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 ! Previous Item Next Item

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! 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. Previous Item Next Item

What’s a CD? For some, CD stands for compact disc, which was used to record and play music once upon a time, in an age before smart phones and iPods. But that’s not the type of CD we’re talking about here. In the financial world, "CD" stands for "certificate of deposit." What is a certificate of deposit and how does it work? What’s a CD? For some, CD stands for compact disc, which was used to record and play music once upon a time, in an age before smart phones and iPods. But that’s not the type of CD we’re talking about here. In the financial world, "CD" stands for "certificate of deposit." What’s a CD? For some, CD stands for compact disc, which was used to record and play music once upon a time, in an age before smart phones and iPods. But that’s not the type of CD we’re talking about here. In the financial world, "CD" stands for "certificate of deposit." If you’re unfamiliar with certificates of deposit, it’s an investment tool that allows you to turn the tables on the lender. Instead of paying interest on a loan, the bank pays you interest on a deposit. What is a certificate of deposit? As the name suggests, a certificate of deposit is a deposit. You deposit a specific dollar amount with a lender, but you agree not to withdraw that deposit for a certain length of time. It could be three months, a year, or even as long as 10 years. For as long as you agree to leave the deposit with the lender, you will earn interest on that deposit. Once your certificate of deposit has reached what’s called its “maturity date,” you can withdraw that money, penalty-free. Like a cherry on top of an ice cream sundae, you’ll also get to pocket the interest. How does a CD work? The most important parts of a certificate of deposit are the interest rate and the length of the deposit. Generally, the longer you are willing to leave your deposit with a lender, the better the interest rate they’re going to offer you. CDs are an appealing alternative to a traditional savings account because the interest rates are often higher and the rates are fixed. It’s considered a safe investment tool because you’re not at the mercy of the market. CDs are also federally insured, so your deposit is protected. You also have the freedom to shop around and find the lender that offers the best CD interest rates. Is a CD right for you? Do you have a chunk of cash tucked away that you don’t need right now? Instead of collecting dust, that money can collect interest in a CD. It can grow into a bigger chunk of cash that you can then use toward a home, a car, or even a boat if you’re looking to set sail. The risk is obviously that, in the event that you find yourself in a bind, you can’t withdraw the funds without paying a penalty. So it’s best not to think of this deposit as an emergency fund. On the flip side, it can remove the temptation to spend that money. You can consider the CD as safekeeping for savings you might be tempted to spend under the right circumstances. If you’re interested in a Certificate of Deposit, get in touch with us ! The sooner you make your deposit, the sooner you can start growing that deposit into something more. Previous Item Next Item

(and why savers shouldn’t wait too long.) Why the federal reserve changes rates (and why savers shouldn’t wait too long.) Rates don’t tap you on the shoulder before they move. One shift in the Federal Reserve’s outlook, and the entire landscape can start to slide, sometimes quietly, sometimes all at once. If you’re sitting on maturing CDs or simply watching rates closely, here’s the key takeaway: waiting to act can mean earning less , especially when the market expects rates to trend lower. Why the Fed changes rates The Federal Reserve adjusts rates to keep the economy from running too hot or too cold. Its two big goals are stable prices (inflation control) and a strong job market . When inflation is high, the Fed often raises rates to slow demand. When inflation cools and growth softens, the Fed may lower rates to support the economy. In short: the Fed moves rates to steady the economy, but those moves ripple directly into what savers earn. What the outlook is signaling Policymakers’ projections (often summarized through the Fed’s “dot plot”) suggest a general expectation of lower rates ahead . And when markets anticipate cuts, deposit rates across the industry can begin to follow. The best time to position your savings is often before the crowd hears the music change. Why this matters right now If rates trend lower in 2026, the savings and CD rates you see later may not look like the ones available today. That’s why rate-conscious savers don’t just watch the Fed, they plan around it. Where we’re putting our best value: Vibrant’s core savings and checking products If you want strong earning power with everyday access, these are the accounts we built for members who pay attention to rates. Our top-tier option for members who want industry-leading performance of their funds. These are not side products for us. They’re the main course. We’re dedicated to being an industry leader in the accounts members rely on most, especially when the rate environment is shifting. Preferred Savings: high-yield for balances under $15,000. If you want a strong rate without turning your life into a checklist, start here. Featured rate: 4.00% APY on balances up to $14,999.99 No monthly fees, no minimum balance requirements Unlimited transfers and withdrawals Premier Savings: built for serious savers If you typically keep a higher savings balance and want a better-than-average yield, Premier Savings is designed for that lane. Featured rate: 3.25% APY on balances of $25,000 and up No monthly fees, unlimited transfers and withdrawals Elite Savings: CD-like earning, savings-like access Elite Savings is for members with larger balances who want strong yield without the “hands off the money” feeling CDs can bring. Featured rate: 4.25% APY on balances of $1 million and up No monthly fees, no transaction limits Premier Checking : stop treating your checking account like a dead zone Checking is where money goes to sit around (usually)… unless you put it in an account designed to earn. Featured rate: 4.00% APY on balances up to $24,999 No monthly fees, no direct deposit required, no minimum debit transactions required The takeaway If you’re waiting for “the perfect moment,” remember: rates can change while you wait . With expectations leaning toward lower rates ahead, now is a smart time to move cash into accounts designed to earn competitively and stay flexible. Previous Item Next Item

Turning a hobby into a part-time job Making money by Alyssa Streets Turning a hobby into a part-time job Welcome to Making Money , a series of conversations with entrepreneurs at all stages of their careers about what they’ve learned about starting and running their own businesses. We start with Alyssa Streets, 25—currently a social media specialist at Vibrant but also a longtime barista and inveterate thrift shopper—whose passion for thrift shops has become a steady source of income. When did you get interested in vintage clothing? I grew up without a lot of money, so I’ve gone thrifting as long as I can remember. That’s just where we bought our stuff. I was very embarrassed about it in high school, but then I discovered this YouTuber—all she did was thrift, her entire closet was all vintage clothing. I was really inspired by her look and started discovering my own personal tastes and wearing really weird out-of-pocket things. How did you start selling clothes? I majored in fashion in college, and I definitely have an eye for cool clothes. I started reselling some of my own stuff through Poshmark in college mostly to keep my closet from getting out of control. Sometimes I might find designer brands while I was thrifting, and I’d resell those, too. I still sell a lot of stuff on Poshmark, but I also have a lot of Instagram followers, so I sometimes sell stuff via Stories. I also do markets a few times a year. No judgment, but what is your personal closet situation? I have two full-sized closets plus a clothing rack in my apartment. So yeah. I have a lot of clothes. How often do you go thrifting? I probably go once or twice a week. I love to go through the Goodwill bins where they sell unsorted stuff by the pound, and you just have to scrounge through everything. I’ve found a lot of cool things that way, like vintage Harley-Davidson shirts. On the one hand, it’s an incredible bargain, but on the other hand, it takes a lot of time to dig through everything, you get itchy because there’s a lot of dust coming up and everyone around you is sneezing, and honestly, it’s kind of gross. Another place I find a lot of my stuff is at estate sales. Especially when I was working in the service industry and had Friday mornings off, I would show up Friday morning at 8 a.m. and get a number and wait in line to raid the closets. Those sales are very cheap—like $2 for any item—because people need to move things out, but the quality is often really good, because someone was still wearing it. Could you ever see yourself doing this full-time? I've been really inspired by Becca and Red at Abernathy's and would love to have a business like theirs one day. I worked there for about a year and learned so much. (And they still lend me their tag gun for markets!) But I saw just how much work they have to put into it to make it successful. It’s hard for them to take time off. And I’m not really at a point in my life where I’m ready to sacrifice like that. I’ve made an effort in the past to establish my own brand, like they have, with a shop website and a dedicated Instagram, but at the time, I was also working full-time and going to school full-time, and it was really hard to keep up. I think it would be really cool to open up a coffee shop/vintage resale store one day, but for now it’s more for fun. I have a good eye for thrifting and flipping and I love selling at markets and talking to people. And it’s a great way to make some extra cash when I need it. How much extra cash are we talking about? Definitely not enough to support myself, but enough to pay a few bills—and when I’m short on cash, I know I can go into my closet and grab a few things and make what I need. I think I’ve probably earned about $3,000 on Poshmark since I started selling stuff there, but I have literally never cashed out my account. I just use it to buy other stuff on Poshmark. Like if I need a nice pair of boots or want a new perfume—they have a lot of stuff that you can’t find at Goodwill. But it still lets me shop for it secondhand. Do you think you’d continue to thrift even if you landed a high-paying corporate gig one day? I think so, because I do like the thrill of finding cool things. When I’m at the Goodwill bins and I find an awesome shirt, it makes me happy to bring it to someone in my community who’s going to love it. Shop Alyssa’s Poshmark store or follow her on Instagram to see pop-up specials and find out about her upcoming market schedule. When it’s time to move your money from Poshmark or Venmo and start putting it to work elsewhere, talk to us about our business checking and business savings accounts, with no monthly fees, transaction limits, or minimum balance requirements. Previous Item Next Item

If your personal or financial information has not yet been compromised by a data breach, count yourself lucky. In 2022, Statista reports there were 1,800 data breaches reported in the United States, everywhere from Twitter to Uber to the credit reporting agency Experian. What to do if your personal data is compromised If your personal or financial information has not yet been compromised by a data breach, count yourself lucky. In 2022, Statista reports there were 1,800 data breaches reported in the United States, everywhere from Twitter to Uber to the credit reporting agency Experian. If your personal or financial information has not yet been compromised by a data breach, count yourself lucky. In 2022, Statista reports there were 1,800 data breaches reported in the United States , everywhere from Twitter to Uber to the credit reporting agency Experian. If you receive a notification that your personal and/or financial information has been compromised, here are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Change your passwords. And while you’re at it, make sure you’re not using the same passwords for more than one login. That’s easier said than done when the average person has dozens of logins to manage, so consider using a password manager like 1Password or Dashlane . These applications will not only remember your login information at every site, they’ll make it easy to choose a unique, hard-to-crack password any time you create an account. But don’t get overconfident—even the password manager LastPass experienced a data breach in 2022 —that’s how common data breaches are.) Set up multi-factor authentication—especially for that password manager you probably just started using. Multi-factor authentication enables you to add an extra layer of protection between your password and your data. After your login information has been correctly entered, with MFA, you’ll automatically receive a phone call or a text message asking you to confirm that you’re the person attempting to access your account, along with a one-time code you can use to prove you’re really you. Take advantage of any free credit monitoring or identity theft protection services you are offered by the organization that was breached. Most companies will offer these services as compensation for the inconvenience they have caused you. Consider adding a verbal PIN or passphrase to your financial accounts. If identity thieves acquire enough of your personal information, it’s possible that they can assume control of your checking and savings accounts by contacting your financial institution and pretending to be you. One way to protect yourself at Vibrant—call us and set up a verbal PIN or passphrase we’ll ask you to provide every time you call. Scammers won’t know you have one unless they call – and it’s much more difficult to crack a password on the phone. Consider setting up a credit freeze. You can place a credit freeze on your credit report, preventing any lender or retailer from pulling your credit as part of a credit application. If you’re not actively in the market for a loan or credit card, then setting up a security freeze on your credit report is an effective way to keep identity thieves from signing up for credit cards of their own. If you later need to apply for credit, you can remove the security freeze either temporarily or permanently. The process is simple, free and can be completed online, via phone, or through the mail. Make sure to contact all three main credit reporting agencies (Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion) to ensure you’re completely protected. Get complete instructions on setting up a credit freeze from USA.gov. Watch your bank and credit card accounts for suspicious transactions. If you see a transaction that doesn’t look familiar, contact your financial institution immediately to file a dispute. If your card has been compromised, your financial institution can issue you a new number and close the old account. Check your credit report regularly to make sure no one is taking out credit in your name. If you’ve signed up for online banking with Vibrant, it’s easy to keep an eye on your credit report. Log in , go to the TOOLS menu, and choose CREDIT TRACKER. You’ll receive an alert any time your credit report updates—from decreases in your available credit to new accounts added. Consider investing in identity theft insurance. Many homeowners and renters policies include optional identity theft protection that can cost as little as $15 a year. This coverage can provide compensation for attorneys’ fees, lost wages if you need to take time away from work to rectify the damage, and for administrative costs including certified mail, long-distance calls, or notary fees. Talk to our partners at Vibrant Insurance Group to find identity theft coverage that fits your needs. Feeling overwhelmed? Get expert advice from IdentityTheft.gov . This free program from the Federal Trade Commission will walk you through everything you need to do in the event of a data breach or documented case of identity theft (e.g., you have found a fraudulent charge on your credit card). Previous Item Next Item

Have high prices got you looking for ways to stretch your dollars? We’re sharing our money management best practices to help you stretch your dollars, create an inflation-proof budget, and increase your savings. Discover how you can manage your money wisely in any economy. 4 tips for better money management Have high prices got you looking for ways to stretch your dollars? We’re sharing our money management best practices to help you stretch your dollars, create an inflation-proof budget, and increase your savings. Discover how you can manage your money wisely in any economy. Want to be more financially savvy? These tips will help you skillfully manage your money Have high prices got you looking for ways to stretch your dollars? We’re sharing our money management best practices to help you stretch your dollars, create an inflation-proof budget, and increase your savings. Discover how you can manage your money wisely in any economy. Create an inflation-proof budget Rising prices can make it feel impossible to create a budget that allows you to enjoy life and still build your savings. But it is possible. Here's how to get started. Review your expenses. The first step to creating a budget is to review your bills and expenses. This is a great way to track where your money goes each month. Are you spending too much on dining out? Could you get a better deal if you switch cell phone providers? Are you paying for music and video streaming services that you don’t use anymore? Reviewing expenses gives you a better understanding of how your money is being spent and how you can modify your choices to live a more financially successful life. Increase your income. Take a look at your current salary and compare it to other people in similar roles (Glassdoor's salary index is a great place to start). Is it in line with industry averages for your role? If not, consider negotiating a higher salary with your current employer. Another option is to move to a different company. Protocol reports professionals who job-hopped in the past few years “received a 30% increase in salary.”If increasing your salary isn’t possible now, there are other ways to grow your checking account balance. Many individuals are starting side-hustles to supplement their income. If you have many years of experience in an industry, you can offer consulting or training services. If you have musical talent, you can perform at gigs or give music lessons. And, if you’re on social media all the time, consider that social media management and blogging are considered some of the most profitable side jobs. Expand your professional skills. Learning new skills can open up new job opportunities—and access to industries where you may not have experience. Start saving In addition to modifying your budget and increasing your income, saving money is a vital part of money management. Set aside a fixed amount to deposit into your savings account each month. It doesn’t have to be a large amount—you can start with 5 percent and increase that amount as your earnings increase. What’s important is to make savings a habit. Consider setting up an automatic transfer to savings every time you get paid. Invest for the future Investing can sound scary, but it doesn’t have to be. Investing is simply making your money work for you instead of having it sit in your bank account. Even if you’re not ready to invest in the stock market, putting your money in a high-yield savings account or a certificate of deposit can produce profitable results. If you’re not sure how or where to start investing your money, talk to a financial adviser for help evaluating your various investment choices. Review your retirement options Planning ahead for your golden years ensures your retirement will be enjoyable and relatively stress-free. If your employer offers a retirement plan like a 401(k), it’s a great idea to start investing in it as soon as you can, especially if they offer a matching contribution. If you don’t have access to an employer plan, or if you want to save more than your employer’s plan allows, you have two options for opening an individual retirement account (IRA). Traditional Individual Retirement Account (IRA) A traditional individual retirement account is funded with pre-tax money. This means you have the benefit of getting a tax deduction on your contribution. Be aware: This means you may owe taxes on the money when you withdraw it. You will also not be able to withdraw funds until you reach the age of 59½. Expect your retirement savings needs to change over time, especially if you change employers. Investopedia notes, “Rolling your money over into an IRA will often reduce the management and administrative fees you've been paying.” Your financial advisor can counsel you on the best course of action to take for your retirement funds. Sign up for Vibrant Credit Union’s personal banking services Transforming into a financially savvy superstar is easy when you take advantage of Vibrant’s personal banking services. Our friendly and knowledgeable team makes banking services easy to understand so you can achieve your financial goals. Contact us to discuss all that we can help you achieve. FAQs Q: What do I need to open a Vibrant checking or savings account? A: To open an account, you’ll need to provide the following: Full name Address Social Security Number Valid, government-issued photo ID: driver’s license, passport or military ID. Minimum deposit of $5 to activate your account. Every Vibrant member must open a membership savings account with a minimum $5 deposit before they can take advantage of other products and services. Q: How much money should I keep in my checking account? A: We recommend keeping 1–2 months of living expenses in your checking account. Q: How do I open an IRA? A: Schedule an appointment with a Vibrant personal banker to review your goals. They'll set up your account and help you choose a portfolio that's the right fit. Previous Item Next Item

We knew that Quad Citizens love holiday lights displays—after all, there are dozens of them running every night between Thanksgiving and Christmas. But we honestly didn’t realize how much they love them until we posted our updated Quad Cities Lights Finder map on Facebook and it got nearly 110,000 views in the first week. (We’re even more excited that more people have reached out and asked for their displays to be added. Send them our way, please!) Our favorite Quad Cities holiday light displays of 2022 We knew that Quad Citizens love holiday lights displays—after all, there are dozens of them running every night between Thanksgiving and Christmas. But we honestly didn’t realize how much they love them until we posted our updated Quad Cities Lights Finder map on Facebook and it got nearly 110,000 views in the first week. (We’re even more excited that more people have reached out and asked for their displays to be added. Send them our way, please!) We knew that Quad Citizens love holiday lights displays—after all, there are dozens of them running every night between Thanksgiving and Christmas. But we honestly didn’t realize how much they love them until we posted our updated Quad Cities Lights Finder map on Facebook and it got nearly 110,000 views in the first week. (We’re even more excited that more people have reached out and asked for their displays to be added. Send them our way, please !) Frankly, you could go out light-peeping every night during the holiday season and not run out of new displays to visit. But for those of you who aren’t up to that level of commitment, we’d like to call out some of our favorites. If you want to be totally overwhelmed by holiday magic The Quad Cities boasts three public holiday displays with truly staggering numbers of lights. Be prepared to linger to get the full experience. Holiday Lights at Fejevary Learning Center City of Davenport Government | Facebook Where: 1800 W 12th St, Davenport, IA 52804 When: 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., November 26, 2022 through January 8, 2023 Admission: Free Tune in: 107.5 FM Shows last 15 minutes and start at the top and bottom of the hour Park in the lot on the east side of the Learning Center and cross the street to the viewing area (where there’s also accessible parking available for those who need it). Be prepared current hits as well as more traditional holiday tunes, with trees, buildings, fence posts, and even the giant Mother Goose lit up and dancing in time. Get more information about Fejevary’s Holiday Lights . Vander Veer Conservatory Poinsettia and Holiday Lights Display Where: 215 W. Central Park, Davenport IA 52803 When: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. weekdays, 10 a.m. - 7 p.m., Saturdays (closed Mondays and holidays) | Nov. 26, 2022 to January 13, 2023 Admission: Free While the entire 33-acre expanse of Vander Veer Park is beautifully decorated for the holidays, you’ll want to visit the Conservatory in particular to see its vast poinsettia collection and get a close-up look at the lights in the greenhouse. Heads up—they'll be giving poinsettias away at the end of the season, on January 14 and 15. (The larger park closes half an hour after sunset. Parking is available at the Central Park entrance.) Get more information about the Vander Veer Conservatory Poinsettia and Holiday Lights Display . Quad Cities Botanical Center’s Winter Nights Winter Lights Where: 2525 4th Avenue, Rock Island, IL 61201 When: 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday until December 11, then 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. daily through January 1 Admission: $10 adults/$6 youth under 16, with free admission on Wednesdays for members In 2022, the Botanical Center is decked out in more than 160,000 lights—good thing the display is sponsored in part by MidAmerican Energy! Organizers caution that it takes about 45 minutes to walk through the entire display, but you can pause to buy cocoa and other warm drinks as you stroll. Get more information about Winter Nights Winter Lights . If you want to see a neighborhood display so impressive the designer went pro Kall Christmas Lights Where: 1852 Westminster Circle, Davenport IA When: 5:30 to 10 p.m., November 26, 2022, through December 31, 2022 Admission: Free Tune in: 100.1 FM Shows last approximately 7 minutes and start at the top and bottom of every hour The Kall family has been putting up increasingly lavish holiday light displays for nearly two decades. Several years ago, Aubrey Kall took her interest in music and animation to start choreographing and programming custom light shows, synced in time with some of the banging-est tunes you’ll ever encounter at a Christmas display. Visitors were so impressed with the animated displays that she quickly started getting inquiries from other businesses who wanted her to work for them. She started her own company, Luminous Harmony, and started creating displays for clients across the United States. But her first client is still one of her most important—this year, the Kalls have three different animated shows running on alternate nights. Get more information about Kall Christmas Lights, including parking information and playlists. If you’re introducing your little ones to the magic of Christmas Mickey’s Christmas Yard Mickey’s Christmas Yard 509 13th Ave Orion | Facebook Where: 509 13th Avenue, Orion IL 61273 When: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Sundays, through Christmas Admission: Free (though donations are welcome to help cover the cost of providing visiting kids with gifts and goodie bags) Looking for a display featuring an ample supply of holiday inflatables? Mickey’s Christmas Yard includes an entire receiving line of them, from Christmas Minions to Will Ferrell in his Elf costume. While the lights are beautiful, they’re not the main event. This year, that might be Santa’s Workshop, where the family hopes to provide every young visitor with a gift when they stop in. Get more information about Mickey's Christmas Yard, including special events. If you’d rather stay home and have the holidays come to you EVS Mobile Repair’s Grinch Truck EVS Mobile Repair | Facebook Where: Watch their Facebook page for announcements! When: Tuesdays through Sundays through Christmas Admission: Free (and you can reach out to them with requests if you’re hoping they’ll come by your neighborhood) Rock Island’s EVS Mobile Repair spends its days making house calls to diesel engines in need of attention, so it's not surprising they’ve got some pretty substantial trailers in their fleet. This year, they’ve commandeered one to set up a full tableau of Grinch-themed inflatables, added Grinch-green underlighting, and put the actual Grinch behind the wheel to spread cheer across the Quad Cities and surrounding towns. We love this idea and hope it catches on! If you’d rather stay in your car Vibrant Nights 2022 Where: Vibrant Credit Union, 3230 Ridge Pointe Drive, Bettendorf IA 52722 When: 4 p.m. to midnight, seven days a week, through December 31, 2022 Admission: Free Tune in: 87.9 FM Want to slowly cruise past an extravaganza of flashing, chasing lights without irritating the entire neighborhood while you do it? Our holiday lights display in Bettendorf, back for a second year, is perfect for you. Circle the display as often as you like, or park and enjoy. If it’s not too chilly and you’re feeling inspired by all the festivity, the giant Christmas ball at the building entrance makes the perfect backdrop for your holiday family photos. (Tag #bevibrant if you post any online!) Chart your own tour of holiday lights Check out our Quad Cities Lights map (updated as new information becomes available!). Previous Item Next Item

Opening a checking account is a big deal for a lot of people. Suddenly, you have a place to put your money besides your wallet, your piggy bank, or under your mattress. But what does a checking account mean for your credit? It may not be as important as you might think, but knowing what does and does not affect your credit score can be helpful as you start to build your credit history from scratch. Will a checking account affect your credit score? Opening a checking account is a big deal for a lot of people. Suddenly, you have a place to put your money besides your wallet, your piggy bank, or under your mattress. But what does a checking account mean for your credit? It may not be as important as you might think, but knowing what does and does not affect your credit score can be helpful as you start to build your credit history from scratch. Does opening a checking account affect my credit score? Even though opening a checking account is usually the first box you check when you first take steps into the financial world, the cold hard truth is that your credit score does not care. As far as your credit score is concerned, your deposits and withdrawals are your business. There are a handful of exceptions, though. The lender you open your account with may perform a hard inquiry on your credit report. To be clear, this isn’t the norm. Most financial institutions will only make a soft inquiry before opening a new checking account. Soft inquiries have no impact on your credit score, but a hard inquiry could drop your score a few points. Lenders have also been known to make hard inquiries if you sign up for overdraft protection. On that same note, not signing up for overdraft protection and then overdrawing your checking account could impact your credit score. Should you fail to repay the amount in a timely fashion, the lender could turn the matter over to a collections agency. The same thing could happen if you close your account with a negative balance and don’t pay the lender back. Long story short, your credit score is not as excited as you are about your new checking account, but it will be paying attention if you mismanage that account. What affects my credit score? What exactly is a credit score? And who exactly is keeping score? Two good questions that not everyone knows the answer to — even if they might pretend like they do. “Credit score” is such a common financial term today that many people never even question it, when actually understanding how it is calculated can help you boost your score. Credit bureaus are the ones who calculate your credit score. Each of them has their own unique algorithm for calculating credit scores and they are all as tight-lipped as a magician’s assistant when it comes to revealing the specific math behind their algorithms. But what we do know is that five basic financial categories are the keys to determining your score: Payment history. Your payment history accounts for 35% of your credit score. Credit utilization. The amount of credit you have available to you and the percentage of that credit you are using regularly accounts for 30% of your score. Length of credit history. The age of your accounts is 15% of your credit score. The longer your credit history, the better your score, usually. Types of credit. The different types of credit you utilize — credit cards, mortgages, auto loans, etc. — accounts for 10% of your score. New credit. The final 10% of your credit score is determined by how many new lines of credit you have applied for. Opening multiple new accounts in a short period of time can be seen as a sign of financial troubles to a lender. What is a good credit score? Your credit score is a number between 300 and 850. If your score is less than 600, you have what is considered a poor credit score. The sweet spot is between 661 and 780, which is where the good credit scores live. If you’re an overachiever, aim for 781 or higher. If ever you find yourself with a credit score higher than 781, you have done pretty well for yourself. You deserve a gold star, but you’ll have to settle for a great credit score instead. If you are interested in opening a new checking account or have questions about your credit score, please get in touch with us . Math is our specialty! Previous Item Next Item

Relentlessly focused on the products it knows it does better than its competitors, Vibrant is devoting its energy and investments into building up the service channels its members prefer to use, especially its digital banking platforms and its Moline-based call center. Meet the new Vibrant: The best place to move your money Relentlessly focused on the products it knows it does better than its competitors, Vibrant is devoting its energy and investments into building up the service channels its members prefer to use, especially its digital banking platforms and its Moline-based call center. Moline, IL — April 3, 2024 Last fall, Vibrant Credit Union decided it was time to start offering members something they couldn’t find at any other local financial institution: interest on their savings and checking balances that adds up to more than a handful of pennies a year. Interest rates on consumer borrowing, especially car and home loans, have risen significantly over the last 2+ years as the Federal Reserve has raised the federal funds rate to combat inflation. At the same time, interest rates on consumer deposits—the funds that financial institutions use to make many of those loans—have remained stubbornly low. Most big banks still offer a measly 0.01 percent annual percentage yield on consumer savings—meaning that if you deposit $10,000 in a savings account, by the end of the year, you’ll earn a single dollar in interest. Put that same $10,000 in Vibrant’s new Preferred Savings account, though, and you’ll earn $450. Further, the account has no monthly service fees, no minimum balance requirements, and no hidden conditions about setting up direct deposit or making a certain number of debit card transactions each month to qualify. It's a strategy that’s proving wildly successful for the credit union. In February alone, current and new members moved an additional $26 million in deposits to Vibrant. So why aren’t other financial institutions following suit? Matt McCombs, Vibrant’s president and CEO since 2015, thinks it’s because Vibrant’s new model goes against the conventional wisdom of what a credit union is supposed to look like. “Over the last few years, we’ve taken a long hard look at where we’re spending our members’ money and how well that aligns with what they actually want us to spend money on,” says McCombs. “For instance, a decade ago, more than half our members did at least some of their banking in person at one of our branches. Last year, that number was down to about 16 percent, and it’s continuing to drop. “So we asked, what if we invested more in the technologies and services our members are actually using—like our online banking platform and our call center? What if we repurposed some of those spaces that were being underutilized as branches and turned them into revenue-generating coffee shops that also offer video banking? What if we close some of those branches outright and use the savings to pay our members more interest on their deposits?" That’s the new Vibrant: relentlessly focused on the products it knows it does better than its competitors and devoting its energy and investments into building up the service channels its members prefer to use, especially its digital banking platforms and its Moline-based call center. “It’s a matter of understanding our strengths and doubling down on them,” says McCombs. For now, it means that Vibrant doesn’t look like anyone else in the area. But McCombs is confident Vibrant’s model is the way of the future. “The days of getting all your financial needs met by a single institution are over. When someone wants to buy a house, they can get on Rocket Mortgage. When they want to buy a car, they go straight to the dealership. We don’t mind if our members get the best deal on their loans from someone else, because that means we’re able to give them the best deal on their deposits.” Even given the rise of so many internet-only financial institutions, McCombs also sees an important place for credit unions like Vibrant. “In general, people prefer to do business with local people,” McCombs says. "When they have questions, they want to be able to talk with someone they know. They want to support local jobs. They're just not going to do it at the expense of passing up a much better deal online. Our savings and checking options give people an excellent reason to keep their money here in our communities.” About Vibrant Vibrant was founded in 1935 as a federally insured credit union with its roots in agricultural manufacturing. Now an industry-leading deposit rate competitor, customers across the country can bank with the best utilizing easy access apps and money movement-friendly accounts with top earning rates. In the community, Vibrant strives to bring specialized products to nonprofits and small businesses to foster all to "be the good." Not far from their roots, Vibrant also provides relationship- and education-focused equipment financing programs to outdoor equipment manufacturers nationwide. Previous Item Next 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. Previous Item Next Item