Deposit (CD). But if you’re looking for a safe place to earn a guaranteed return on your savings, right now is a great time to consider adding a CD to your financial portfolio. With interest rates rising, many CDs are paying the highest rates consumers have seen in more than 20 years. How is a CD different from an ordinary savings account? In simple terms, a Certificate of Deposit is a type of savings account—one that pays higher interest on your balance in exchange for your promise not to withdraw any funds for a set period of time, which at Vibrant can range from 3 months to 5 years. Further, so long as your deposit balance doesn’t exceed NCUA insurance limits ($250,000 in total deposits per account holder at a single credit union), those returns are guaranteed so long as you don’t need to withdraw your cash early—and it never hurts to have an extra level of assurance considering recent volatility in the banking sector . Talk to us if you’re interested in depositing more than $250,000 for cost-free strategies for maximizing your deposit insurance coverage. The kinds of people who should consider investing in a CD If your current financial goals fall into any of the following categories, a CD might be the right solution for you. You’re saving for a short-term goal If you’ve been setting aside money for a down payment on a home, a new car or boat, a dream vacation, or a wedding, then putting your savings in a CD is a good way to grow your nest egg faster without committing to a long-term investment. You want to jump-start your retirement savings Even if retirement is a long way off, you can invest in an IRA CD at any age—and, right now, potentially earn a better rate of return than you would through your 401(k). With an IRA CD, your investment itself is tax-deductible (similar to the way that 401(k) contributions are made with pre-tax dollars). And, unlike a conventional CD, an IRA CD enables you to put off paying taxes on the interest income you earn until it’s time to make a withdrawal from your retirement plan. You can even roll over your IRA into a different retirement savings plan without tax penalties once your 401(k) starts earning more. You want to protect your cash against inflation When inflation is high, the value of your savings decreases. Putting your savings into a CD can help protect your money by locking in a fixed interest rate until the economy improves. You want a safe and secure place to park your savings CDs are a low-risk way to grow your money. The interest rate is fixed, so you know exactly how much money you will earn. Further, Vibrant CDs are insured by the NCUA, which means your money is protected up to $250,000 per account holder (and you can talk with a banker about strategies to maximize your NCUA coverage if you want to invest more). You want a great rate but don’t have a lot of money to invest While many financial institutions require a minimum deposit amount in the four figures to get their best CD rates, all of Vibrant’s CDs are available with a minimum $5 deposit. The bottom line Before you put your savings in a CD, think carefully about when you will need to access the money you’re setting aside. All financial institutions charge some kind of early withdrawal penalty if you need to close a CD before it reaches maturity—up to and including giving up all the interest you’ve earned to date. Once you decide how long you can afford to set aside your savings, compare your options to find the term and interest rate that work best for you. See Vibrant’s current CD rates, then reach out to one of our personal bankers for help opening an account or open an account online . Disclosures Before you open a Certificate of Deposit, be aware that there may be penalties imposed if you withdraw your money before the end of the term. Unless you specify otherwise, Vibrant's certificates will automatically renew at the end of the term—the 13-month CD automatically renews into a 12-month CD at maturity. Vibrant will contact you before your CD reaches maturity to help you choose not to renew or if you'd prefer to renew for a different term. All Vibrant CDs are federally insured by NCUA. Next Item Previous Item

Closing your Vibrant digital banking account Want to close your account? We're sorry to see you go. Once you close your account, you will no longer be able to access your account information through our online banking platform or mobile app. 1. Close your account in person. Visit one of our branches and request to close any or all of your accounts. Bring your current state-issued ID or driver's license. Talk to a staff member and let them know which account(s) you'd like to close. We'll ask you to sign an account closure form. We'll refund your balance in cash, with a cashier's check, or through a wire transfer to another financial institution. 2. Close your account by phone. Call us at 1-800-323-5109 between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday or from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. CT on Saturday. When you connect, press option 1, then option 3. Tell our member contact center agent which account(s) you'd like to close. We will confirm your identity, then get your signature on an account closure form. You can choose to have us mail you a cashier's check for the balance of your account or help you transfer the remaining funds to another financial institution by wire. To learn how Vibrant handles your personal information and data while you're an account holder, as well as after you close your account, please see our privacy policy . Previous Item Next Item

Plan your next visit to Vibrant HQ - Moline. Get hours, services, and driving directions. Vibrant HQ - Moline 6600 44th Avenue Moline, IL 61265 United States (800) 323-5109 Get directions Lobby hours (including ITMs) Mon 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Tue 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Wed 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Thu 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Fri 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Sat 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Sun Closed ITM (digital banking) hours Services ITM banking Cash-dispensing ATM Deposit-taking ATM Branch lobby open Drive-thru open FAQ

Get expert tips on protecting your accounts. Be on the lookout for communications that are unsolicited, unexpected, and/or urgent. It could be a scam. How to detect potential scams Want to make sure your Vibrant accounts stay safe? We've put together some helpful tips for helping you recognize fraud attempts before it's too late. If a person, business, or organization you don't have an existing relationship with asks you for money or personal information, be on guard. Make sure they are who they say they are. Unsolicited If you’re contacted out of the blue by an organization you DO have a relationship with, don’t respond directly. Instead, contact the organization via their publicly available phone number or email address so you can verify it's a legit request. Unexpected Scammers know the more time you have to think, the more questions you’ll ask. Even in a genuine emergency, no one will ask you to disclose personal or financial information before you do anything else. Urgent Your Caller ID may tell you Vibrant is calling, but it could be a scammer. If a caller asks you to provide any of the information below, this could be an attempt to access your personal account. Say nothing and hang up! Anything more than the last 4 digits of your debit or credit card Any security or verification code you receive via text or email Your account or routing number Your complete Social Security Number Your account password Your PIN Watch out for spoof calls and text messages Frequently asked questions Does Vibrant ever verify my identity by texting or emailing me a code? If you’ve set up two-factor authentication (2FA) on your account—and we highly recommend it—you will receive a code via text or email when you try to log in to verify it’s really you. While you'll need to enter that code on your browser or mobile app to complete your login, Vibrant will never ask you to tell us what the code is. Can a scammer access my account even if I don’t tell them my password? Unfortunately, yes. Scammers may find your login information through a data breach, on the dark web, or through other phishing tactics. Two-factor authentication (2FA) offers additional protection, but it's not foolproof. A common scam is to try bypass 2FA by pretending to be a legitimate caller who wants to verify your identity by sending you a security code, which they'll ask you to read back to them. If you tell them the code, unfortunately, they can use it to log in from their device. How do I set up two-factor authentication (2FA) on my account? Log in to your account and go to Settings, then choose the Security tab. Toggle the on/off switch next to Two-Factor Authentication to ON to require a second security code via email, text, or voice call (you'll have the option to choose the method that works best for you any time you log in). What if a caller tells me I owe money and they need immediate payment? Legitimate organizations, including the IRS, your local tax assessor, or your financial institution, will never ask you to provide payment via a gift card, prepaid debit card, or wire transfer. If you get a a call demanding immediate payment and they want you to use one of these payment methods, it's a scam. In addition, a legitimate caller will never threaten to alert law enforcement, immigration officials, or other authorities to collect a debt. What should I do if I think I may have been scammed? Contact us immediately to report the incident. We’ll place a fraud alert on your account and help you reset your login information. (And no, we won't ask you to tell us your new password.) FAQ