Vibrant is proud to be the official sponsor of the Quad City Strikers youth soccer organization. Want to save money? Sign up to receive special offers from Vibrant plus VIP access to exclusive Strikers apparel and gear. Yes, I'm interested! Add a Title Want to save money? Sign up to receive special offers from Vibrant plus VIP access to exclusive Strikers apparel and gear. Yes, I'm interested! Dear Strikers Family, Our ongoing partnership with the Strikers has been an amazing experience. From watching each team take the field for the first time in their Vibrant jerseys to cheering as they distinguished themselves in competition, it's been exciting to see these kids growing in skill and ability. We're proud to be a part of an organization where players learn to be their best on and off the field—and we’re excited for what comes next. Vibrant | #bevibrant Stay tuned for more great perks As the Strikers' corporate partner, we've worked with the organization to ensure players have access to trainers, indoor practice facilities, and great new jerseys. As the new season gets under way, we'll be pitching in to provide special try-out shirts, team photos, and unique gear for our hard-working coaches.

Get help planning for retirement with one of our certified financial advisors. Find out how to get started. Make retirement planning less taxing Increase your financial flexibility by opening an IRA. Contact an advisor How a traditional IRA works Make retirement planning less taxing Increase your financial flexibility by opening an IRA Contact an advisor Choose the type of account you want You can choose to deposit your IRA contributions in a traditional savings account or in an IRA certificate of deposit (CD). See our current CD rates. Make a tax-deductible contribution As of 2023, you can contribute up to $6,500 a year to your IRA account if you're younger than 50. After that, you can contribute up to $7,500 a year. These contributions are tax-deductible at the time of contribution. Avoid penalties for early withdrawal You can withdraw your money from an IRA at any time—but if you're below the age of 59 and 1/2 years, you may be subject to additional tax penalties except in certain circumstances. Start making withdrawals by age 72 Once you reach 72 years of age, you're required to receive a minimum distribution from your account every year. The exact amount will depend on your balance and your estimated life expectancy. Your IRA distribution is subject to state and federal taxes. Make your savings work harder with a CD Get a better return on your savings when you invest in a certificate of deposit. Invest as little as $5 and for as short a period as 3 months. See rates

You don't need to a banker to have a fulfilling Vibrant career. Learn about our headquarters, our culture, and the benefits you can expect. Open yourself up to new possibilities If you want a job you can feel good about, you'll love working here. Search current openings Open yourself up to new possibilities If you want a job you can feel good about, you'll love working here. Search current openings Add a Title Open yourself up to new possibilities If you want a job you can feel good about, you'll love working here. Search current openings Make your career Vibrant You might be surprised by the number of Vibrant employees who never considered working in banking until they came here. What makes us different? First, we want you to find a role that makes you look forward to coming to work—and we’ll make sure you get the training and development to succeed in one that does. Second, we believe there’s no single “right” way to do most things, and we’re not afraid to try something new. That opens up a ton of opportunities to build your skills. Third, we take our members seriously, but not ourselves. Which is why there’s a closet full of inflatable cow costumes at our corporate headquarters. Get to know Vibrant HQ The majority of our team works at our corporate headquarters in Moline. Even branch and remote employees can expect to spend a few days here each year for training and team building. In keeping with our commitment to community revitalization, we transformed a former big-box outlet into a state-of-the-art workspace with plenty of room to keep growing. Vibrant HQ is also the place where we launch new technologies and initiatives like our first fully digital branch and ITMs. Check it out Our employees get great benefits The expected All the usual benefits, without the usual lengthy waiting period before they kick in Medical, dental, and vision insurance 401(k) match up to 6 percent of your salary Paid time off The unexpected Some things you might expect from a credit union, plus a few you wouldn't Flexible schedules and locations for many positions Casual dress code Work in our new state-of-the-art corporate headquarters Learn more The extraordinary Because there's so much more to you than the hours you spend at work Paid time off for volunteering Education reimbursement Leadership development courses Named among top 50 "Best Credit Unions to Work for" Vibrant ranked #41 on American Banker's survey of the Best Credit Unions to Work for in 2022. Winners were chosen based on two employee surveys asking their assessment of their employer's leadership and planning, corporate culture, communication, and overall engagement. Read more in American Banker Frequently asked questions I've submitted an application. What next? Check your inbox for an email confirmation that your application has been received. We’ll get back to you within 5–10 business days with an update on your application status. Are there many opportunities to grow? Yes! As employees become more familiar with our operations, it’s not unusual for them to move into different roles and different departments. We also offer specialized training for employees who want to become leaders and for leaders who want to become exceptional. How long will I have to wait to become eligible for benefits? Health coverage kicks in on the first of the month following your hire date. You’ll also start earning PTO hours, but you won’t be able to use them until you’ve been here for 90 days. If you choose to contribute to a 401(k) plan, your plan will become active on the first day of the second full month following your hire date. (So if you started on July 5, your health benefits begin on August 1, and your 401(k) plan on September 1.) Will I be eligible for vacation/PTO hours during my first year of full-time employment? Yes, but your total number of PTO hours will be pro-rated depending on your start date. On January 1 following your hire date, you’ll be able to draw upon a full 15 days of PTO. FAQ

Discover banking solutions built for community organizations and associations. Best for Deposit Rates Used with permission. ©2025 Dow Jones & Company, Inc. Smart Banking. Stronger Communities. Our deposit accounts and lending solutions give your organization the tools to thrive—while keeping your mission at the center. Get started Smart Banking. Stronger Communities. Our deposit accounts and lending solutions give your organization the tools to thrive—while keeping your mission at the center. Get started Community Associations We saw a need for better banking solutions tailored to groups in our communities. With a shared passion for making an impact, we built a unique set of bank accounts designed specifically for small businesses, sports teams, not-for-profits, and more . Our goal? To make managing money easier, more accessible, and built around the needs of those who give back, grow, and bring people together. Learn more Florida Condo HOAs Our reserve and lending solutions are built specifically for HOAs impacted by House Bill 913, helping boards meet today’s demands with confidence. Every dollar is fully insured, readily accessible, and earning competitive returns—while our no-fee lines of credit provide flexible access to capital for repairs or underfunded reserves. Together, they give your association the financial security it needs without the complexity. Learn more Faith-Based Organizations Steward your resources with confidence. Our deposit solutions help faith-based organizations protect funds beyond traditional limits, earn competitive returns, and access reserves when mission needs arise—all with a partner committed to community and good will. Learn more Insured Money Market At Vibrant, safeguarding your deposits is a priority. We offer Extended Share Insurance to help protect your funds beyond the typical limits—giving you greater peace of mind and broader coverage as your reserves grow. Whether your organization needs added protection for operating funds, reserve balances, or mission-critical resources, a Vibrant Insured Money Market account provides an extra layer of security that complements our full suite of deposit solutions. Learn more Business Checking Account Rates Average Daily Balance Standard Business Checking Community Business Checking APY* APY* $100,000+ 0.25% 1.00% - 3.00% $50,000 - $99,999 0.15% 1.00% - 3.00% $25,000 - $49,999 0.15% 3.00% $0 - $24,999 0.00% 3.00% *APY = "Annual Percentage Yield." APYs accurate as of April 16, 2026. Rates subject to change without notice. $5 Membership Share account required. Federally insured by NCUA. The Community Checking and Standard Business Checking accounts are a tiered accounts; if the account balance falls within the range for a particular tier, the dividend rate and APY for that tier will apply to the entire balance in the account. Want to be part of a community that earns interest? Give us a call at 309-326-3128 or email relationshipmgrs@vibrantcu.org to get started. Business Savings Account Rates Average Daily Balance Standard Business Savings Community Business Savings APY* APY* $25,000+ 0.005% 3.25% $100 - $24,999 0.005% 3.25% $0 - $99 0.00% 3.25% *APY = "Annual Percentage Yield." APYs accurate as of April 16, 2026. Rates subject to change without notice. $5 Membership Share account required. Federally insured by NCUA. The Standard Business Savings and Community Business Savings accounts are tiered accounts; if the account balance falls within the range for a particular tier, the dividend rate and APY for that tier will apply to the entire balance in the account. Ready to earn a higher yield on your money? Give us a call at 309-326-3128 or email relationshipmgrs@vibrantcu.org to get started. Insured Money Market Account Rates Average Daily Balance APY* up to $15,000,000 3.14% *APY = "Annual Percentage Yield." APYs accurate as of January 2nd, 2026. Rates subject to change without notice. The rate is tied to the daily Effective Federal Funds Rate in effect at account opening less .50%. $5 Membership Share account required. Insurance provided through program credit union. Deposits remaining with Vibrant are federally insured by the NCUA. Funds participating in the Vibrant Credit Union Extended Insurance Account are deposited into accounts at participating credit unions, which are insured by the National Credit Union Association (NCUA) for up to $250,000 for each category of legal ownership, including any other balances you may hold directly or through other intermediaries, including broker-dealers. The total amount of NCUA insurance for your account depends on the number of credit unions in the program. If the balance in your account is greater than the NCUA insurance coverage in the program, any excess funds will not be insured. Please read the Program Terms and Conditions carefully before depositing money into the program and for other important customer disclosures and information. To assure your NCUA coverage, please regularly review credit unions in which your funds have been deposited, and notify Vibrant Credit Union immediately if you do not want to allocate funds to a particular credit union or credit unions. Protect your business funds with extended NCUA insurance coverage. Get started now. Business Money Market Account Rates Average Daily Balance Business Money Market $500,000+ 0.75% $100 - $499,999 0.01% $0 - $99.99 0.00% *APY = "Annual Percentage Yield." APYs accurate as of April 16, 2026. Rates subject to change without notice. $5 Membership Share account required. Federally insured by NCUA. The Business Money Market account is a tiered account; if the account balance falls within the range for a particular tier, the dividend rate and APY for that tier will apply to the entire balance in the account. Searching for flexibility and earnings on your balance? Give us a call at 309-326-3128 or email relationshipmgrs@vibrantcu.org to get started. Frequently asked questions How old do I have to be to open an account? You'll need to be at least 18 years old to open an account online. If you're younger than 18, you can open an account as long as at least one of your parents or legal guardians opens the account with you. Schedule an appointment to talk with a banker or call 1-800-323-5109 for more information. Do you offer overdraft protection? All Vibrant checking accounts include Overdraft Privilege. Vibrant will automatically pay overdrafts for checks and automatic bill payments at our discretion. You can also choose Overdraft Protection and authorize Vibrant to pay overdrafts for debit card and ATM transactions when you open your account. If you'd like to add Overdraft Protection, contact us during regular business hours or send us a secure message through your online banking account. How long does it take for a mobile deposit to appear in my account? You’ll receive an email confirmation immediately after your deposit is accepted, but your funds will not appear until they’ve been processed. On business days, we post deposits at noon, 2 p.m., and 6 p.m. CT. If you make a deposit after 4 p.m. or on a holiday or weekend, your deposit will appear at noon on the next business day. How do I get a replacement debit card? Visit a branch to order a new debit card or send us a secure message through your online bank account to request a new one. You can also call our member services team at 800-323-5109 during regular business hours. How is interest calculated and how often is it paid? 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 the interest listed for that product tier on that amount at the end of the month. What if I have more than $15,000 in my Preferred Savings account? Do I still earn interest? Yes! The portion of your balance under $15,000 will earn interest at the highest rate listed for Preferred Savings. The portion of your balance above $15,000 will earn interest at at the lowest rate listed. Can I open more than one Preferred Savings account? Sorry, one account per member! You can open a second savings account of a different type or a Premier Checking account if you’re looking for ways to maximize your interest earnings above $15,000.

Liquidity that doesn’t make you sacrifice yield. Get high-yield savings with no requirements. AS SEEN ON INVESTOPEDIA Digital Advantage High-Yield Savings | 4.40% APY* Liquidity that doesn't make you sacrifice yield. Get started now Best for Deposit Rates Used with permission. ©2025 Dow Jones & Company, Inc. Open in minutes Fast, hassle-free online account opening. Federally insured NCUA insurance up to $250K per depositor. No hidden fees Keep more of what you earn without all the hoops. Join nationwide Eligible to join from anywhere in the U.S. "...I've been severely impressed with the excellent products as well as unrivaled customer care. I've been treated with respect efficiently and with great courtesy..." Larry Z. — Vibrant Credit Union Member "Very happy with your products. Your rates can't be beat..." Vicki M. — Vibrant Credit Union Member "Excellent! I feel heard. Employees are sharp. They bring up pertaining information. Answer questions. Don't put me on hold or leave me on hold..." Patsy B. — Vibrant Credit Union Member Want to grow more than $5K? We believe earning a competitive rate should be simple. With our savings accounts, there are no activity requirements to earn your APY* — your money works for you from day one. Digital Advantage Savings Earn 4.40% APY* on balances Up to $5K ★ MEMBER FAVORITE ★ Preferred Savings Earn 4.00%* APY on balances Up to $15K Premier Checking Earn 3.75%* APY on balances Up to $25K Open an account Digital Advantage Savings account rates Average Daily Balance APY* $0 - $4,999 4.40% $5,000+ 0.01% - 4.40% *APY = "Annual Percentage Yield." APYs accurate as of April 16, 2026. Rates subject to change without notice. $5 Membership Share account required. Federally insured by NCUA. Digital Advantage Savings is a tiered account; for this account, the specified Dividend Rate for a tier will apply only to the portion of the account balance that is within that tier. Digital Advantage Savings is only available for new members and must be opened online. Limit of one Digital Advantage Savings account per member. Take advantage of this limited-time opportunity. Open a savings account. Other savings account rates Average Daily Balance Membership Savings Everyday Savings Preferred Savings Premier Savings Elite Savings APY* APY* APY* APY* APY* $1,000,000+ 0.05% 1.00% 0.75% – 4.00% 3.00% 4.25% $250,000 - $999,999 0.05% 1.00% 0.75% – 4.00% 3.00% 3.75% $100,000 - $249,999 0.05% 1.00% 0.75% – 4.00% 3.00% 3.50% $25,000 - $99,999 0.05% 1.00% 0.75% – 4.00% 3.00% 0.50% $15,000 - $24,999 0.05% 1.00% 0.75% – 4.00% 0.10% 0.50% $10,000 - $14,999 0.05% 1.00% 4.00% 0.10% 0.50% $100 - $9,999 0.05% 0.10% 4.00% 0.10% 0.50% $0 - $99 0.00% 0.10% 4.00% 0.10% 0.50% *APY = "Annual Percentage Yield." APYs accurate as of April 16, 2026. Rates subject to change without notice. $5 Membership Share account required. Federally insured by NCUA. Everyday Savings , Premier Savings , and Elite Savings accounts are tiered accounts; if the account balance falls within the range for a particular tier, the dividend rate and APY for that tier will apply to the entire balance in the account. Preferred Savings is a tiered account; for this account, the specified Dividend Rate for a tier will apply only to the portion of the account balance that is within that tier. Limit of one Preferred Savings account per member. Ready to earn more on your money? Open a savings account. Checking account rates Account Average Daily Balance APY* Premier Checking $0 - $24,999 3.75% Premier Checking $25,000+ 1.25% – 3.75% Everyday Checking Any 0.00% *APY = "Annual Percentage Yield." APYs accurate as of April 16, 2026. Rates subject to change without notice. $5 Membership Share account required. Federally insured by NCUA. Premier Checking is a tiered account. For this account the specified Dividend Rate for a tier will apply only to the portion of the account balance that is within that tier. Limit of one Premier Checking account per member. Ready to make your money work harder? Open a checking account. Earn up to 4.00% APY* on your checking Pair your savings with a high-yield checking account to maximize your earning potential! Every checking account includes: No monthly fees or minimum balance requirements No direct deposit or debit card transaction requirements No withdrawal limits Free online & mobile banking with mobile check deposit Get started now Open from anywhere. Give from the start. By becoming a Friend of the Be The Good Foundation , you’re eligible to become a member nationwide and we’ll make a $5 donation on your behalf to support financial education, youth development, and community impact. Learn more Ask The Wall Street Journal, Investopedia and CBS News—Vibrant has some of the best rates available. You don’t have to take our word for it! Our deposit products are nationally recognized for our market-leading rates. That’s why Buy Side from the Wall Street Journal named us Best for Deposit Rates in the 2025 Best in Finance Awards. Frequently asked questions What does "Digital Advantage" mean? This account can only be opened online and that's what we call the "Digital Advantage". It's also built for new members only! If you're an existing member you have already unlocked access to our full deposit account suite — check out all of amazing high yield accounts here . How old do I have to be to open an account? You'll need to be at least 18 years old to open a Digital Advantage Savings account online. If you're younger than 18, you can open one of our other high-yield accounts in person or over the phone as long as at least one of your parents or legal guardians opens the account with you. Schedule an appointment to talk with a banker or call 1-800-323-5109 for more information. Can I open a Digital Advantage Savings account if I'm already a Vibrant member? The Digital Advantage Savings account is exclusive to new Vibrant members only. If you're an existing member, check out all of amazing high yield accounts here . How long does it take for a mobile deposit to appear in my account? You’ll receive an email confirmation immediately after your deposit is accepted, but your funds will not appear until they’ve been processed. On business days, we post deposits at noon, 2 p.m., and 6 p.m. CT. If you make a deposit after 4 p.m. or on a holiday or weekend, your deposit will appear at noon on the next business day. How is interest calculated and how often is it paid? 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 the interest listed for that product tier on that amount at the end of the month. What if I have more than $5,000 in my Digital Advantage Savings account? Do I still earn interest? Yes! The portion of your balance under $5,000 will earn interest at the highest rate listed for Digital Advantage Savings. The portion of your balance above $5,000 will earn interest at the lowest rate listed. If you regularly keep more than $5,000 in savings, you may want to consider adding another account. Our Preferred Savings and Premier Checking accounts are designed to deliver strong value on higher balances. Check out all of amazing high yield accounts here . Can I open more than one Digital Advantage Savings account? Sorry, one account per member! You can open a second savings account of a different type or a Premier Checking account if you’re looking for ways to maximize your interest earnings above $5,000. Explore some of our other products here.

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Looking for a member service agreement or our current rates and charges for various products? You're in the right place. Careers Privacy Notice Privacy Notice about Collection of Personal Information for Applicants, Employees, and Contractors Vibrant Credit Union (the “Company”) is providing you with this Privacy Notice about Collection of Personal Information for Applicants, Employees, and Contractors (“Notice”) in accordance with the California Consumer Privacy Act, as modified by the California Privacy Rights Act of 2020, (the “CCPA”) to inform you about: the categories of Personal Information that the Company collects about applicants, employees, and contractors; why we collect it, how we use and share it; and the rights you have relating to your Personal Information under the CCPA. For purposes of this Notice, the term “Personal Information” (“PI”) means information that identifies, relates to, describes, is reasonably capable of being associated with, or could reasonably be linked, directly or indirectly, with you. Personal Information does not include information that is publicly available, de-identified, or aggregated. Not all PI identified in this Notice is collected about each applicant, employee, or contractor. The PI collected from and about each individual will depend upon the status of their relationship with the Company, their role, and other circumstances. Assistance For Disabled Applicants and Employees Alternative formats of this Notice are available to individuals with a disability. Please contact hr@vibrantcu.org for assistance. How and Why We Collect and Disclose Your Personal Information, Including Within the Past 12 Months Identifiers 1.1. Personal Information Collected Includes: real name, nickname or alias, postal address, telephone number, e-mail address, unique personal identifier, Social Security number, signature, online identifier, Internet Protocol address, bank account name and number for direct deposits, driver’s license number or state identification card number, passport number, or other similar identifiers. 1.2. Categories of Sources from which PI is Collected: directly from you, automatically when you use our electronic systems, created by us (e.g., your username and Company email address), and from service providers that help us to run our business. 1.3. Categories of Recipients to which PI may be Disclosed: service providers that help us to run our business, benefits providers, governmental authorities. 1.4. Purposes for Collection, Use, and Disclosure: to communicate with you, to assess your eligibility for employment, to onboard and enroll you as an employee, to allow you to perform job functions, to provide compensation and benefits, to comply with applicable laws and regulations, to manage the security of our premises and systems, to detect and prevent fraud against you and/or us. 2. Personal Information Described in Cal. Civ. Code § 1798.80(e) 2.1.Personal Information Collected Includes: your name, signature, social security number, physical characteristics or description, address, telephone number, passport number, driver’s license or state identification card number, insurance policy number, education, employment, employment history, bank account number, credit card number, debit card number, or other financial information, medical information, or health insurance information. 2.2. Categories of Sources from which PI is Collected: directly from you, from service providers that help us to run our business, from third parties. 2.3. Categories of Recipients to which PI may be Disclosed: service providers that help us to run our business, benefits providers, governmental authorities. 2.4. Purposes for Collection, Use, and Disclosure: to communicate with you, to assess your eligibility for employment, to onboard and enroll you as an employee, to manage job duties and operate our business, to manage corporate information technology, to provide compensation and benefits, to comply with applicable laws and regulations, to manage the security of our premises and systems, to detect and prevent fraud against you and/or us. 3. Characteristics of Protected Classifications Under California or Federal Law 3.1. Personal Information Collected Includes: age and date of birth; marital status; race; ancestry; ethnic origin; sex; gender; sexual orientation; gender identity; gender expression; religion or creed; military or veteran status; medical condition; pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and related medical conditions; genetic information; disability. 3.2. Categories of Sources from which PI is Collected: directly from you, from service providers that help us to run our business, from third parties. 3.3. Categories of Recipients to which PI may be Disclosed: service providers that help us to run our business, benefits providers, governmental authorities. 3.4. Purposes for Collection, Use, and Disclosure: to comply with applicable laws and regulations, for diversity and inclusion programs. 4. Commercial Information 4.1. Personal Information Collected Includes: records of personal property; products or services purchased, obtained, or considered; or other purchasing or consuming histories or tendencies. If you interact with Vibrant Credit Union as a consumer, you can find our Privacy Notice here: https://www.vibrantcreditunion.org/privacy . 4.2. Categories of Sources from which PI is Collected: directly from you, from service providers that help us to run our business. 4.3. Categories of Recipients to which PI may be Disclosed: service providers that help us to run our business. 4.4. Purposes for Collection, Use, and Disclosure: reimbursement of expenses, auditing, to detect and prevent fraud against you and/or us. 5. Internet or Other Electronic Network Activity Information 5.1. Personal Information Collected Includes: browsing history, search history, log-in or log-out activity on Company resources, email communications, stored documents and emails, all activity on Company communication systems, other information regarding an employee’s use of Company-issued devices, and information regarding your interactions with our websites, applications, or advertisements. 5.2. Categories of Sources from which PI is Collected: automatically when you use our electronic systems and/or Company-issued devices, from service providers that help us to run our business. 5.3. Categories of Recipients to which PI may be Disclosed: service providers that help us to run our business, governmental authorities. 5.4. Purposes for Collection, Use, and Disclosure: to manage corporate information technology, to manage the security of our premises and systems, to manage job duties and operate our business, to detect and prevent fraud against you and/or us, to conduct internal audits, and to conduct internal investigations. 6. Geolocation Data 6.1. Personal Information Collected Includes: access-control data based on employee badge swipes and location data inferred from your device’s IP address. 6.2. Categories of Sources from which PI is Collected: directly from you, automatically when you use our electronic systems. 6.3. Categories of Recipients to which PI may be Disclosed: service providers that help us to run our business. 6.4. Purposes for Collection, Use, and Disclosure: to manage corporate information technology, to manage the security of our premises and systems, to detect and prevent fraud against you and/or us, to conduct internal investigations. 7. Audio, Electronic, Visual, Thermal, Olfactory , or Similar Information 7.1. Personal Information Collected Includes: closed-circuit images, photographs and video of you (for ID badges, marketing materials, etc.), and audio recordings as may relate to your job functions. 7.2. Categories of Sources from which PI is Collected: directly from you, automatically while you are on Company property or using certain Company devices (e.g., if you answer or place phone calls on a recorded line or use our video conferencing software). 7.3. Categories of Recipients to which PI may be Disclosed: service providers that help us to run our business. 7.4. Purposes for Collection, Use, and Disclosure: to manage the security of our premises and systems; to manage job duties, evaluate performance, and operate our business; to conduct internal investigations. 8. Professional or Employment-Related Information 8.1. Personal Information Collected Includes: recruitment information (such as skills, qualifications, references, recommendations, and other information included in a resume, application form, or cover letter); background information commonly used for onboarding and security screenings; employee profile information (employee status, organization information, performance and talent information, employment background, functional experience, leadership experience, honors or awards, timesheets, education, training, professional certifications, evaluations, developmental planning, career interests and development information, and other talent management and team-based assessments); compensation, payroll and benefits information; medical, parental, family, vacation, and other leave and associated records, including details of the types of and reasons for leave being taken, duration of leave, and leave-related correspondence; any termination of employment documentation, including resignation letters, dismissal letters, minutes of meetings, settlement agreements, and related correspondence. 8.2. Categories of Sources from which PI is Collected: directly from you, from service providers that help us to run our business, from third parties. 8.3. Categories of Recipients to which PI may be Disclosed: service providers that help us to run our business, benefits providers, governmental authorities. 8.4. Purposes for Collection, Use, and Disclosure: to assess your eligibility for employment; to onboard and enroll you as an employee; to manage job duties, evaluate performance, and operate our business; to provide compensation and benefits; to comply with applicable laws and regulations; to manage the security of our premises and system; to detect and prevent fraud against you and/or us; to conduct internal investigations. 9. Non-Public Education Information 9.1. Personal Information Collected Includes: school(s) attended, grades, and other information relating to your secondary and post-secondary education. 9.2. Categories of Sources from which PI is Collected: directly from you. 9.3. Categories of Recipients to which PI may be Disclosed: service providers that help us to run our business. 9.4. Purposes for Collection, Use, and Disclosure: to assess your eligibility for employment, to onboard and enroll you as an employee, and to assist with professional licensing. 10. Inferences Used to Create a Profile 10.1. Personal Information Collected Includes: information reflecting your preferences, characteristics, predispositions, behavior, attitudes, intelligence, abilities, and aptitudes. 10.2. Categories of Sources from which PI is Collected: directly from you, drawn from other categories of Personal Information we collect. 10.3. Categories of Recipients to which PI may be Disclosed: service providers that help us to run our business. 10.4. Purposes for Collection, Use, and Disclosure: to manage job duties, evaluate performance, and operate our business; to manage corporate information technology; to detect and prevent fraud against you and/or us. 11. Background Screening Information 11.1. Personal Information Collected Includes: results of the following types of background screening: credit history, bond and surety history, criminal history; sex offender registration; motor vehicle records; employment history; drug testing. 11.2. Categories of Sources from which PI is Collected: directly from you, from service providers that help us to run our business, from third parties. 11.3. Categories of Recipients to which PI may be Disclosed: service providers that help us to run our business. 11.4. Purposes for Collection, Use, and Disclosure: to screen applicants and employees for risks to the Company and continued suitability for their jobs, to evaluate employees for internal promotions. 12. Sensitive Personal Information 12.1. Social Security, Driver’s License, State Identification Card, or Passport Number. 12.1.1.1. Categories of Sources from which PI is Collected: directly from you. 12.1.1.2. Categories of Recipients to which PI may be Disclosed: service providers that help us to run our business. 12.1.1.3. Purposes for Collection, Use, and Disclosure: to assess your eligibility for employment, to onboard and enroll you as an employee, to provide compensation and benefits, to comply with applicable laws and regulations, to manage the security of our premises and systems. 12.2 Account Log-in, Financial Account, Debit Card, or Credit Card Number in Combination with any Required Security or Access Code, Password, or Credentials Allowing Access to an Account. 12.2.1.1. Categories of Sources from which PI is Collected: directly from you, automatically when you use our electronic systems. 12.2.1.2 .Categories of Recipients to which PI may be Disclosed: service providers that help us to run our business. 12.2.1.3. Purposes for Collection, Use, and Disclosure: to manage corporate information technology, to manage the security of our premises and systems. 12.3. Personal Information that Reveals an Employee’s Racial or Ethnic Origin, Citizenship or Immigration Status, Religious or Philosophical Beliefs, or Union Membership. 12.3.1.1. Categories of Sources from which PI is Collected: directly from you and documents you provide with your US Citizenship and Immigration Services Form I-9, from service providers that help us run our business, from third parties. 12.3.1.2. Categories of Recipients to which PI may be Disclosed: service providers that help us to run our business. 12.3.1.3. Purposes for Collection, Use, and Disclosure: to comply with applicable laws and regulations, for diversity and inclusion programs. 12.4. Contents of Mail, Email, and Text Messages Except Those for which We are the Intended Recipient. 12.4.1.1. Categories of Sources from which PI is Collected: directly from you, from service providers that help us to run our business. 12.4.1.2. Categories of Recipients to which PI may be Disclosed: service providers that help us to run our business. 12.4.1.3. Purposes for Collection, Use, and Disclosure: to manage job duties, to evaluate performance, to operate our business, to manage corporate information technology. 12.5. Personal Information Collected and Analyzed Concerning an Employee’s Health. 12.5.1.1. Categories of Sources from which PI is Collected: directly from you, service providers that help us to run our business, and benefits providers. 12.5.1.2. Categories of Recipients to which PI may be Disclosed: service providers that help us to run our business and benefits providers. 12.5.1.3. Purposes for Collection, Use, and Disclosure: to manage job duties, to operate our business, to provide benefits incentivize making healthier lifestyle choices, and to comply with applicable laws and regulations. 12.6. Personal Information Collected and Analyzed Concerning an Employee’s Sexual Orientation. 12.6.1.1. Categories of Sources from which PI is Collected: directly from you, from service providers that help us run our business, from benefits providers. 12.6.1.2. Categories of Recipients to which PI may be Disclosed: service providers that help us to run our business. 12.6.1.3. Purposes for Collection, Use, and Disclosure: to comply with applicable laws and regulations, to provide benefits, for diversity and inclusion programs. We do not use or disclose Sensitive Personal Information for purposes to which the right to limit use and disclosure applies under the CCPA. Additional Categories of Personal Information we Collect We collect the following information about you that does not directly fall within the categories listed in the CCPA: Visa status and work authorization information (including information from related documents, such as your passport, driver’s license, or other identification, proof of residence, and proof of authorization to work in the United States) Emergency contacts/next of kin information, details about your spouse/partner, dependents, and beneficiaries (such as their names, ages, titles, relationship to you, addresses, telephone numbers, and email addresses) Languages spoken Criminal records information including results of background checks obtained through government agencies such as the US Federal Bureau of Investigation Withholdings and tax information (such as information collected on IRS Form W-4 and California Tax Form DE 4) Information about births, adoptions, deaths, child medical support orders, loss of eligibility for medical coverage, and other life events that may trigger an opportunity to modify your benefits elections Information about your health, sickness, and absences (including information regarding your physical and/or mental health, any participation in health and wellness programs, drug and alcohol screening information, medical provider information – for example, if you apply for workers’ compensation – and information about any conditions that may require accommodations within the workplace) Information about your credit history and bond or surety history Unless otherwise specified, the sources of this Personal Information, the purposes for which we use it, and the categories of persons to which we disclose it are the same as those listed for Professional or Employment-Related Information. Disclosures of California Employee Personal Information We do not, nor have we within the preceding 12 months, sell or share for cross-context behavioral advertising the personal information of employees that we collect in relation to your employment at Vibrant Credit Union. If you also interact with us as a consumer, please review our Privacy Notice for more information about our practices in that context. How Long We Keep Your Personal Information We keep the categories of Personal Information described above for as long as necessary or permitted for the purposes described in this Notice or otherwise authorized by law. This generally means holding the information for as long as one of the following apply: Your Personal Information is reasonably necessary to manage our operations, to manage your relationship with us, or to satisfy another purpose for which we collected the information; Your Personal Information is reasonably necessary to carry out a disclosed purpose that is reasonably compatible with the context in which the Personal Information was collected; The Personal Information is reasonably necessary to protect or defend our rights or property (which will generally relate to applicable laws that limit actions in a particular case); or We are otherwise required or permitted to keep your information by applicable laws or regulations. Where information is used for more than one purpose, we will retain it until the purpose with the latest period expires. For more information about our retention policies, please contact us using the contact details below. Submitting Requests Relating to Your Personal Information If you are a resident of California, you have the right to submit certain requests relating to your Personal Information as described below. To exercise any of these rights, please submit a request by contacting us at hr@vibrantcu.org or (800) 323-5109. Please note that, if you submit a request to know, request to delete or request to correct, you will be asked to log into your employee account or to provide 2-3 pieces of Personal Information that we will match against our records to verify your identity. You may designate an authorized agent to make a request on your behalf; however, you will still need to verify your identity directly with us before your request can be processed. An authorized agent may submit a request on your behalf using the webform or toll-free number listed above. Right to Know. You have the right to know what Personal Information we have collected about you, which includes: The categories of Personal Information we have collected about you, including: a. Categories of Sources from which PI is Collected: directly from you, from service providers that help us run our business, from benefits providers. b. Purposes for Collection, Use, and Disclosure: to comply with applicable laws and regulations, to provide benefits, for diversity and inclusion programs. c. The categories of Personal Information that we disclosed for a business purpose, and for each category identified, the categories of recipients to which we disclosed that particular category of Personal Information; d. The specific pieces of Personal Information we have collected about you. Right to Delete Your Personal Information. You have the right to request that we delete Personal Information we collected from you, subject to certain exceptions. Right to Correct Inaccurate Information. If you believe that Personal Information we maintain about you is inaccurate, you have the right to request that we correct that information. Right to Non-Discrimination for the Exercise of Your Privacy Rights. If you choose to exercise any of your privacy rights under law or regulation, you also have the right not to receive discriminatory treatment by us, including retaliation against you as an employee, job applicant, or independent contractor. How to Contact Us If you have questions regarding this Notice, you can contact us by phone at (800) 323-5109 or via email at hr@vibrantcu.org . Last updated: May 16, 2025.

“Smishing” sounds cute, right? Like what you do when someone lets you hold their new baby or when your grandma envelops you in a big hug. But it's actually the name cybersecurity experts have given text-based frauds. (“SMS” and “phishing” equals “smishing.” Get it?) Protect yourself from smishing “Smishing” sounds cute, right? Like what you do when someone lets you hold their new baby or when your grandma envelops you in a big hug. But it's actually the name cybersecurity experts have given text-based frauds. (“SMS” and “phishing” equals “smishing.” Get it?) “Smishing” sounds cute, right? Like what you do when someone lets you hold their new baby or when your grandma envelops you in a big hug. But it's actually the name cybersecurity experts have given text-based frauds . (“SMS” and “phishing” equals “smishing.” Get it?) There are all kinds of text scams going around—free vacations, text “XXXXX” to donate to disaster relief—but the most common are focused on stealing your personally identifiable information, including account logins and passwords, Social Security numbers, security codes, birthdates, and more. Often, the senders impersonate reputable brands, like Microsoft, Amazon, or the financial institution where you bank, to gain your trust. Smishing is effective because the messages are short (so there’s less opportunity to say something that sounds fake) and because it’s hard to preview a link without clicking on it. Further, many mobile numbers are available in public databases, making it easy for scammers to hit up a bunch of potential victims without a lot of effort. 3 smishing warning signs Pay extra attention to texts that include: Links to websites. While there are times when legitimate senders will include a link in their message (for instance, Hy-Vee wants give you access to the receipt for your online order), most senders will tell you to call (and you should verify that number belongs to the sender before you do!) or ask you to reply to the message. Blocked, unknown, or incorrect Caller IDs. If you can’t see who’s sending the message, there’s a good chance it’s an attempted smishing attack. Appeals to respond quickly. Scammers don’t want you to think before you act. So they rely on messages designed to make you feel as though you’re at risk. How to respond if you're being smished Don’t reply “STOP” if it’s offered as an option. When you do, you confirm to the scammer that they’ve reached a valid number with an attentive person on the other end. This particular conversation may stop, but you’ll likely be hearing from them again. Don’t give out any personal information. No reputable organization will request your date of birth, Social Security Number, address, or payment information via text. Report scam texts to your mobile phone company and the FTC. You can forward scam texts to your mobile provider by forwarding the text message to 7726 (that’s SPAM). And you can share your scams with the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov or call 1-877-382-4357. How to minimize your risk of being smished Actively block or filter spam messages from your phone. On Android’s Messages app , click the menu in the upper right corner and choose DETAILS, then choose the BLOCK & REPORT SPAM option. On iPhone's Messages app , if you’ve opened the message, scroll to the bottom, select REPORT JUNK, then click DELETE AND REPORT JUNK. Make sure your phone software is up-to-date. Don’t put off those software updates! Back up your phone data. If you have an Android phone, it’s easy to move your photos and data to Google Drive. Apple iPhone users can use iCloud or back up to your PC or Mac via iTunes. Previous Item Next Item

$50 Mastercard Giveaway Giveaway Overview: Individuals who provide their contact information will receive one entry to win one $50 Mastercard Gift Card. 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. 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 Friday, January 9, 2026. All entries or submissions must be received on day stated. Vibrant reserves the right to extend or shorten the Giveaway at their sole discretion. HOW TO ENTER Entrants must fill out the digital form with their basic information including name, phone number, and email address. 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. Five winners will be chosen at random by Vibrant with the number notated on the Credit Union’s corresponding Guidelines to the specific promotion. The winner(s) will be announced after the Giveaway Period ends. Announcements and instructions for prize collection will be sent via email. If the email is not responded to in one week, Vibrant will make one follow-up phone call. Three business days from that phone call without response, they will select another winner. Potential winners must respond to an email or phone call to 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. 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 Previous Item Next Item

If you have a home loan from Vibrant, you can make adjustments to your escrow account by completing this form. Changes are due by Dec. 30, 2023. Make changes to your escrow account

Find affordable options on mortgage and refinances through Mortgage Center, a credit union-owned mortgage company. See current rates. Get a great rate on your new home Financing a home is easier than you think with help from Mortgage Center. Get started Meet the homebuying experts at Mortgage Center Vibrant is pleased to introduce you to our friends at Mortgage Center, a credit union-owned mortgage company with more than 30 years' experience helping members purchase their dream homes. You'll find affordable payments, competitive rates, and terms that fit your goals—whether you're planning to upgrade in a few years or have found your forever home. Local knowledge Mortgage Center serves members throughout the Midwest. Wherever you're headed, our experts are ready to help you understand home trends near you. Affordable rates & fees There's a reason people turn to credit unions when they're looking for a loan. Mortgage Center is committed to delivering you the best service at the lowest possible cost. Education & guidance Mortgage Center will make sure you understand your options at every step of the process—no jargon required. Fast, convenient closings Mortgage Center works hard to make sure your loan closes as quickly as possible. They also make it easy to handle final paperwork—even if you're not in your new city yet. Today's rates See all mortgage rates * APR = Annual Percentage Rate. APR is accurate as of today's date and is subject to change without notice. Rates and terms vary based on credit profile, loan amount, and property type. All loans subject to credit approval. Get a great rate on your new home Financing a home is easier than you think with our partners at Mortgage Center. Get started Talk to Mortgage Center Wondering how much money you'll need to purchase a home? Or whether you even qualify for a home loan? No matter where you are in the homebuying process, Mortgage Center is ready to help. To get started, submit the form below. Don't worry, this isn't an application—just the start of a conversation.

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. Previous Item Next Item