New to Yanmar Finance with Vibrant? Send us an email to set up your account and gain access to the dealer portal. Email us to get started Go to portal Standard Financing for New Equipment No down payment required; eligible for additional cash rebates. Rates current as of July 29, 2026. For rates with a credit score below 660 or low-rate financing options with either a consumer down payment or dealer participation, talk with your relationship manager. Credit tier A+ (820+) A (780–819) B (740–779) C (700–739) D (660–699) 36 months 5.99% 5.99% 5.99% 6.99% 9.99% 48 months 5.99% 5.99% 5.99% 6.99% 9.99% 60 months 5.99% 5.99% 5.99% 6.99% 9.99% 72 months 5.99% 5.99% 5.99% 6.99% 9.99% 84 months 6.99% 6.99% 6.99% 8.99% 10.99% 96 months 6.99% 6.99% 6.99% 8.99% 10.99% 120 months* 6.99% 6.99% 6.99% 8.99% 10.99% *"APR" = "Annual Percentage Rate." The above rates assume a Loan-to-Value ratio of 80% or less (add 1.00% for LTV 80.01-110% or add 3.00% for LTV above 110%). Not all buyers will qualify. **Loan Term is determined based on the amount financed - $15,000 loan minimum/120 month. Standard Financing for Used Equipment We now offer financing for used equipment, too—annual percentage rates ("APR") are one (1) percentage higher than standard financing for new equipment. Loan terms and amounts are based in part on the age and/or total usage of the equipment being financed. Age/Hours Max Term <500 Hours 84 <5 Years 84 6–10 Years 72 501–1000 Hours 72 11+ Years 60 1001+ Hours 60 Loan Portal Create new applications, check on the status of applications in progress, and more. Open the Loan Portal Business Hours M-F 7:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. CT Saturday 8:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. CT Note, hours adjust seasonally. Questions? Reach out to your relationship manager. Or email us at loanprogram@vibrantcu.org . Quick Resources Loan Portal Standard Rates Insurance Information ACH User Guide Video Resources Cale VanGenderen SVP, Equipment Finance Natalie Newcomb Equipment Finance Manager nnewcomb@vibrantcu.org Jessica Voges Account Manager 800-479-6206 jvoges@vibrantcu.org Kari Neff Account Manager 800-479-6206 kneff@vibrantcu.org Shawn LaBarge Account Manager 309-644-4738 slabarge@vibrantcu.org Drew Watkins Account Manager 800-479-6206 awatkins@vibrantcu.org Brayden Sechser Relationship Manager AK, AZ, CA, CO, HI, ID, MT, NV, OR, WA, WY 971-290-1271 bsechser@vibrantcu.org Carson Thomas Relationship Manager CT, DE, IN, KY, OH, MA, MD, ME, MI, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, VT, WV 563-785-5771 cthomas@vibrantcu.org Chuck Ellis Relationship Manager LA, NM, OK, TX 817-710-3739 cellis@vibrantcu.org Marc Brown Relationship Manager AR, IA, IL, KS, MN, MO, MS, ND, NE, SD, TN, WI 563-785-5858 mpbrown@vibrantcu.org Michael Schneidermann Relationship Manager AL, FL, GA, NC, SC, VA 309-250-1656 mschneidermann@vibrantcu.org Cale VanGenderen SVP, Equipment Finance Natalie Newcomb Equipment Finance Manager nnewcomb@vibrantcu.org Jessica Voges Account Manager 800-479-6206 jvoges@vibrantcu.org Kari Neff Account Manager 800-479-6206 kneff@vibrantcu.org Shawn LaBarge Account Manager 309-644-4738 slabarge@vibrantcu.org Drew Watkins Account Manager 800-479-6206 awatkins@vibrantcu.org Brayden Sechser Relationship Manager AK, AZ, CA, CO, HI, ID, MT, NV, OR, WA, WY 971-290-1271 bsechser@vibrantcu.org Carson Thomas Relationship Manager CT, DE, IN, KY, OH, MA, MD, ME, MI, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, VT, WV 563-785-5771 cthomas@vibrantcu.org Chuck Ellis Relationship Manager LA, NM, OK, TX 817-710-3739 cellis@vibrantcu.org Marc Brown Relationship Manager AR, IA, IL, KS, MN, MO, MS, ND, NE, SD, TN, WI 563-785-5858 mpbrown@vibrantcu.org Michael Schneidermann Relationship Manager AL, FL, GA, NC, SC, VA 309-250-1656 mschneidermann@vibrantcu.org Cale VanGenderen SVP, Equipment Finance Natalie Newcomb Equipment Finance Manager nnewcomb@vibrantcu.org Jessica Voges Account Manager 800-479-6206 jvoges@vibrantcu.org Kari Neff Account Manager 800-479-6206 kneff@vibrantcu.org Shawn LaBarge Account Manager 309-644-4738 slabarge@vibrantcu.org Drew Watkins Account Manager 800-479-6206 awatkins@vibrantcu.org Brayden Sechser Relationship Manager AK, AZ, CA, CO, HI, ID, MT, NV, OR, WA, WY 971-290-1271 bsechser@vibrantcu.org Carson Thomas Relationship Manager CT, DE, IN, KY, OH, MA, MD, ME, MI, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, VT, WV 563-785-5771 cthomas@vibrantcu.org Chuck Ellis Relationship Manager LA, NM, OK, TX 817-710-3739 cellis@vibrantcu.org Marc Brown Relationship Manager AR, IA, IL, KS, MN, MO, MS, ND, NE, SD, TN, WI 563-785-5858 mpbrown@vibrantcu.org Michael Schneidermann Relationship Manager AL, FL, GA, NC, SC, VA 309-250-1656 mschneidermann@vibrantcu.org Frequently Asked Questions What’s the relationship with Vibrant Credit Union? Vibrant Credit Union is Yanmar's exclusive loan processing and servicing partner for individual consumer and small business in the United States. We're here to make it faster and easier for your customers to get the financing they need to complete their purchases — and give you immediate access to funds. We worked closely with Yanmar to build a secure lending platform that fits your needs, and we're continually refining that technology based on feedback from you. As a member-owned nonprofit, we're committed to offering affordable loans to our members based on a holistic appraisal of their financial situation, and we've created a portfolio of flexible financing products to fit practically any budget. What information will I need to provide to set up my dealership account? Give us a call at (309) 644-4738 or email us at dealermanagement@vibrantcu.org . How long does it take to receive a decision on a loan application? Over half of applications are auto-approved on the spot with our flexible, risk-based scoring model. On those occasions when an application is not automatically approved, our lending team individually reviews the customer's financial information before making our final decision. Most of the time, we find a way to say yes in 30 minutes or less! Do you finance purchases of used equipment? We do! Loan terms and amounts will be based on the applicant's creditworthiness as well as the age/usage of the equipment being financed. See the table above for details. Where should I direct customers to manage their loan account and make payments? Vibrant has created an online account portal for customers where they can manage their accounts. They have three options for paying their loan: Pay online with their debit card. They can pay online with an ACH transfer from another bank account. Or, they can just mail us a check! Remind them to include their account number on the memo line for faster processing. Vibrant ATTN: Payments PO Box 1550 Moline IL 61266 I need help with my account. When is your dealer services team available? We run on seasonal hours (see above). You can reach us at 1-800-479-6206 during office hours or email us any time at loanprogram@vibrantcu.org . What do I need from my customer to obtain financing? Your customer will need to provide their government-issued ID (driver's license or U.S. passport). You'll also need a sales order with the year, make, model, and SN/VIN for all equipment being financed. Complete an application in the dealer portal and get a decision within minutes. I have a question about the program, who do I contact? Give us a call at (309) 644-4738 or email us at dealermanagement@vibrantcu.org . Vibrant has a dedicated relationship management team to assist dealers with any loan program or banking needs. One will be appointed to you when you sign on. Who are the Account Managers and what do they do? Our account management team is here to work every loan application from start to finish with you. After you submit an application, one of our account managers will email or call you within a couple of minutes to update you on the initial loan decision and requirements and confirm your sales order is complete (including year, make, model, and VIN/SN for all equipment). Once we have all that information, we can issue a final approval and send documentation to your and your customer to complete online via DocuSign. Questions about insurance? REV Insurance offers simple, dependable protection for your customers' equipment. Learn more about REV Insurance

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

New to Vibrant Equipment Lending? Send us an email to set up your account and gain access to the dealer portal. Email us to get started Go to portal Standard Financing for New Equipment No down payment required; eligible for additional cash rebates. Rates current as of July 29, 2026. For rates with a credit score below 660 or low-rate financing options with either a consumer down payment or dealer participation, talk with your relationship manager. Credit tier A+ (820+) A (780–819) B (740–779) C (700–739) D (660–699) 36 months 5.99% 5.99% 5.99% 6.99% 9.99% 48 months 5.99% 5.99% 5.99% 6.99% 9.99% 60 months 5.99% 5.99% 5.99% 6.99% 9.99% 72 months 5.99% 5.99% 5.99% 6.99% 9.99% 84 months 6.99% 6.99% 6.99% 8.99% 10.99% 96 months 6.99% 6.99% 6.99% 8.99% 10.99% 120 months* 6.99% 6.99% 6.99% 8.99% 10.99% *"APR" = "Annual Percentage Rate." The above rates assume a Loan-to-Value ratio of 80% or less (add 1.00% for LTV 80.01-110% or add 3.00% for LTV above 110%). Not all buyers will qualify. **Loan Term is determined based on the amount financed - $15,000 loan minimum/120 month. Standard Financing for Used Equipment We now offer financing for used equipment, too—annual percentage rates ("APR") are one (1) percentage higher than standard financing for new equipment. Loan terms and amounts are based in part on the age and/or total usage of the equipment being financed. Age/Hours Max Term <500 Hours 84 <5 Years 84 6–10 Years 72 501–1000 Hours 72 11+ Years 60 1001+ Hours 60 Loan Portal Create new applications, check on the status of applications in progress, and more. Open the Loan Portal Business Hours M-F 7:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. CT Saturday 8:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. CT Note, hours adjust seasonally. Questions? Reach out to your relationship manager. Or email us at loanprogram@vibrantcu.org . Quick Resources Loan Portal Standard Rates Insurance Information ACH User Guide Video Resources Cale VanGenderen SVP, Equipment Finance Natalie Newcomb Equipment Finance Manager nnewcomb@vibrantcu.org Jessica Voges Account Manager 800-479-6206 jvoges@vibrantcu.org Kari Neff Account Manager 800-479-6206 kneff@vibrantcu.org Shawn LaBarge Account Manager 309-644-4738 slabarge@vibrantcu.org Drew Watkins Account Manager 800-479-6206 awatkins@vibrantcu.org Brayden Sechser Relationship Manager AK, AZ, CA, CO, HI, ID, MT, NV, OR, WA, WY 971-290-1271 bsechser@vibrantcu.org Carson Thomas Relationship Manager CT, DE, IN, KY, OH, MA, MD, ME, MI, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, VT, WV 563-785-5771 cthomas@vibrantcu.org Chuck Ellis Relationship Manager LA, NM, OK, TX 817-710-3739 cellis@vibrantcu.org Marc Brown Relationship Manager AR, IA, IL, KS, MN, MO, MS, ND, NE, SD, TN, WI 563-785-5858 mpbrown@vibrantcu.org Michael Schneidermann Relationship Manager AL, FL, GA, NC, SC, VA 309-250-1656 mschneidermann@vibrantcu.org Cale VanGenderen SVP, Equipment Finance Natalie Newcomb Equipment Finance Manager nnewcomb@vibrantcu.org Jessica Voges Account Manager 800-479-6206 jvoges@vibrantcu.org Kari Neff Account Manager 800-479-6206 kneff@vibrantcu.org Shawn LaBarge Account Manager 309-644-4738 slabarge@vibrantcu.org Drew Watkins Account Manager 800-479-6206 awatkins@vibrantcu.org Brayden Sechser Relationship Manager AK, AZ, CA, CO, HI, ID, MT, NV, OR, WA, WY 971-290-1271 bsechser@vibrantcu.org Carson Thomas Relationship Manager CT, DE, IN, KY, OH, MA, MD, ME, MI, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, VT, WV 563-785-5771 cthomas@vibrantcu.org Chuck Ellis Relationship Manager LA, NM, OK, TX 817-710-3739 cellis@vibrantcu.org Marc Brown Relationship Manager AR, IA, IL, KS, MN, MO, MS, ND, NE, SD, TN, WI 563-785-5858 mpbrown@vibrantcu.org Michael Schneidermann Relationship Manager AL, FL, GA, NC, SC, VA 309-250-1656 mschneidermann@vibrantcu.org Cale VanGenderen SVP, Equipment Finance Natalie Newcomb Equipment Finance Manager nnewcomb@vibrantcu.org Jessica Voges Account Manager 800-479-6206 jvoges@vibrantcu.org Kari Neff Account Manager 800-479-6206 kneff@vibrantcu.org Shawn LaBarge Account Manager 309-644-4738 slabarge@vibrantcu.org Drew Watkins Account Manager 800-479-6206 awatkins@vibrantcu.org Brayden Sechser Relationship Manager AK, AZ, CA, CO, HI, ID, MT, NV, OR, WA, WY 971-290-1271 bsechser@vibrantcu.org Carson Thomas Relationship Manager CT, DE, IN, KY, OH, MA, MD, ME, MI, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, VT, WV 563-785-5771 cthomas@vibrantcu.org Chuck Ellis Relationship Manager LA, NM, OK, TX 817-710-3739 cellis@vibrantcu.org Marc Brown Relationship Manager AR, IA, IL, KS, MN, MO, MS, ND, NE, SD, TN, WI 563-785-5858 mpbrown@vibrantcu.org Michael Schneidermann Relationship Manager AL, FL, GA, NC, SC, VA 309-250-1656 mschneidermann@vibrantcu.org Frequently Asked Questions What’s the relationship with Vibrant Credit Union? Vibrant Equipment Lending is an exclusive loan processing and servicing partner for individual consumer and small business in the United States. We're here to make it faster and easier for your customers to get the financing they need to complete their purchases — and give you immediate access to funds. We worked to build a secure lending platform that fits your needs, and we're continually refining that technology based on feedback from you. As a member-owned nonprofit, we're committed to offering affordable loans to our members based on a holistic appraisal of their financial situation, and we've created a portfolio of flexible financing products to fit practically any budget. What information will I need to provide to set up my dealership account? Give us a call at (309) 644-4738 or email us at dealermanagement@vibrantcu.org . How long does it take to receive a decision on a loan application? Over half of applications are auto-approved on the spot with our flexible, risk-based scoring model. On those occasions when an application is not automatically approved, our lending team individually reviews the customer's financial information before making our final decision. Most of the time, we find a way to say yes in 30 minutes or less! Do you finance purchases of used equipment? We do! Loan terms and amounts will be based on the applicant's creditworthiness as well as the age/usage of the equipment being financed. See the table above for details. Where should I direct customers to manage their loan account and make payments? Vibrant has created an online account portal for customers where they can manage their accounts. They have three options for paying their loan: Pay online with their debit card. They can pay online with an ACH transfer from another bank account. Or, they can just mail us a check! Remind them to include their account number on the memo line for faster processing. Vibrant ATTN: Payments PO Box 1550 Moline IL 61266 I need help with my account. When is your dealer services team available? We run on seasonal hours (see above). You can reach us at 1-800-479-6206 during office hours or email us any time at loanprogram@vibrantcu.org . What do I need from my customer to obtain financing? Your customer will need to provide their government-issued ID (driver's license or U.S. passport). You'll also need a sales order with the year, make, model, and SN/VIN for all equipment being financed. Complete an application in the dealer portal and get a decision within minutes. I have a question about the program, who do I contact? Give us a call at (309) 644-4738 or email us at dealermanagement@vibrantcu.org . Vibrant has a dedicated relationship management team to assist dealers with any loan program or banking needs. One will be appointed to you when you sign on. Who are the Account Managers and what do they do? Our account management team is here to work every loan application from start to finish with you. After you submit an application, one of our account managers will email or call you within a couple of minutes to update you on the initial loan decision and requirements and confirm your sales order is complete (including year, make, model, and VIN/SN for all equipment). Once we have all that information, we can issue a final approval and send documentation to your and your customer to complete online via DocuSign. Questions about insurance? REV Insurance offers simple, dependable protection for your customers' equipment. Learn more about REV Insurance

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

Disclosures Members Member Service Agreement Rates and Service Charges (updated 08.12.2026) Online Banking Account Access Agreement and Disclosure Statement Your Home Loan Toolkit Mastercard Account Disclosure BillPay Terms and Conditions eSign Consent Notice Text Messaging and Opt-Out Policy Overdraft Protection Funds Availablility of Deposits Business Members Business Service Agreement Business Rates & Service Charges (updated 11.14.2025) Master ACH Agreement for Businesses Business Online Banking Account Access Agreement and Disclosure Statement Other Security and Refund Policy Illinois Community Reinvestment Act Notice - Corporate Illinois Community Reinvestment Act Notice - Branch

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

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

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

With the back-to-back-to-back failures of Silicon Valley Bank, Signature Bank, and Silvergate Bank, followed by widespread turmoil in the financial markets, it's only natural to wonder whether your own money is safe where it is. Understanding recent bank failures and what they mean for you With the back-to-back-to-back failures of Silicon Valley Bank, Signature Bank, and Silvergate Bank, followed by widespread turmoil in the financial markets, it's only natural to wonder whether your own money is safe where it is. With the back-to-back-to-back failures of Silicon Valley Bank , Signature Bank , and Silvergate Bank, followed by widespread turmoil in the financial markets, it's only natural to wonder whether your own money is safe where it is. The most important thing to know is that these recent bank failures were the fault of decisions made by those institutions specifically — and that they don’t necessarily reflect on the financial stability of other banks and credit unions. Nevertheless, their collapse is a timely reminder to learn more about the financial health of your own credit union or bank. Here are a few tips for evaluating how safe your money is. If you have less than $250,000 in deposits with a single NCUA- or FDIC-insured financial institution, you’re not at risk. If you have less than a total of $250,000 deposited among your accounts (including checking, savings, money market, CD, IRA, and Revocable Trust accounts), your funds are protected. If you share any of those accounts with another person, then both of you are individually insured up to $250,000 in deposits. That means that if you and your spouse share a checking account and a savings account, then you’re protected up to $500,000 of deposits. Three account owners? Then you’re protected up to $750,000. How do you find out if your financial institution is NCUA- or FDIC-insured? Deposit insurance for credit union members is provided by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA). All federal credit unions and nearly all state-chartered credit unions (including Vibrant) are protected by NCUA deposit insurance. You can confirm your credit union’s NCUA status by searching the NCUA member database . You should also see notices about its NCUA insurance posted on its website and on its premises. Deposit insurance for U.S. banks is provided by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). Nearly all U.S. banks are FDIC-insured. As with the NCUA, the FDIC also requires member institutions to post notices about its FDIC membership on its website and on its premises. You can also confirm a bank’s FDIC status through the FDIC website. If you DO have deposits in excess of FDIC or NCUA limits, take a closer look at your financial institution’s performance. There may be situations where you need to maintain a total balance above the deposit insurance limit of $250,000 — for instance, if you’re running a business with large cash requirements for payroll or inventory or if you're trying to maximize your interest earnings by consolidating your money in a single account with the best available rate. If that’s the case, here are some ways to assess your financial institution’s overall health. 1. Find out where your credit union or bank invests its deposits. Financial institutions generate revenue in two ways — either by lending money out and earning interest on those loans or by investing in other forms of equity — stocks, bonds, and other securities. You can look at Vibrant’s statement of financial condition to get a broad overview of where we invest deposits. In the case of Silicon Valley Bank, by comparison, more than 40 percent of its income came from investments — many in the form of long-term Treasury bonds, which have lost value as interest rates have risen in the last year. Meanwhile, Signature and Silvergate heavily invested in cryptocurrency, which has also lost significant value in the past year. 2. Look for steady deposit growth. When people and businesses continue to deposit their money with an institution, it’s a sign there’s strong confidence in how the institution manages its assets. In Vibrant’s case, total deposits have grown from about $407 million at the end of 2012 to about $774 million at the end of 2022 — a 47 percent increase in deposits over the last decade. (You can access past financial statements for Vibrant or any credit union via the NCUA website if you really want to get in the weeds.) 3. Look at the institution’s capitalization classification. Every NCUA- or FDIC-insured financial institution must meet certain capital requirements that ensure it has enough cash on hand to meet its depositors' needs. NCUA considers a credit union “well capitalized” if it has a net worth ratio above 7 and a capital ratio above 10. For reference, Vibrant’s current net worth ratio of 9.48 and capital ratio of 14.93 place it well within the "well capitalized" category. (Capitalization classifications are available for every credit union within the quarterly call reports posted on the NCUA website.) Why a credit union can be a less risky choice than a bank The bank run that led to the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank resulted from widespread panic among depositors after its financial reporting showed the bank might not have funds available to meet all its financial obligations. Rather than risk losing any deposits in excess of FDIC insurance limits, many customers decided to withdraw their funds while they could and move them elsewhere — making Silicon Valley Bank’s existing issues even worse. In general, credit unions like Vibrant are far less likely to experience bank runs because the overwhelming majority of their deposits are federally guaranteed. More than 90 percent of credit union deposits fall within deposit insurance limits, while only about 50 percent of bank deposits do. Additionally, credit unions tend to prioritize safe, sound, and fiscally responsible investments over the pursuit of the ever-higher profits expected by bank shareholders. As member-owned nonprofits, credit unions don’t answer to Wall Street — only to their members. For Vibrant, that means lending money at affordable rates and providing a fair return for members who put their savings into money market accounts and certificates of deposit. If you’re considering moving your money now, talk to us about how we can help safeguard your deposits while enabling you to meet your financial needs. Open an account today . Previous Item Next Item

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

Schedule an appointment online to meet with a Vibrant banker at Vibrant HQ to open a new account, get a financial review, or make changes to your existing account. Add a signer to your account Need to add a signer to an existing Vibrant deposit account? Schedule an appointment at Vibrant HQ to complete the paperwork. Schedule an appointment > Get a personal financial review Get personalized advice on which Vibrant products are right for you. Talk one-on-one with a personal banker at Vibrant HQ. Choose the date and time that work best for you! Get a financial review > Open a Certificate of Deposit (CD) Schedule an in-person meeting at Vibrant HQ with a personal banker. Choose the date or time that works best for you! Schedule a meeting > Schedule an appointment with a banker Trying to decide what product is right for you? Schedule time to talk with a Vibrant Personal Banker. Open a checking or savings account Meet one-on-one with a Vibrant banker to open a new checking or savings account at a time that works for you. Open an account > Open a Certificate of Deposit (CD) Set up time to open a CD with a Vibrant banker at our Vibrant HQ location. Choose the date or time that works best for you! Open a CD > Open an account for a minor Schedule an in-person meeting with a member of our team to open a new savings or checking account for a minor. Open a minor account > Add a specialty account (Trust, IRA, HSA, POA) Book time to meet with a member of our team for assistance with specialty accounts including Trusts, IRAs, HSAs, and Power of Attorney (POA) accounts. Get started > Financial wellness check‑in Meet with a member of our team to talk through your financial needs and explore products and services that may be a good fit for you. Book a meeting > Add a signer to your account Need to add a signer to an existing Vibrant deposit account? Schedule an appointment at Vibrant HQ to complete the paperwork. Get started > Decedent account services Meet with a member of our team for assistance with handling a deceased member’s account and related banking needs. Schedule a time >

Get help managing your financial portfolio from Vibrant's own certified financial advisers. Make an appointment today. You can become a Vibrant member no matter where you work or live* We welcome all U.S. citizens and permanent residents. To get started, choose the category that describes you I'm already a member Hey there! Because you're already a member, you don't need to go through all the red tape to open an additional account. See for yourself how easy it is! Get started I live or work in Iowa Do you live in or work for a business in one of these eligible Iowa counties ? You automatically qualify for membership. Open an account I live or work in Illinois Do you live in or work for a business in one of these eligible Illinois counties ? You automatically qualify for membership. Open an account I live or work in Wisconsin Do you live in or work for a business in Grant , Green , or Lafayette County ? If so, you automatically qualify for membership. Open an account I want to be a part of the Be The Good Foundation. Become a Friend of Vibrant’s Be The Good Foundation. We’ll make a $5 donation on your behalf to support financial literacy, youth life skills, and strengthen communities through grants, volunteers, and partnerships. Open an account I live or work in Indiana Do you live in or work for a business in Fountain , Vermillion , or Warren County ? You're welcome to join. Open an account I'm a member of an association that Vibrant partners with Are you a member of one of these eligible associations ? Not sure if this applies to you? Get in touch and we'll check to see if you qualify! Open an account I want to join the Illinois Consumer Council The Illinois Consumer Council (ILCC) is a nonprofit member organization dedicated to consumer advocacy, financial education, and championing the rights of all consumers—and its members are automatically qualified for Vibrant membership, too. Open an account I'm not sure! Help! There are other ways to qualify for membership. Contact us at 1-800-323-5109 to discuss your eligibility or apply for membership online. Get started * Pursuant to Vibrant’s current eligibility requirements, which may include Field of Membership and internal policies.