And how to know when you can keep scrolling How to Know When a Financial Tip Online Actually Applies to You And how to know when you can keep scrolling Scroll any social feed long enough and you’ll see it: “Everyone should be doing this with their savings.” “If you’re not using this account, you’re leaving money on the table.” “This one move changed my finances forever.” Some of it is solid advice. Some of it isn’t wrong, exactly. It’s just not right for you . And that’s the part that doesn’t get enough airtime. Because here’s the truth: good financial advice is rarely one ‑size ‑fits ‑all (even when it’s trending). If you’ve ever wondered whether a money tip you saw online actually applies to your life (or whether you can safely ignore it), you’re not behind. You’re paying attention . And that’s a good place to start. Why So Much Financial Advice Feels Urgent (and Generic) A lot of online financial content is designed to do one thing: catch attention fast. That leads to advice that’s extremely simplified, framed as universally applicable, and delivered with a sense of urgency (“Do this now!”). The problem? Personal finances are, well… personal. Your income, goals, risk tolerance, timeline, and comfort with technology all matter. Advice that works beautifully for someone in their 20s with flexible expenses may be totally unhelpful (or even stressful) for someone with a different setup. Urgency gets clicks. Context gets results. Unfortunately, context doesn’t always fit neatly into a reel. A Simple Rule of Thumb Before You Take Any Financial Advice Before acting on a tip, ask yourself this one question: “What assumptions is this advice making about my life?” You’d be surprised how quickly things become clear when you slow it down. A lot of financial advice quietly assumes things like: Your income looks the same month to month Moving money requires effort or delay You have to choose between access and growth Money should sit still to work effectively None of those assumptions are good or bad. They’re just assumptions. If advice only works when life is predictable, money is hard to move, or access comes at the expense of earning, it may need adjusting (or skipping altogether). The best guidance fits how you already live —not how someone else says you should. Signs a Financial Tip Might Actually Be Helpful Not all online advice is noise. Some of it is genuinely useful (especially when it checks these boxes): It explains why , not just what It allows for tradeoffs It gives options , not ultimatums Good advice respects context (and the fact that real lives are rarely perfectly optimized). Signs You Can Probably Scroll Past It’s okay to let go of advice that sounds like: “Everyone should be doing this” “If you don’t have this, you’re behind” “This works for anyone, no matter what” Financial confidence doesn’t come from copying someone else’s setup. It comes from understanding your own. How to Personalize General Advice (Without Overthinking It) If a tip seems interesting but not obviously relevant, you don’t have to accept or reject it outright. Try this instead: Match it to your goal (growth, stability, convenience, or security) Check the timeline (short‑term flexibility or long‑term payoff) Consider how hands ‑on it requires you to be If it doesn’t fit your life right now, that’s useful information, too. Why It’s Okay to Ignore “Popular” Financial Advice There’s a lot of pressure online to optimize every dollar, every account, every decision. The implication is that standing still is falling behind. But here’s something worth saying out loud: The best financial setup is the one you can actually live with. It’s okay if: You prefer simplicity over constant optimization You value access as much as growth You choose fewer tools instead of more Confidence grows when your system works for you (not when it looks impressive on the internet). One Last Thought Financial advice is a tool, not a test. You don’t earn points for following it perfectly, and you don’t fall behind by choosing differently. The goal isn’t to do what everyone else is doing. It’s to make decisions that support your life, your priorities, and your peace of mind. If a tip helps with that? Great. If not? Keep scrolling. That’s not apathy, it’s judgment. Previous Item Next Item

Your emergency fund should be safe, accessible—and earning interest. Learn the best place to keep your emergency savings and how to make your money work harder. The Best Place to Keep Your Emergency Fund (Without Losing Access) Your emergency fund should be safe, accessible—and earning interest. Learn the best place to keep your emergency savings and how to make your money work harder. Where Should You Keep Your Emergency Fund in 2026? An emergency fund should give you peace of mind—not sit in an account earning next to nothing. But that’s exactly what’s happening for a lot of people right now. Even as interest rates have increased, many traditional savings accounts are still paying very little. Which means your emergency fund may not be working as hard as it could. So where should you keep it? Let’s break it down. What an Emergency Fund Needs to Do Before choosing where to keep it, it helps to define the job. Your emergency fund should be: Accessible — You can get to it quickly Safe — Your balance isn’t exposed to market risk Earning — It should grow, even while sitting idle If an account misses one of these, it’s not doing its job. Option 1: Traditional Savings Accounts Traditional savings accounts are familiar and easy to use. They offer: Security Simple access No surprises But many still come with very low interest rates, which can limit how much your money grows over time. For an emergency fund, that tradeoff matters more than most people realize. Option 2: High-Yield Savings Accounts This is where more people are starting to make a shift. A high-yield savings account is designed to do the same job as a traditional savings account—but with significantly better earning potential. You still get: Easy access to your money A safe place to store your funds But you also get: a more competitive rate that helps your balance grow over time For most people, this is the best balance of access and earnings for an emergency fund. Explore your options: High-yield savings accounts A Simple Way to Approach It For most people, the goal isn’t to find the most complex place to store an emergency fund—it’s to find the most efficient one. That usually means: Keeping your money fully accessible Earning a competitive rate Avoiding unnecessary restrictions A high-yield savings account checks all three boxes. Some people choose to keep a small amount of cash readily available for immediate needs, while storing the rest in a higher-earning account. This approach keeps your money both accessible and working for you. The Bottom Line Your emergency fund shouldn’t just sit still. It should: Be there when you need it Grow quietly in the background The good news is you don’t have to choose between access and earning potential anymore. See current savings options and rates: High-yield savings account Previous Item Next Item

Managing money shouldn’t feel like a part-time job. 5 Smart Habits That Make Managing Your Money Easier (Not Harder) Managing money shouldn’t feel like a part-time job. If it does, that’s usually not because you’re irresponsible, unmotivated, or “bad with money.” More often, it’s because the system you’re using asks too much of you. The easiest money systems aren’t the ones that look impressive or require constant attention. They’re the ones that quietly do their job in the background while you go live your life. The five habits below aren’t about optimizing every dollar. They’re about removing friction, reducing mental load, and building a setup that works without requiring babysitting. 1. Choose Simple Over “Optimal” There is almost always a more “optimal” financial setup on paper. Another account. Another tool. Another tweak that promises slightly better results if you’re willing to manage it closely. The problem is that systems built for optimization often break down in real life. They require maintenance, attention, and regular adjustments just to keep working as intended. A practical habit: at any point, you should be able to explain what each of your accounts is for in one sentence . If you can’t, that account is probably adding confusion instead of clarity. Simple systems are easier to understand, easier to trust, and far more likely to hold up when life gets busy. (And life always gets busy.) 2. Automate the Things That Cause Misses Most financial mistakes aren’t strategic. They’re forgetful. Missed transfers, overlooked payments, or unreviewed activity usually happen because something relied on memory instead of process. And memory is not a reliable system. A practical habit: if you’ve ever thought “I need to remember to do that,” automate it instead . That might mean: Recurring transfers Alerts for balance changes or activity Scheduled check-ins instead of constant monitoring Automation isn’t about giving up control. It’s about removing unnecessary pressure. When routine actions happen automatically, there are fewer opportunities for small oversights to turn into larger problems. 3. Make Awareness Passive, Not Performative Constantly checking balances or reviewing activity doesn’t usually create clarity. It often creates anxiety. A better approach is awareness that works quietly in the background. A practical habit: set up your system so you’re alerted when something actually needs your attention — not just because something exists . Unusual transactions, large purchases, low balances — those deserve your attention. Normal Tuesday activity doesn't. With the right alerts, you stay in the loop without feeling like you're monitoring a live feed of your own money. 4. Avoid Systems That Penalize Normal Behavior If using your own money creates stress, the system is the problem. Not you. Some financial setups quietly discourage normal activity. Spend too much, move money too often, or live like a human being, and suddenly there are penalties, reduced benefits, or rules you’re always worried about breaking. A practical habit: evaluate whether your accounts reward consistency or punish normal use . A healthy system should work whether you: Pay bills regularly Move money between accounts Use your debit card often Let balances fluctuate from time to time Changing how you live to avoid consequences? That’s backwards. Good financial tools accommodate real behavior instead of requiring perfect behavior. 5. Measure Success by Ease, Not Impressiveness A financial system doesn’t need to look complicated to work well. In fact, the systems that last tend to be the ones you don’t think about very often. They don’t require constant tweaking, troubleshooting, or second‑guessing. A practical habit: pause occasionally and ask yourself, “Does this feel calm to use?” If managing your money feels predictable instead of reactive, clear instead of stressful, and steady instead of fragile — that's the system doing its job. Ease isn't a shortcut . It's usually the result of getting the design right. Why These Habits Work Better Together Each habit helps on its own. Together, they reduce decision fatigue, build trust in your setup, and make it easier to stay consistent. Which is what people usually mean when they say they want to be "better with money." Not perfection. Not constant optimization. Just fewer problems and less friction over time. Final Thought Managing money isn’t about doing everything right. It’s about choosing habits and systems that don’t demand more energy than they’re worth. When your financial setup works quietly in the background, it’s easier to focus on everything else that matters. That's not a nice-to-have. That's the whole point. Previous Item Next Item

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It's the "secret sauce" for making the most of your money. How Compound Interest and High-Yield Accounts Actually Work Together It's the "secret sauce" for making the most of your money. Compound interest gets talked about like it only works if you leave your money alone and don’t touch it for a long while. High‑yield accounts sometimes get framed the same way — great returns, as long as you behave just right. That’s not how it has to work. Compound interest doesn’t care how busy your life is or how often you use your money. High‑yield accounts don’t need hoops, fine print, or special tricks to be effective. When the setup is simple, your money can grow whether you use your account every day, let funds sit for a bit, or do a mix of both. Let’s break down how compound interest and high‑yield accounts actually work together — in real life, not theory. What Compound Interest Actually Does At its most basic, compound interest means you earn interest on your balance, and then the next time interest is calculated, it’s based on a slightly bigger number (because it includes the interest you just earned ). That’s it. No drama. At first, that growth is subtle. Almost underwhelming. Over time, those small additions start stacking on top of each other. That’s where momentum comes from. The key thing to understand is that compound interest works continuously. It doesn’t pause because you paid a bill. It doesn’t reset because you used your debit card. It simply responds to the balance that’s there during each compounding period. Why High ‑Yield Accounts Matter in That Equation A high‑yield account just means your balance earns interest at a higher rate than traditional options. When rates are higher, each compounding cycle has more to work with. That doesn’t turn savings into magic, but it does mean progress happens more efficiently. The important part is that earning more interest doesn’t have to come at the expense of access or flexibility. High yields don’t need to be reserved only for money that never moves. When accounts are built for everyday use, growth and usability can coexist. You shouldn’t have to pick one or the other. Growth Doesn’t Require “Perfect” Behavior A lot of financial advice quietly suggests you need ideal habits for your money to grow — perfect timing, perfect discipline, perfect restraint. Real life rarely works that way. Compound interest doesn’t require perfection. It rewards consistency. Money can move in and out . Expenses happen. Plans change. As long as funds remain in the account over time, interest keeps doing its thing. That’s what makes this approach sustainable. You don’t need to rearrange your life around your account. The account should support how you already bank. Using One Account (Instead of Managing a System) Some people use high‑yield accounts as their everyday checking and savings. Others treat them as a place to grow extra funds alongside other financial relationships. Both approaches work. What matters isn’t how you label the account — it’s that the account continues earning while your life moves forward. Whether money flows through it daily or sits there building quietly, compound interest doesn’t lose interest in either scenario. The simplicity is the point. Why Time Still Matters (Just Not in a Stressful Way) Yes, compound interest does benefit from time, but that doesn’t mean timing every decision matters. You don’t need to catch the perfect moment or constantly adjust balances to “make it work.” Starting, staying consistent, and letting time pass do far more heavy lifting than fine‑tuning ever will. When systems are easy to live with, people are more likely to stick with them. That consistency is what turns small gains into meaningful progress. The Takeaway Compound interest works best when it’s allowed to run quietly in the background. A high‑yield account simply gives that process a stronger foundation — without asking you to jump through hoops or change how you bank. Whether you’re using the account daily or letting funds accumulate over time, growth doesn’t need conditions attached to it. Sometimes the smartest financial decision is choosing something that works whether you’re paying close attention or not. Previous Item Next Item

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

Any business is only as good as their relationships. Not only with their customers, but also with their financial institution. Whether you’re an established company or a start-up, finding the right financial partner is a key step in growing and maintaining your business. 5 reasons to take your business banking to a credit union Any business is only as good as their relationships. Not only with their customers, but also with their financial institution. Whether you’re an established company or a start-up, finding the right financial partner is a key step in growing and maintaining your business. Any business is only as good as their relationships. Not only with their customers, but also with their financial institution. Whether you’re an established company or a start-up, finding the right financial partner is a key step in growing and maintaining your business. And if you’ve already picked a partner, it might be worth taking a closer look at that relationship, especially if it’s a bank. You might not know what benefits a credit union can offer your business. Serve all of your business banking needs If you’ve been fed the myth that credit unions offer fewer business banking services than banks, we have news for you. Whatever your needs are as a new or established business, a credit union is well equipped to handle them, from lending and checking to credit and investments. Credit unions might often have a small town feel, but they’re built to support big businesses. Credit unions are member-owned The key difference between a credit union and a bank is not their banking services. It can actually be boiled down to one word: profit. Banks are for-profit and their profits go to their shareholders. Credit unions are not-for-profit and member-owned. You might notice the difference in the rates for business loans and business lines of credit. Banks usually charge higher rates than credit unions. Credit unions are also able to offer higher yield on savings accounts. It’s their way of returning their profits back to their members. Credit union fees are designed to benefit members If you long for the days without having to pay annual credit card fees and monthly checking fees, bank with a credit union. As a not-for-profit organization, it means they have less incentive to charge their account holders with a laundry list of extra fees. In fact, Vibrant Credit Union actually charges no fees for all business accounts. If you’re a business owner, imagine how much you could save without having to pay transaction fees. Account accessibility is not a problem There’s a school of thought that bigger banks have bigger wallets to afford better technology. But even if there might have been a technology gap at one point between banks and credit unions, that gap has long since been closed. Credit unions are not blind to the fact that business owners need to be able to bank from anywhere these days. That’s why they’ve stepped up their game in terms of online and mobile banking services. So even if you’re not near one of their branches, you can still access your account, transfer funds, make remote deposits, and more. Partner with a lender that is relationship-focused and community-driven The best professional partnerships are built on personal trust. Because credit unions answer only to their members, that is where their focus lies. They want to build long-term relationships. There’s also a good chance that your average credit union has greater ties to the local community than a national brand bank. You may see them sponsoring events that benefit the local community, or making donations and offering scholarships. If you’re interested in learning more about what a credit union can do for your business, please get in touch with us . Previous Item Next Item

The new foundation deepens our mission to bring more good into the communities we love. Vibrant Credit Union launches the Be The Good Foundation The new foundation deepens our mission to bring more good into the communities we love. Moline, IL — January 13, 2026 Vibrant Credit Union announced the official launch of the Be The Good Foundation , a philanthropic initiative designed to power more kindness, more opportunity, and more “good stuff” in communities across the Midwest. For years, Vibrant has believed that doing good shouldn’t be a side project — it should be part of who we are. The Be The Good Foundation brings that belief to life, supporting organizations that are building brighter futures through financial literacy, youth development, and community enrichment. “Good doesn’t happen by accident,” said Tiffany Haedt, President of the Be The Good Foundation. “It happens when people roll up their sleeves, show up for each other, and decide that doing the right thing is worth the effort. This foundation lets us invest in the people and nonprofits already making that kind of magic happen.” The Foundation’s focus areas reflect Vibrant’s long-standing belief that thriving communities start with strong building blocks: Financial Literacy: Because understanding money is a superpower everyone deserves. Youth Development: Preparing the next generation of leaders, creators, helpers, and big thinkers. Community Enrichment: Supporting programs that make our neighborhoods feel safer, healthier, and more connected. Guided by values like optimism, integrity, joy, and compassion, the Foundation chooses projects that don’t just sound good on paper — they make a real difference. “We’re here for the changemakers,” said Megan Anderson, Vice President. “The people who get up every day and do the work. If we can fuel that, we’ll gladly bring the spark.” The Foundation is led by a volunteer Board of Directors — Matt McCombs, Amy Henderson, Marsha Wolff, Nick Tarpein, and Trista Beise — who believe in transparency, responsibility, and the power of small actions that become big outcomes. Nonprofits can now submit grant proposals. Application materials, eligibility details, and FAQs are available at: VibrantCreditUnion.org/BeTheGood “Communities thrive when people lift each other up,” said Marsha Wolff, Secretary/Treasurer. “The Be The Good Foundation is here to help that lift go farther.” About the Be The Good Foundation Be The Good Foundation, founded by Vibrant Credit Union, supports programs that expand financial literacy, empower young people with life and career skills, and strengthens communities. The foundation operates with a simple belief: when you put more good into the world, the world responds in kind. About Vibrant Credit Union Founded in 1935, Vibrant Credit Union is a federally insured credit union built on strong roots and a forward-looking mindset. Vibrant delivers competitive deposit rates, intuitive digital banking, and fast, flexible money movement designed to make everyday finances easier. Beyond products, Vibrant is deeply committed to giving back — supporting nonprofits, strengthening communities, and championing its call to Be The Good through meaningful partnerships and measurable impact. Because great financial tools matter, but what you do with them matters even more. Previous Item Next Item

Vibrant Credit Union, Junior Achievement, and Quad City Storm bring back the ‘Kids Run the Show’ hockey game for year two. Kids take over—again! Vibrant Credit Union, Junior Achievement, and Quad City Storm bring back the ‘Kids Run the Show’ hockey game for year two. Moline, IL – December 31, 2025 After an overwhelmingly positive response to last year’s inaugural event, Vibrant Credit Union—alongside the Quad City Storm hockey team and Junior Achievement of the Heartland—is proud to bring back the second annual QC Kids Run the Show hockey game. This unique, fan-favorite experience returns to give young leaders another chance to step into the spotlight for a night of excitement, confidence-building, and unforgettable memories. Happening on Friday, January 9, 2026 , at Vibrant Arena at The MARK, QC Kids Run the Show invites local kids to take over key roles behind the scenes and on the ice. Participants will once again get hands-on experience announcing plays, running in-game entertainment, assisting coaches, collaborating with the media team, and helping stage a professional hockey game from the inside out. “Seeing the impact of last year’s event made it clear—we had to bring it back for 2026,” said Vibrant Credit Union President and CEO, Matt McCombs. “Kids Run the Show gives young people a chance to build leadership skills, try new challenges, and have a whole lot of fun doing it. We’re thrilled to continue this partnership with Junior Achievement and Quad City Storm to inspire even more local kids in 2026.” The fun doesn’t stop at the puck drop. Throughout the night, Vibrant will shine a light on its High Yield Savings Accounts to help kick off easy, real-life conversations about saving and smart money habits with students, families, and fans. It’s all about giving people tools they can actually use and rates that give back—another example of Vibrant’s commitment to strengthening the communities it serves. Junior Achievement, known regionally for championing youth leadership and financial empowerment, is excited to return for year two. “Last year proved how transformative hands-on learning can be,” said Lysa Hegland, President of Junior Achievement of the Heartland. “We’re thrilled to once again partner with Vibrant Credit Union and the Quad City Storm to give kids real-world roles that boost their confidence and expand their vision for the future.” The Quad City Storm team is also energized to welcome their young collaborators back to the rink. “Hockey is always better when the community is involved—especially its youngest members,” said Brian Rothenberger, Quad City Storm Team President. “We loved what the kids brought to game day last year, and we can’t wait to see them take charge again.” Tickets for the 2026 QC Kids Run the Show game are available now at bit.ly/QCkidsruntheshow . For each ticket purchased, $5 will be donated to Junior Achievement of the Heartland . Families, fans, and community members are invited to join in cheering on both the Quad City Storm and the next generation of local leaders. #QCKidsRunTheShow About Vibrant Credit Union Founded in 1935, Vibrant Credit Union is a federally insured credit union rooted in agricultural manufacturing and built for what’s next. Now a national leader in deposit rates, Vibrant delivers top-earning accounts, intuitive digital banking, and fast, flexible money movement—giving customers across the country a smarter way to bank. Beyond financial performance, Vibrant is driven by purpose, providing specialized solutions for nonprofits and small businesses and championing its call to Be The Good . Staying true to its origins while pushing forward, Vibrant also powers outdoor equipment manufacturers nationwide through relationship-driven, education-first equipment financing programs About Junior Achievement Junior Achievement is dedicated to giving young people the knowledge and skills they need to own their economic success, plan for their future, and make smart academic and economic choices. JA programs are delivered by corporate and community volunteers, and provide relevant, hands-on experiences that give students from kindergarten through high school knowledge and skills in financial literacy, work readiness and entrepreneurship. Locally, Junior Achievement of the Heartland serves 24 counties in eastern Iowa and western Illinois. About Quad City Storm The Quad City Storm is in its 7th year of serving as the community's team; providing unmatched excitement, energy and entertainment while giving back to and supporting the QCA. To date, the Storm has donated more than half a million dollars to local non-profit organizations. The Storm is a locally and Veteran owned team that competes in the SPHL. To learn more about the Storm follow us on social media and visit QuadCityStorm.com. Previous Item Next Item

Vibrant Arena ticket giveaway Giveaway Overview: One winner will be selected to win four (4) tickets to see Brooks & Dunn at Vibrant Arena on Saturday, October 3, 2026. To win, you must: Fill out the entry form linked in the social posts. If you do not wish to enter via social media, you can submit your entry by emailing your name and phone number to marketing@vibrantcu.org . We will contact the winners by email after the entry window closes on October 1, 2026. Winners must pickup their tickets at Vibrant HQ in Moline, IL. If the winners do not respond back to claim their tickets by the end of the day notified, another winner may be drawn. OFFICIAL RULES FOR GIVEAWAYS OR DRAWINGS NO PURCHASE OR PAYMENT OF ANY KIND IS NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN.  The Giveaway (“Giveaway or Drawing”) is sponsored by Vibrant Credit Union. (“Vibrant” or “Credit Union”). Each Giveaway is governed by these Official Rules (“Official Rules”). By participating in a Giveaway, each entrant agrees to abide by these Official Rules, including all eligibility requirements, and understands that the Giveaway results, as determined by Vibrant and its agents or representatives, are final in all respects. The Giveaway is subject to all federal, state, and local laws and regulations and is void where prohibited by law. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed, or administered by, or associated with any social media platform such as Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, etc. Any questions, comments, or complaints regarding any promotion should be directed to Vibrant, not to the social media platform. ELIGIBILITY The Giveaway offer is limited to U.S. residents aged eighteen (18) years of age or older. Vibrant, Board of Directors, Committee members, and all immediate family members are ineligible to participate in the Giveaway. Vibrant has the right to verify the eligibility of each entrant and, in its sole discretion, disqualify any individual from participating in the Giveaway. The Giveaway is void where prohibited. The Giveaway and these Official Rules will be governed, construed, and interpreted in accordance with Illinois law and any applicable federal law. GIVEAWAY PERIOD The Giveaway begins and ends on the dates specified in the Guidelines for the particular promotion. All entries or submissions must be received on or before the time stated. Vibrant reserves the right to extend or shorten the Giveaway at their sole discretion. HOW TO ENTER Entrants must follow all required rules of entry to participate in the Giveaway. For social media specific Giveaways, rules may include “Liking” a post on Vibrant’s corresponding social media or commenting on a Timeline as instructed. No post or tag etc., on a personal timeline will be considered. After complying with the instructions and submitting the required information, the entrant will automatically be entered to win. You may enter as many times as you wish unless specifically prohibited by in the Guidelines for the particular promotion. By entering, the entrant agrees to be bound by these Official Rules and by the decisions of Vibrant. WINNER SELECTION All eligible entries received during the Giveaway Period will be gathered into a database at the end of the Giveaway Period. A certain number of winners will be chosen at random by Vibrant with the number notated on the Credit Union’s corresponding Guidelines to the specific promotion. Some Giveaways may have as few as one (1) winner but may have more than one as announced. The winner(s) will be announced after the Giveaway Period ends. Announcements and instructions for prize collection will be sent via a posting on Vibrant’s social media and/or by other means in Vibrant’s discretion. The prize or prizes shall be selected at the discretion of Vibrant and will be notated on the Credit Union’s social media with other applicable information. Each entrant is responsible for monitoring Vibrant’s social media for posts regarding prize notification and receipt or other communications related to the Giveaway or as specifically stated in the Guidelines. Vibrant may at its discretion contact winners using email, social media messaging or by comment on a Post. Potential winners must pick up their prize within ten (10) business days of the Winner Announcement, otherwise they forfeit the prize and such will be awarded to another randomly selected eligible winner. SOCIAL MEDIA GIVEAWAYS AND DRAWINGS The number of Giveaways, prizes, and winners is at the discretion of Vibrant. Specific details relevant to a particular Giveaway are posted on Vibrant’s social media and by other means at Vibrant’s discretion. PRIZES, TAXES AND LIMITATIONS Prizes may consist of tickets for entry to a local venue or include gift cards or other items announced by Vibrant. Terms and conditions may apply. Incidental expenses and all additional costs and expenses that are not explicitly listed as part of a prize in these Official Rules and may be associated with the award, acceptance, receipt, and use of all or any portion of the awarded prize are solely the responsibility of the respective prize winner. All federal, state, and local taxes associated with the receipt or use of any prize are solely the winner's responsibility. Vibrant will not be responsible for reporting any winnings to the IRS. Odds of winning depend on the total number of entries received. ADDITIONAL LIMITATIONS Prize(s) is non-transferable. No substitution or cash equivalent of prizes is permitted. Vibrant, its agents, and representatives are not responsible for any typographical or other errors in the o giveaway ffer or administration of the Giveaway including, but not limited to, errors in any printing or posting or these Official Rules, Guidelines, the selection and announcement of any winner, or the distribution of any prize. Any attempt to damage the content or operation of this Giveaway is unlawful and subject to possible legal action by Vibrant. Vibrant reserves the right to terminate, suspend or amend the Giveaway, without notice, and for any reason, including, without limitation, if Vibrant determines that the Giveaway cannot be conducted as planned or should a virus, bug, tampering or unauthorized intervention, technical failure or other cause beyond Vibrant’s control corrupt the administration, security, fairness, integrity or proper play of the Giveaway. If any tampering or unauthorized intervention may have occurred, Vibrant reserves the right to void suspect entries at issue. Vibrant and its agents, and representatives, and any telephone network or service providers, are not responsible for inaccurate transcription of entry information or for any human error, technical malfunction, lost or delayed data transmission, omission, interruption, deletion, line failure, or malfunction of any telephone network, computer equipment or software, the inability to access any website or online service or any other error, human or otherwise. INDEMNIFICATION, LIMITATION OF LIABILITY AND USE OF PLATFORM By entering the Giveaway, each entrant agrees to indemnify, release and hold harmless Vibrant and its agents and representatives, social media platforms, administrator(s), advertising and promotional agencies, and all their respective officers, directors, employees, representatives, and agents from any liability, damages, losses or injury resulting in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, from that entrant’s participation in the Giveaway and the acceptance, use or misuse of any prize that may be won waiving any and all causes of action related to any claims, costs, injuries, losses or damages of any kind arising out of, or in connection with, directly or indirectly, the Giveaway, drawing, prize, acceptance, possession, use of, or inability to use any prize (including) without limitation, claims, costs, injuries, losses and damages related to personal injuries, death, damage to or destruction of property, rights of publicity, privacy or defamation, whether intentional or unintentional) whether under a theory of contract, tort (including negligence), warranty, or other theory. Vibrant does not collect users’ content or information, or otherwise access social media platforms, using automated means (such as harvesting bots and robots) or deploy the use of an automated system to generate invites, etc. Vibrant does use Social Media platforms for the promotion of commercial business, interaction with customers and potential customers alike as a means to promote its commercial enterprise. If a subject prize is within the control of a third party, or if the prize consists of the obligation of a third party to perform (e.g., without limitation, a coupon, a gift card from a retailer, or a ticket to an event), then Vibrant assigns all rights to performance and all entitlement to the prize winner. However, Vibrant does not guarantee the third-party's performance. The prize winner agrees that Vibrant is not liable or responsible to the prize winner for the failure of the third party to perform. Vibrant and its agents and representatives do not make any warranties, express or implied, as to the prize's condition, fitness, or merchantability. Vibrant and its agents and representatives, advertising and promotional agencies, and all their respective officers, directors, employees, representatives, and agents disclaim any liability for damage to any computer system resulting from access to or the download of information or materials connected with the Giveaway. Vibrant reserves the right to change these Official Rules at any time, without prior notice, and in its sole discretion to suspend or cancel the Giveaway or any entrant's participation in the Giveaway. RELEASE Upon the request of Vibrant, the potential winner will be required to return a Release and Prize Acceptance Form. The winner is responsible for all applicable state, federal and local taxes associated with the prize(s) if any. If a potential winner fails to comply with these Official Rules, that potential winner will be disqualified. Prizes may not be awarded if an insufficient number of eligible entries are received. All prizes are non-transferrable. PUBLICITY By participating, each entrant or winner grants Vibrant permission to use their name, likeness, photo, voice, image, statements, or comments for publicity purposes including web, television, and print without payment of additional consideration, further authorization, or notification; except where prohibited by law. NO ENDORSEMENT OR SPONSORSHIP Vibrant may obtain prizes by purchase or donation from third parties. Vibrant’s offering of a prize, or use of the logo of others to publicize the prizes, does not suggest the endorsement, sponsorship, affiliation, association, or authorization by the third-parties. ENFORCEABILITY If any portion of these Official Rules is determined to be unenforceable, it will not invalidate the other terms and provisions of these Official Rules. Any unenforced terms or conditions of these Official Rules will not constitute a waiver of any of the terms mentioned above, and all remaining terms and conditions of these Official Rule will remain in full force and effect. Only a written, signed amendment, agreement, waiver or like-kind construction will constitute a waiver of these Official Rules by Vibrant. ALTERNATIVE WAYS TO ENTER GIVEAWAYS For an alternative way to enter, email your first and last name along with your phone number to marketing@vibrantcu.org . QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS? Any questions or comments regarding this Giveaway should be directed to the Vibrant Marketing Department by phone at 1-800-323-5109. Orig. 04/2025

Open a high-interest personal checking or savings account in minutes and start earning today! Enter to Win 4 Tickets to Brooks & Dunn! Enter by October 1 at noon for your chance to win four tickets to see Brooks & Dunn live at Vibrant Arena. Enter to win now One account for now. One account for what's next. Premier Checking Keep your everyday money moving with high-yield checking and no hoops to jump through. 3.75% APY* on balances up to $24,999 No monthly fees No minimum balance requirements No direct deposit required No minimum debit card transactions required Get paid up to 2-days early with eligible direct deposits ¹ Dividends paid monthly Federally insured by NCUA + Preferred Savings Build momentum toward what’s next with high-yield savings and no complicated restrictions. 4.00% APY* on balances up to $14,999 No monthly fees No minimum balance requirements Unlimited transfers and withdrawals Dividends paid monthly Federally insured by NCUA Looking to open an account for over $15k? See more high-yield savings account options > Open an account in minutes Run the numbers. See the difference. Use this calculator to compare what you could earn with Vibrant Preferred Savings. Enter your balance and dividend rate to estimate your earnings—then compare it to the national average and your current bank. *APY = "Annual Percentage Yield." APYs accurate as of August 12, 2026. Rates subject to change without notice. $5 Membership Share account required. Federally insured by NCUA. As of December 26, 2025, NCUA reports the the national average savings rate for credit unions is 0.19% APY based on a $2,500 balance. Preferred Savings is a tiered account; for this account, the specified Dividend Rate for a tier will apply only to the portion of the account balance that is within that tier. Calculator results are for illustrative purposes only and assume no additional deposits or withdrawals. Actual earnings may vary based on balance changes, rate changes, and other factors. Please consult a financial professional for more information. Run your numbers to see the difference. Use our calculator tool to compare what you could be earning with a Vibrant Preferred Savings account. Just enter your balance, years to grow, and your current dividend rate to estimate your earnings—then see how it stacks up against Vibrant. Plus, with Vibrant, there are no monthly fees or hidden requirements —so more of what you earn stays yours. Not sure what to enter? Check your bank’s disclosures and look for the dividend (or interest) rate, since APY* includes compounding and can appear higher. Learn more about dividend rates vs. APYs here. *APY = "Annual Percentage Yield." APYs accurate as of August 12, 2026. Rates subject to change without notice. $5 Membership Share account required. Federally insured by NCUA. As of December 26, 2025, NCUA reports the the national average savings rate for credit unions is 0.19% APY based on a $2,500 balance. Preferred Savings is a tiered account; for this account, the specified Dividend Rate for a tier will apply only to the portion of the account balance that is within that tier. For balances up to $15,000 the account earns 4.00% APY. For balances of $15,000 or more, the account earns 0.75% - 4.00% APY. Limit of one Preferred Savings account per member. Calculator results are for illustrative purposes only and assume no additional deposits or withdrawals. Actual earnings may vary based on balance changes, rate changes, and other factors. Please consult a financial professional for more information. Put your money in motion. Earn more on the money you use today—and the money you’re setting aside for whatever comes next. Start earning more now Award-winning rates Say goodbye to that 0.01% APY* you're getting at your current bank. And hello to Vibrant. Money that moves with you Deposit checks, pay bills, transfer funds and check your balances anytime through mobile banking. No unnecessary obstacles With Vibrant, you'll never be surprised by monthly fees or minimum balance requirements. Open an account in minutes It's not a claim, it's a receipt. The Wall Street Journal's Buy Side named Vibrant "Best for Deposit Rates" in 2025. In 2026, they came back and added "Best Credit Union" to the list. Turns out, consistently great rates, no hoops, and nationwide, digital access tends to get noticed. Checking account rates Account Average Daily Balance APY* Premier Checking $0 - $24,999 3.75% Premier Checking $25,000+ 1.25% – 3.75% Everyday Checking Any 0.00% *APY = "Annual Percentage Yield." APYs accurate as of August 12, 2026. Rates subject to change without notice. $5 Membership Share account required. Federally insured by NCUA. Premier Checking is a tiered account. For this account the specified Dividend Rate for a tier will apply only to the portion of the account balance that is within that tier. Limit of one Premier Checking account per member. Ready to make your money work harder? Open a checking account. Savings account rates Average Daily Balance Membership Savings Everyday Savings Preferred Savings Premier Savings Elite Savings APY* APY* APY* APY* APY* $1,000,000+ 0.005% 1.00% 0.75% – 4.00% 3.00% 4.25% $250,000 - $999,999 0.005% 1.00% 0.75% – 4.00% 3.00% 3.75% $100,000 - $249,999 0.005% 1.00% 0.75% – 4.00% 3.00% 3.50% $25,000 - $99,999 0.005% 1.00% 0.75% – 4.00% 3.00% 0.50% $15,000 - $24,999 0.005% 1.00% 0.75% – 4.00% 0.10% 0.50% $10,000 - $14,999 0.005% 1.00% 4.00% 0.10% 0.50% $100 - $9,999 0.005% 0.10% 4.00% 0.10% 0.50% $0 - $99 0.00% 0.10% 4.00% 0.10% 0.50% *APY = "Annual Percentage Yield." APYs accurate as of August 12, 2026. Rates subject to change without notice. $5 Membership Share account required. Federally insured by NCUA. Everyday Savings , Premier Savings , and Elite Savings accounts are tiered accounts; if the account balance falls within the range for a particular tier, the dividend rate and APY for that tier will apply to the entire balance in the account. Preferred Savings is a tiered account; for this account, the specified Dividend Rate for a tier will apply only to the portion of the account balance that is within that tier. Limit of one Preferred Savings account per member. Ready to earn more on your money? Open a savings account. ¹ Early access to direct deposit funds depends on the timing of the submission of the payment file from your employer or payer. Funds may be made available up to two days before the scheduled payment date but are not guaranteed. Not all direct deposits qualify. Frequently asked questions How old do I have to be to open an account? You'll need to be at least 18 years old to open an account online. If you're younger than 18, you can open an account as long as at least one of your parents or legal guardians opens the account with you. Schedule an appointment to talk with a banker or call 1-800-323-5109 for more information. Do you offer overdraft protection? All Vibrant checking accounts include Overdraft Privilege. Vibrant will automatically pay overdrafts for checks and automatic bill payments at our discretion. You can also choose Overdraft Protection and authorize Vibrant to pay overdrafts for debit card and ATM transactions when you open your account. If you'd like to add Overdraft Protection, contact us during regular business hours or send us a secure message through your online banking account. How long does it take for a mobile deposit to appear in my account? You’ll receive an email confirmation immediately after your deposit is accepted, but your funds will not appear until they’ve been processed. On business days, we post deposits at noon, 2 p.m., and 6 p.m. CT. If you make a deposit after 4 p.m. or on a holiday or weekend, your deposit will appear at noon on the next business day. How do I get a replacement debit card? Visit a branch to order a new debit card or send us a secure message through your online bank account to request a new one. You can also call our member services team at 800-323-5109 during regular business hours. How is interest calculated and how often is it paid? Interest dividends are paid monthly on your average daily balance for the month. So if you have an average daily balance of $100, you'll earn the interest listed for that product tier on that amount at the end of the month. What if I have more than $15,000 in my Preferred Savings account? Do I still earn interest? Yes! The portion of your balance under $15,000 will earn interest at the highest rate listed for Preferred Savings. The portion of your balance above $15,000 will earn interest at the lowest rate listed. Can I open more than one Preferred Savings account? Sorry, one account per member! You can open a second savings account of a different type or a Premier Checking account if you’re looking for ways to maximize your interest earnings above $15,000. How does early direct deposit work? Open a Vibrant account and set up direct deposit with your employer or benefits provider. Early access happens automatically for eligible deposits. We post your funds as soon as we receive payment instructions—which may be up to two days before your scheduled payday. Timing depends on when the payment file is received. Is early direct deposit guaranteed? No. Early access isn’t guaranteed and depends on when we receive the payment file from your employer or payer. Not all direct deposits are eligible for early access.

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