(And Why the Answer Isn’t the Same for Everyone) How Much Should You Actually Have in Checking vs. Savings? (And Why the Answer Isn’t the Same for Everyone) At some point, most people end up asking the same question: “How much money should I actually keep in checking versus savings?” It feels like there should be a clean answer to this. A number you can aim for. A rule that confirms you’re doing things the right way. But money doesn’t really work like that — especially right now. If your balances don’t look like what you think they “should,” that doesn’t automatically mean you’ve messed something up. More often, it means you’re navigating higher costs, unpredictable expenses, and a lot of mixed messages about what you’re supposed to prioritize. So instead of chasing a perfect split, let’s talk about how to think about checking and savings in a way that’s actually helpful (and doesn’t make you feel behind before you even start). Why This Question Feels So Loaded Lately This used to be a pretty straightforward logistics question. Now? It feels personal. Everyday expenses are higher. Headlines are louder. Social feeds are full of people sharing “what you should have by now,” usually without much context about how different everyone’s lives actually are. So when you look at your accounts and feel like the numbers fall short, it’s easy to assume that’s on you. In reality, many people have shifted toward keeping more money accessible — not because they’re careless, but because flexibility feels safer. That’s not a failure. It’s a reasonable response to uncertainty. Before worrying about whether your checking‑to‑savings split is “correct,” it helps to ground the conversation in what those accounts are meant to do . What Checking and Savings Are Really There For At a basic level: Checking is about flow. It handles income, bills, daily spending — the money your life runs on. Savings is about flexibility. It’s there for breathing room, surprises, and things you’d rather not have collide with your weekly routine. That distinction still applies, but the line between the two has blurred. Many checking and savings accounts now earn meaningful interest, which changes the conversation. It’s no longer just about where money “sits.” It’s about where money can live comfortably while still growing . That matters when you’re deciding how much to keep where. So… How Much Should You Have in Each? Here’s the most honest answer: there’s a range, not a rule . Where people land depends on things like: How predictable their income is How variable their expenses are How much fluctuation they’re comfortable with What helps them sleep at night Some people keep more in checking to avoid timing stress. Others prefer a larger savings balance for peace of mind. Plenty of people move fluidly between the two. What matters more than hitting a textbook ratio is whether: Bills clear without anxiety Surprise expenses don’t derail everything You don’t feel like you’re constantly juggling transfers If those things are true, your split is probably doing its job — even if it doesn’t match anyone else’s formula. Why Keeping “Too Much” Accessible Isn’t Always Wrong You’ll often hear that keeping too much in checking is inefficient. But efficiency isn’t the only thing that matters. For a lot of people right now, access equals calm . Knowing you can cover something without moving money around, waiting on transfers, or second‑guessing timing has real value. This is where high ‑ yield checking and savings accounts can quietly make life easier. When money earns a strong return in either place, you’re not forced to choose between: Feeling prepared, or Letting your money grow You get flexibility without giving something up — and that’s a big deal when life doesn’t follow a neat script. A More Useful Way to Evaluate Your Setup Instead of asking, “Is this the right amount?” try asking: Can I pay what needs to be paid without stress? Do short‑term surprises feel manageable? Do I understand where my money is and what it’s doing? Is the money I keep accessible earning something reasonable? If you’re answering “yes” more often than not, your setup is functioning — even if it doesn’t look perfect on paper. Money systems that work in real life are often more forgiving than fashionable. That’s not a flaw. That’s what makes them sustainable. Making Changes Without Overreacting If you do want to adjust how much you keep in checking versus savings, it doesn’t have to be dramatic. Smaller shifts tend to be easier to live with: Let balances move gradually See how it feels over a month or two Prioritize comfort and clarity over precision Big changes, made all at once, often create more second‑guessing than progress — especially when everything else feels uncertain. The Takeaway There’s nothing inherently wrong with where your money lives if it’s supporting your life. Checking and savings aren’t competing goals — they’re complementary tools. And when both can earn competitive returns, you don’t have to contort your behavior just to feel like you’re “doing it right.” If your setup gives you flexibility, access, and the sense that you’re not constantly playing catch‑up, you’re probably in better shape than you think. Sometimes the best financial move isn’t hitting the perfect number. It’s choosing a setup that lets you breathe. Previous Item Next Item Read more from the blog Read More > 10 Reasons to Set Up Direct Deposit Whether you're looking for a faster payday, easier money management, or a more secure way to get paid, direct deposit has benefits worth exploring. Read More > APY vs. Dividend Rate Why there are two numbers (and what they actually mean) Read More > Award-Winning. Again. (Not our words, the WSJ's.) Read More > How Mobile Check Deposit Works And When It Makes Sense to Use It Read More > Is Online Banking Safe? What Really Keeps Your Money Protected Read More > 5 Smart Habits That Make Managing Your Money Easier (Not Harder) Managing money shouldn’t feel like a part-time job.

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 Read more from the blog Read More > 10 Reasons to Set Up Direct Deposit Whether you're looking for a faster payday, easier money management, or a more secure way to get paid, direct deposit has benefits worth exploring. Read More > APY vs. Dividend Rate Why there are two numbers (and what they actually mean) Read More > Award-Winning. Again. (Not our words, the WSJ's.) Read More > How Much Should You Actually Have in Checking vs. Savings? (And Why the Answer Isn’t the Same for Everyone) Read More > How Mobile Check Deposit Works And When It Makes Sense to Use It Read More > Is Online Banking Safe? What Really Keeps Your Money Protected

WSJ Award-winning. Again. The Wall Street Journal recognized Vibrant Credit Union two years running. Ninety years of evolving, improving, and refusing to be just another financial institution. And now, there are receipts. Open an account High-yield accounts Say goodbye to that 0.01% APY* you're getting at your current bank. And hello to Vibrant. 24/7 mobile banking Deposit checks, pay bills, and review your balances any time—all from your own device. No hidden fees With Vibrant, you'll never be surprised by monthly fees or minimum balance requirements. Open an account from anywhere See how you can earn more with Vibrant Compare our rates with other banks, and it’s easy to see why we lead the way. Savings Checking *APY = "Annual Percentage Yield." APYs accurate as of October 1, 2026. Rates subject to change without notice. $5 Membership Share account required. Federally insured by NCUA. The example provided is for illustrative purposes only. As of December 26, 2025, NCUA reports the national average rate for interest checking accounts offered by banks is 0.20% APY, based on a $2,500 balance, and the national average rate for interest checking accounts offered by credit unions is 0.15% APY, based on a $2,500 balance. 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. *APY = "Annual Percentage Yield." APYs accurate as of October 1, 2026. Rates subject to change without notice. $5 Membership Share account required. Federally insured by NCUA. The example provided is for illustrative purposes only. As of December 26, 2025, NCUA reports the national average interest rate for savings accounts offered by banks is 0.32% APY, based on a $2,500 balance, and the national average interest rate for savings accounts offered by 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. Limit of one Preferred Savings account per member. Find the right account for you Premier Checking Get a high-yield checking account with no hoops to jump through—just the high rate you deserve. 3.75% APY* on balances up to $24,999 No monthly fees No minimum balance requirements No minimum debit card transactions required No direct deposit required Get paid up to 2-days early with eligible direct deposits¹ Federally insured by NCUA See more checking account rates > Preferred Savings Build your savings fast by opening a high-yield interest account without all the restrictions or fees. 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 See more savings account rates > Elite Savings Earn interest at rates comparable to a high-yield CD—without penalties when you want to make a withdrawal. 4.25% APY* on balances over $1,000,000 No monthly fees No minimum balance requirements Unlimited transfers and withdrawals Dividends paid monthly Federally insured by NCUA up to $250,000 per account holder—talk to us about strategies to maximize your deposit insurance See more savings account rates > 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. Open an account now 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 October 1, 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 October 1, 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. 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. 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.

Vibrant's core values aren't just words on a poster in some conference room. They actually reflect the way we do business each day. Our values make us Vibrant We didn’t set out to write a manifesto about our organizational values. We just wanted to answer a simple question: Why do some people thrive at Vibrant, while others (equally qualified on paper!) don’t? The more we talked with the people who’d been here the longest or risen the fastest, however, the more we noticed a few qualities we all share. If you share them, too, let’s talk. Apply now We own every opportunity. In other words, we think a job description is just a starting point. When we see a member who needs help or a stressed-out coworker, we step in. When we see a better way to accomplish something, we try it out. If it works, we tell other people about it. We are open, honest, and authentic. We’re not afraid to speak up when we have a different opinion, and we don’t take it personally when we’re challenged. We try to be honest with each other when we disagree. Because those differences of opinion make us stronger. We are swift and relentless in the pursuit of greatness. Here’s what that looks like in action. After the Payroll Protection Program launched, our bankers worked through the weekend, fuelled by pizza deliveries and coffee, to respond to all the businesses who turned to us for help. We eventually processed more than $200 million in loans and helped save more than 21,000 jobs. We bring contagious energy. When you’re excited about the work you do, other people can't help but get a little excited themselves. That doesn’t mean you have to be an extrovert to work here. You just have to care about getting things right. We think, speak, and act for the collective good. We are mindful of all the stakeholders affected by our decisions, from our members and our communities to our colleagues and ourselves. They're in our core.

Your Vibrant deposits are insured up to $250,000 per account holder. If you keep your IRA here as well, that deposit is separately insured up to $250,000. How we protect your money Security When it comes to financial services, security is the name of the game. Our federal savings deposit insurance covers up to $250,000 for regular savings and checking accounts, even IRAs. How’s that for a little peace of mind? Government protection The National Credit Union Administration is the federal agency that insures credit unions, much in the same way that the FDIC insures banks. They cap their coverage at $250,000 per depositor, per institution, for each account ownership category. The whole thing can get a bit confusing, but the idea is there is some wiggle room. Your retirement is covered IRAs are insured separately from your other regular accounts, with the same maximum of $250,000. This means that, between your IRA and regular checking, you can trust Vibrant with half a million of your hard-earned dollars—and maybe even more. Using more accounts for more coverage For example, families can leverage their multiple accounts to increase their coverage beyond the $250,000 limit. If it seems complicated, don’t worry. We can help you set up your accounts to ensure you are getting optimum coverage.

Learn more aboutEnable second-factor authentication (2FA) Enable second-factor authentication (2FA) When you use 2FA, you’ll automatically receive a verification code via text or email when you try to log in to your Vibrant account. Before you can access your information, you’ll have to enter that code into your smartphone or browser. 2FA verification codes are set to expire within 10 minutes, and they change every time you request one by logging in. Step 1: Log in to your Vibrant account. Log in from your browser or use the Vibrant mobile app (available for Apple or Android ). Step 2: Access your security settings. For mobile app users Select MORE from the options listed across the bottom of the screen. Select FULL SITE. Select TOOLS. Select SETTINGS. Select SECURITY. Go to the section labeled TWO-FACTOR AUTHENTICATION. Toggle the switch to the right from OFF to ON. Choose the channels through which you prefer to receive your verification code (text, email, voice call). For browser users Select TOOLS. Select SETTINGS. Select SECURITY. Go to the section labeled TWO-FACTOR AUTHENTICATION. Toggle the switch to the right from OFF to ON. Choose where you want Vibrant to send your verification code (text, email, voice call). Previous Item Next Item How to connect external accounts Move money between your Vibrant accounts and your accounts at other financial institutions via your online banking dashboard. Learn more > How to update your password It's a good idea to change your password at least once a year—and more frequently if you use shared computers or public WiFi. Learn more > How to protect yourself against fraud Scammers are always trying new ways to gain unauthorized access to your account. Use these guidelines to better protect yourself. Learn more > Additional resources

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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 Read more from the blog Read More > 10 Reasons to Set Up Direct Deposit Whether you're looking for a faster payday, easier money management, or a more secure way to get paid, direct deposit has benefits worth exploring. Read More > APY vs. Dividend Rate Why there are two numbers (and what they actually mean) Read More > Award-Winning. Again. (Not our words, the WSJ's.) Read More > How Much Should You Actually Have in Checking vs. Savings? (And Why the Answer Isn’t the Same for Everyone) Read More > How Mobile Check Deposit Works And When It Makes Sense to Use It Read More > Is Online Banking Safe? What Really Keeps Your Money Protected

What’s a CD? For some, CD stands for compact disc, which was used to record and play music once upon a time, in an age before smart phones and iPods. But that’s not the type of CD we’re talking about here. In the financial world, "CD" stands for "certificate of deposit." What is a certificate of deposit and how does it work? What’s a CD? For some, CD stands for compact disc, which was used to record and play music once upon a time, in an age before smart phones and iPods. But that’s not the type of CD we’re talking about here. In the financial world, "CD" stands for "certificate of deposit." What’s a CD? For some, CD stands for compact disc, which was used to record and play music once upon a time, in an age before smart phones and iPods. But that’s not the type of CD we’re talking about here. In the financial world, "CD" stands for "certificate of deposit." If you’re unfamiliar with certificates of deposit, it’s an investment tool that allows you to turn the tables on the lender. Instead of paying interest on a loan, the bank pays you interest on a deposit. What is a certificate of deposit? As the name suggests, a certificate of deposit is a deposit. You deposit a specific dollar amount with a lender, but you agree not to withdraw that deposit for a certain length of time. It could be three months, a year, or even as long as 10 years. For as long as you agree to leave the deposit with the lender, you will earn interest on that deposit. Once your certificate of deposit has reached what’s called its “maturity date,” you can withdraw that money, penalty-free. Like a cherry on top of an ice cream sundae, you’ll also get to pocket the interest. How does a CD work? The most important parts of a certificate of deposit are the interest rate and the length of the deposit. Generally, the longer you are willing to leave your deposit with a lender, the better the interest rate they’re going to offer you. CDs are an appealing alternative to a traditional savings account because the interest rates are often higher and the rates are fixed. It’s considered a safe investment tool because you’re not at the mercy of the market. CDs are also federally insured, so your deposit is protected. You also have the freedom to shop around and find the lender that offers the best CD interest rates. Is a CD right for you? Do you have a chunk of cash tucked away that you don’t need right now? Instead of collecting dust, that money can collect interest in a CD. It can grow into a bigger chunk of cash that you can then use toward a home, a car, or even a boat if you’re looking to set sail. The risk is obviously that, in the event that you find yourself in a bind, you can’t withdraw the funds without paying a penalty. So it’s best not to think of this deposit as an emergency fund. On the flip side, it can remove the temptation to spend that money. You can consider the CD as safekeeping for savings you might be tempted to spend under the right circumstances. If you’re interested in a Certificate of Deposit, get in touch with us ! The sooner you make your deposit, the sooner you can start growing that deposit into something more. Previous Item Next Item Read more from the blog Read More > 10 Reasons to Set Up Direct Deposit Whether you're looking for a faster payday, easier money management, or a more secure way to get paid, direct deposit has benefits worth exploring. Read More > APY vs. Dividend Rate Why there are two numbers (and what they actually mean) Read More > Award-Winning. Again. (Not our words, the WSJ's.) Read More > How Much Should You Actually Have in Checking vs. Savings? (And Why the Answer Isn’t the Same for Everyone) Read More > How Mobile Check Deposit Works And When It Makes Sense to Use It Read More > Is Online Banking Safe? What Really Keeps Your Money Protected

If your personal or financial information has not yet been compromised by a data breach, count yourself lucky. In 2022, Statista reports there were 1,800 data breaches reported in the United States, everywhere from Twitter to Uber to the credit reporting agency Experian. What to do if your personal data is compromised If your personal or financial information has not yet been compromised by a data breach, count yourself lucky. In 2022, Statista reports there were 1,800 data breaches reported in the United States, everywhere from Twitter to Uber to the credit reporting agency Experian. If your personal or financial information has not yet been compromised by a data breach, count yourself lucky. In 2022, Statista reports there were 1,800 data breaches reported in the United States , everywhere from Twitter to Uber to the credit reporting agency Experian. If you receive a notification that your personal and/or financial information has been compromised, here are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Change your passwords. And while you’re at it, make sure you’re not using the same passwords for more than one login. That’s easier said than done when the average person has dozens of logins to manage, so consider using a password manager like 1Password or Dashlane . These applications will not only remember your login information at every site, they’ll make it easy to choose a unique, hard-to-crack password any time you create an account. But don’t get overconfident—even the password manager LastPass experienced a data breach in 2022 —that’s how common data breaches are.) Set up multi-factor authentication—especially for that password manager you probably just started using. Multi-factor authentication enables you to add an extra layer of protection between your password and your data. After your login information has been correctly entered, with MFA, you’ll automatically receive a phone call or a text message asking you to confirm that you’re the person attempting to access your account, along with a one-time code you can use to prove you’re really you. Take advantage of any free credit monitoring or identity theft protection services you are offered by the organization that was breached. Most companies will offer these services as compensation for the inconvenience they have caused you. Consider adding a verbal PIN or passphrase to your financial accounts. If identity thieves acquire enough of your personal information, it’s possible that they can assume control of your checking and savings accounts by contacting your financial institution and pretending to be you. One way to protect yourself at Vibrant—call us and set up a verbal PIN or passphrase we’ll ask you to provide every time you call. Scammers won’t know you have one unless they call – and it’s much more difficult to crack a password on the phone. Consider setting up a credit freeze. You can place a credit freeze on your credit report, preventing any lender or retailer from pulling your credit as part of a credit application. If you’re not actively in the market for a loan or credit card, then setting up a security freeze on your credit report is an effective way to keep identity thieves from signing up for credit cards of their own. If you later need to apply for credit, you can remove the security freeze either temporarily or permanently. The process is simple, free and can be completed online, via phone, or through the mail. Make sure to contact all three main credit reporting agencies (Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion) to ensure you’re completely protected. Get complete instructions on setting up a credit freeze from USA.gov . Watch your bank and credit card accounts for suspicious transactions. If you see a transaction that doesn’t look familiar, contact your financial institution immediately to file a dispute. If your card has been compromised, your financial institution can issue you a new number and close the old account. Check your credit report regularly to make sure no one is taking out credit in your name. If you’ve signed up for online banking with Vibrant, it’s easy to keep an eye on your credit report. Log in , go to the TOOLS menu, and choose CREDIT TRACKER. You’ll receive an alert any time your credit report updates—from decreases in your available credit to new accounts added. Consider investing in identity theft insurance. Many homeowners and renters policies include optional identity theft protection that can cost as little as $15 a year. This coverage can provide compensation for attorneys’ fees, lost wages if you need to take time away from work to rectify the damage, and for administrative costs including certified mail, long-distance calls, or notary fees. Talk to our partners at Vibrant Insurance Group to find identity theft coverage that fits your needs. Feeling overwhelmed? Get expert advice from IdentityTheft.gov . This free program from the Federal Trade Commission will walk you through everything you need to do in the event of a data breach or documented case of identity theft (e.g., you have found a fraudulent charge on your credit card). Previous Item Next Item Read more from the blog Read More > 10 Reasons to Set Up Direct Deposit Whether you're looking for a faster payday, easier money management, or a more secure way to get paid, direct deposit has benefits worth exploring. Read More > APY vs. Dividend Rate Why there are two numbers (and what they actually mean) Read More > Award-Winning. Again. (Not our words, the WSJ's.) Read More > How Much Should You Actually Have in Checking vs. Savings? (And Why the Answer Isn’t the Same for Everyone) Read More > How Mobile Check Deposit Works And When It Makes Sense to Use It Read More > Is Online Banking Safe? What Really Keeps Your Money Protected

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 Read more from the blog Read More > 10 Reasons to Set Up Direct Deposit Whether you're looking for a faster payday, easier money management, or a more secure way to get paid, direct deposit has benefits worth exploring. Read More > APY vs. Dividend Rate Why there are two numbers (and what they actually mean) Read More > Award-Winning. Again. (Not our words, the WSJ's.) Read More > How Much Should You Actually Have in Checking vs. Savings? (And Why the Answer Isn’t the Same for Everyone) Read More > How Mobile Check Deposit Works And When It Makes Sense to Use It Read More > Is Online Banking Safe? What Really Keeps Your Money Protected

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