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

Get some of the best CD rates available. See our current CD specials and other CD terms. Open an account online in minutes. Best for Deposit Rates Used with permission. ©2025 Dow Jones & Company, Inc. Stay ahead of falling rates Lock in a great rate while you can. Open a CD with a minimum deposit of just $5. Open a CD Lock in a great rate until at least 2025. Open a CD with a minimum deposit of just $5. Lock in a great rate until at least 2025. Open a CD with a minimum deposit of just $5. Lock in a great rate until at least 2025. Open a CD with a minimum deposit of just $5. Lock in a great rate until at least 2025. Open a CD with a minimum deposit of just $5. Lock in a great rate until at least 2025. Open a CD with a minimum deposit of just $5. Open a CD Open a CD Stay ahead of falling rates Stay ahead of falling rates Stay ahead of falling rates Lock in a great rate while you can . Open a CD with a minimum deposit of just $5. Open a CD $5 minimum deposit You don't need a four-figure deposit to get our best rates. Lock in a great rate With interest rates falling, a CD can help you maximize your returns for longer. No-risk growth As long as you don't withdraw funds before the end of your CD term, your earnings are guaranteed— no matter what the market does. Which CD is right for you? 6-month CD Our 6-month CD offers a competitive rate, giving you a secure and rewarding way to grow your savings in just half a year. Current rate 4.10% APY* 13-month CD Maximize your interest earnings through the next year. Your balance is insured up to NCUA limits—and we can help you structure your deposit insurance for higher balances . Current rate 4.15% APY* 23-month CD If you're expecting interest rates to start dropping in the near term, this CD is a great way to lock in earnings for the next two years. Current rate 3.80% APY* Open a CD CD rates Term APY* 6-Month CD Special 4.10% 13-Month CD Special 4.15% 23-Month CD Special 3.80% 48-Month CD 3.65% 30-Month CD 3.50% 40-Month Bump-Up CD Special 3.35% *APY = "Annual Percentage Yield." APYs accurate as of May 13, 2026. All certificates require a $5 minimum opening balance. $5 Membership Share account required. A penalty may be imposed for early withdrawal. View our Rates and Service Charges for more details. Federally insured by NCUA. 6-Month CD Special will auto-renew into a 6-month certificate at the current rate at that time when it matures. 13-Month CD Special will auto-renew into a 12-month certificate when the certificate matures. 23-Month CD Special will auto-renew into a 24-month certificate when the certificate matures. 40-Month Bump-up CD Special , members may request that Vibrant raise their rate to the current Vibrant Credit Union published rate on the 40-month certificate. Members will then earn the higher rate for the remainder of the term. Members may only exercise this feature one time during the term. Promotional rates made available in special offers are excluded. When the certificate matures it will auto renew into a 36-month certificate. Frequently asked questions Who is eligible to open a CD with Vibrant? Click here to learn more about our membership eligibility options. 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. Is there a penalty for early withdrawal? You could potentially lose all the interest you've earned if you withdraw funds from your CD before the end of the term. Talk with us about your options. What happens when my CD reaches the end of its term? If you choose not to withdraw your funds at maturity, your Vibrant CD will automatically renew into another CD term. While most CDs will renew as a CD with the same term, there are exceptions. 13- and 15-month certificates automatically renew as 12-month CDs at maturity. The 40-Month Bump-Up CD renews as a 36-month certificate. The 23-month CD will renew as a 24-month term CD at maturity. What's the difference between a CD and a high-yield savings account like Preferred Savings? Depending on the CD term you choose and our current rates , you may be able to secure a higher annual percentage yield on a CD than on a savings account. If you feel certain you won’t need to use your savings before the CD matures, it could potentially earn more interest than you’d earn with a savings account. In addition, our high-yield savings accounts are tiered accounts—which means that your annual percentage yield changes based on the size of your balance. If you have more than $15,000 but less than $1 million in savings, you may be able to get a significantly higher rate by putting your cash in a CD. Of course, with a high-yield savings account, you can withdraw funds at any time without risk of penalties. Ultimately, which product is best for you will depend on how much money you have in savings and when you plan to use it.

Want to earn more on your savings without locking up your money? Learn how to keep your cash accessible while still earning competitive interest. How to Earn Interest on Your Money Without Locking It Up Want to earn more on your savings without locking up your money? Learn how to keep your cash accessible while still earning competitive interest. How to Earn Interest on Your Money Without Locking It Up For a long time, earning higher interest meant giving something up. Usually, that meant locking your money away in an account you couldn’t easily access. But that tradeoff isn’t as necessary as it once was. The Tradeoff People Assume Exists Many people believe: If you want higher returns, you need to lock your money up If you want access, you have to accept lower interest That used to be true—but it’s not the full picture anymore. Why You Don’t Have to Lock Your Money Away Today, there are savings options designed to give you both: Competitive interest rates Easy access to your money This means your cash can stay flexible while still working for you in the background. What to Look for Instead If your goal is to earn more without sacrificing access, focus on accounts that offer: Strong, competitive rates No unnecessary restrictions Easy transfers when you need your money A high-yield savings account is built around exactly this idea. Explore flexible savings options: High-yield savings account A Smarter Way to Think About Savings Instead of choosing between access and earnings, you can prioritize both. Your money should be: Available when you need it Growing when you don’t That balance is what makes modern savings strategies more effective. The Bottom Line You don’t have to lock your money away to earn more on it. With the right account, your savings can stay flexible while still delivering meaningful returns. See how your savings can work harder—without losing access: High-yield savings account Previous Item Next Item

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

Set up direct deposit You'll need to know your full checking account number and Vibrant's routing number (271183646) To find your account number, grab a check (your number is to the right of our routing number at the bottom) or your Member Service Agreement. To direct-deposit your paycheck: Contact your HR department or log in to your HR system to update your information. To direct-deposit other recurring payments, contact the brokerage or other entity that issues the payment for instructions. Confirm your changes and keep an eye out for your deposit. Previous Item Next Item

All Vibrant members are eligible for $1,000 of accidental death and dismemberment insurance paid for by Vibrant. You can also purchase up to $300,000 in additional coverage. Get $1,000 of no-cost accidental death coverage As a Vibrant member, you can automatically receive $1,000 of accidental death and dismemberment insurance. Learn more Add a Title Get $1,000 of no-cost accidental death coverage As a Vibrant member, you can automatically receive $1,000 of accidental death and dismemberment insurance. Learn more Plus guaranteed acceptance for up to $300,000 in additional coverage As a Vibrant Credit Union member age 18 or older, you are pre-authorized for up to $300,000.00 in optional coverage. With no doctor visits, health questions or lab tests, in minutes you can activate important accidental death and dismemberment insurance, underwritten by Minnesota Life Insurance Company. All coverage is reduced by 50% at age 70, regardless of age at enrollment. You cannot be turned down due to age or health. Don’t delay. Help make sure your family can have money to spend on whatever they choose when you’re no longer with them. Learn more Andrea L. Heger, Licensed Insurance Agent #2277322 0122 1947555 Note, AD&D Products are not federally insured by the NCUA.

New to Wacker Neuson Finance with Vibrant? Send us an email to set up your account and gain access to the dealer portal. Email us to get started Go to portal Standard Financing for New Equipment No down payment required; eligible for additional cash rebates. Rates current as of March 16, 2026. For rates with a credit score below 660 or low-rate financing options with either a consumer down payment or dealer participation, talk with your relationship manager. Credit tier A+ (820+) A (780–819) B (740–779) C (700–739) D (660–699) 36 months 5.99% 5.99% 5.99% 6.99% 9.99% 48 months 5.99% 5.99% 5.99% 6.99% 9.99% 60 months 5.99% 5.99% 5.99% 6.99% 9.99% 72 months 5.99% 5.99% 5.99% 6.99% 9.99% 84 months 6.99% 6.99% 6.99% 8.99% 10.99% 96 months 6.99% 6.99% 6.99% 8.99% 10.99% 120 months* 6.99% 6.99% 6.99% 8.99% 10.99% *"APR" = "Annual Percentage Rate." The above rates assume a Loan-to-Value ratio of 80% or less (add 1.00% for LTV 80.01-110% or add 3.00% for LTV above 110%). Not all buyers will qualify. **Loan Term is determined based on the amount financed - $15,000 loan minimum/120 month. Standard Financing for Used Equipment We now offer financing for used equipment, too—annual percentage rates ("APR") are one (1) percentage higher than standard financing for new equipment. Loan terms and amounts are based in part on the age and/or total usage of the equipment being financed. Age/Hours Max Term <500 Hours 84 <5 Years 84 6–10 Years 72 501–1000 Hours 72 11+ Years 60 1001+ Hours 60 Loan Portal Create new applications, check on the status of applications in progress, and more. Open the Loan Portal Business Hours M-F 7:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. CT Saturday 8:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. CT Note, hours adjust seasonally. Questions? Reach out to your relationship manager. Or email us at loanprogram@vibrantcu.org . Quick Resources Loan Portal Finance Promos Standard Rates Insurance Information ACH User Guide Video Resources Cale VanGenderen SVP, Equipment Finance Natalie Newcomb Equipment Finance Manager nnewcomb@vibrantcu.org Jessica Voges Account Manager 800-479-6206 jvoges@vibrantcu.org Kari Neff Account Manager 800-479-6206 kneff@vibrantcu.org Shawn LaBarge Account Manager 800-479-6206 slabarge@vibrantcu.org Brayden Sechser Relationship Manager AK, AZ, CA, CO, HI, ID, MT, NV, OR, WA, WY 503-851-4895 bsechser@vibrantcu.org Carson Thomas Relationship Manager CT, DE, IN, KY, OH, MA, MD, ME, MI, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, VT, WV 309-269-1586 cthomas@vibrantcu.org Chuck Ellis Relationship Manager LA, NM, OK, TX 817-999-3717 cellis@vibrantcu.org Marc Brown Relationship Manager AR, IA, IL, KS, MN, MO, MS, ND, NE, SD, TN, WI 563-514-4844 mpbrown@vibrantcu.org Cale VanGenderen SVP, Equipment Finance Natalie Newcomb Equipment Finance Manager nnewcomb@vibrantcu.org Jessica Voges Account Manager 800-479-6206 jvoges@vibrantcu.org Kari Neff Account Manager 800-479-6206 kneff@vibrantcu.org Shawn LaBarge Account Manager 800-479-6206 slabarge@vibrantcu.org Brayden Sechser Relationship Manager AK, AZ, CA, CO, HI, ID, MT, NV, OR, WA, WY 503-851-4895 bsechser@vibrantcu.org Carson Thomas Relationship Manager CT, DE, IN, KY, OH, MA, MD, ME, MI, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, VT, WV 309-269-1586 cthomas@vibrantcu.org Chuck Ellis Relationship Manager LA, NM, OK, TX 817-999-3717 cellis@vibrantcu.org Marc Brown Relationship Manager AR, IA, IL, KS, MN, MO, MS, ND, NE, SD, TN, WI 563-514-4844 mpbrown@vibrantcu.org Cale VanGenderen SVP, Equipment Finance Natalie Newcomb Equipment Finance Manager nnewcomb@vibrantcu.org Jessica Voges Account Manager 800-479-6206 jvoges@vibrantcu.org Kari Neff Account Manager 800-479-6206 kneff@vibrantcu.org Shawn LaBarge Account Manager 800-479-6206 slabarge@vibrantcu.org Brayden Sechser Relationship Manager AK, AZ, CA, CO, HI, ID, MT, NV, OR, WA, WY 503-851-4895 bsechser@vibrantcu.org Carson Thomas Relationship Manager CT, DE, IN, KY, OH, MA, MD, ME, MI, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, VT, WV 309-269-1586 cthomas@vibrantcu.org Chuck Ellis Relationship Manager LA, NM, OK, TX 817-999-3717 cellis@vibrantcu.org Marc Brown Relationship Manager AR, IA, IL, KS, MN, MO, MS, ND, NE, SD, TN, WI 563-514-4844 mpbrown@vibrantcu.org Cale VanGenderen SVP, Equipment Finance Natalie Newcomb Equipment Finance Manager nnewcomb@vibrantcu.org Jessica Voges Account Manager 800-479-6206 jvoges@vibrantcu.org Kari Neff Account Manager 800-479-6206 kneff@vibrantcu.org Shawn LaBarge Account Manager 800-479-6206 slabarge@vibrantcu.org Brayden Sechser Relationship Manager AK, AZ, CA, CO, HI, ID, MT, NV, OR, WA, WY 503-851-4895 bsechser@vibrantcu.org Carson Thomas Relationship Manager CT, DE, IN, KY, OH, MA, MD, ME, MI, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, VT, WV 309-269-1586 cthomas@vibrantcu.org Chuck Ellis Relationship Manager LA, NM, OK, TX 817-999-3717 cellis@vibrantcu.org Marc Brown Relationship Manager AR, IA, IL, KS, MN, MO, MS, ND, NE, SD, TN, WI 563-514-4844 mpbrown@vibrantcu.org Frequently Asked Questions What’s the relationship with Vibrant Credit Union? Vibrant Credit Union is Wacker Neuson's exclusive loan processing and servicing partner for individual consumer and small business in the United States. We're here to make it faster and easier for your customers to get the financing they need to complete their purchases — and give you immediate access to funds. We worked closely with Wacker Neuson to build a secure lending platform that fits your needs, and we're continually refining that technology based on feedback from you. As a member-owned nonprofit, we're committed to offering affordable loans to our members based on a holistic appraisal of their financial situation, and we've created a portfolio of flexible financing products to fit practically any budget. What information will I need to provide to set up my dealership account? Get in touch with your Relationship Manager or email us here . How long does it take to receive a decision on a loan application? Over half of applications are auto-approved on the spot with our flexible, risk-based scoring model. On those occasions when an application is not automatically approved, our lending team individually reviews the customer's financial information before making our final decision. Most of the time, we find a way to say yes in 30 minutes or less! Do you finance purchases of used equipment? We do! Loan terms and amounts will be based on the applicant's creditworthiness as well as the age/usage of the equipment being financed. See the table above for details. Where should I direct customers to manage their loan account and make payments? Vibrant has created an online account portal for Wacker Neuson customers where they can manage their accounts. They have three options for paying their loan: Pay online with their debit card. They can pay online with an ACH transfer from another bank account. Or, they can just mail us a check! Remind them to include their account number on the memo line for faster processing. Vibrant ATTN: Payments PO Box 1550 Moline IL 61266 I need help with my account. When is your dealer services team available? We run on seasonal hours (see above). You can reach us at 1-800-479-6206 during office hours or email us any time at loanprogram@vibrantcu.org . What do I need from my customer to obtain financing? Your customer will need to provide their government-issued ID (driver's license or U.S. passport). You'll also need a sales order with the year, make, model, and SN/VIN for all equipment being financed. Complete an application in the dealer portal and get a decision within minutes. I have a question about the program, who do I contact? Vibrant has a dedicated relationship management team to assist dealers with any loan program or banking needs. Our relationship managers are ready to answer all your questions! See above to find your RM! Who are the Account Managers and what do they do? Our account management team is here to work every loan application from start to finish with you. After you submit an application, one of our account managers will email or call you within a couple of minutes to update you on the initial loan decision and requirements and confirm your sales order is complete (including year, make, model, and VIN/SN for all equipment). Once we have all that information, we can issue a final approval and send documentation to your and your customer to complete online via DocuSign.

Find your account number To find your account number, you have a few different options: Refer to your Member Service Agreement that was sent to you via email shortly after your account was opened via DocuSign Grab a check and check out the two strings of numbers at the bottom. The first number starting with 2711..is our routing number. The second is your account number. Send us a secure message through online banking. Previous Item Next Item

Add external accounts instantly Add your checking or savings account with an external financial institution to your Vibrant dashboard in a matter of minutes with our new upgrade. Scroll below to check out the desktop and mobile directions. Note: The names on the accounts you're linking must match. On Your Phone Sign in to your mobile app . Click the Transfers widget.Note: The tab bar on iOS devices may display differently on your settings. Additional widgets will display by clicking the More widget. Tap the Add Account option. Tap the External Account tab at the top. Select the Add account instantly option. Select from one of the financial institutions listed or search for yours in the search bar below the list. Log in to the external financial institution's account. Select one or more accounts to add for transfers and click the Submit button. The Verify screen will display. Click the Continue button. Once the accounts are verified, they will immediately be made available. Hitting an error message? Don't worry; you can still add your account manually ! On Your Computer Sign in to online banking. Not enrolled yet? Click here . Navigate to the Transfers widget here . Note: The widget menu may display differently based on your settings. Additional widgets will display by clicking the More... widget. Click the Classic tab on the top. Click Add an account to make a transfer link. The Add an Account window will display. Click Add an account instantly. Select from one of the financial institutions listed, or search for yours in the search bar below the list. Log in to the external financial institution's account. The Verify screen will display. Click the Continue button. Once the accounts are verified, they will immediately be made available. Hitting an error message? Don't worry; you can still add your account manually ! Previous Item Next Item

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

Add Vibrant to your digital wallet If you never leave home without your smartphone, at least you can leave home without your wallet. Your Vibrant debit or credit card works with Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay. No more swiping! Apple Pay Open the Wallet app and tap the plus (+) sign to add a new card. Enter your card number, expiration date, and CVV code and tap NEXT. Vibrant will automatically verify your card info. To pay from your phone, wave your phone in front of any contactless card reader or tap it against the ))) symbol. Google Pay Open the Google Pay app and tap the +ADD TO WALLET button. Choose PAYMENT CARD, then ADD NEW PAYMENT CARD. Enter your card details manually or use your phone camera to automatically scan your card. Vibrant will automatically verify your card info. To pay from your phone, hold it against the contactless payment symbol on the card reader. Boop! You're ready to go. Samsung Pay Open Samsung Pay on your phone. Tap MENU (the three horizontal lines) in the top left corner, and then tap CARDS. Tap ADD CARD (look for the icon with a credit card with a plus sign). Tap ADD CREDIT/DEBIT CARD. Follow the instructions to register your card. When you add a card, you must agree to the card's terms and conditions. Vibrant will verify your card info. That's it! Hold your phone against any contactless card reader to pay. Previous Item Next Item

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