Move your money to Vibrant and let it grow If you're not taking advantage of our high-yield checking and savings accounts, you're leaving money on the table every month. Open an account online Move your money to Vibrant and let it grow If you're not taking advantage of our high-yield checking and savings accounts, you're leaving money on the table every month. Open an account See how we match up against your current bank No monthly fees Enjoy unlimited transactions with no minimum balance required. Market-leading interest rates Paying you more interest on your checking and savings every day is pretty much our whole deal. 24/7 mobile banking Deposit checks, pay bills, and keep track of your credit score from your smartphone. So many perks Get ticket discounts and VIP access at Vibrant Arena, special offers from Vibrant Music Hall, 20% off at Vibrant Coffeehouse + Kitchen, plus much more. Current rates Elite Savings Average Daily Balance APY* $100,000 – $249,999.99 4.00% $250,000 – $999,999.99 4.25% $1,000,000+ 4.50% *APY = "Annual Percentage Yield." APYs accurate as of December 4, 2024. Rates subject to change without notice. Elite Savings is a tiered account; 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. Balances below $100,000 will earn 0.50% APY. $5 Membership Share account required. Federally insured by NCUA. Preferred Savings Average daily balance APY* $0 –$14,999.99 4.50% $15,000+ 4.50% – 1.00% *APY = "Annual Percentage Yield." APYs accurate as of December 4, 2024. Rates subject to change without notice. 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. $5 Membership Share account required. Federally insured by NCUA. Premier Checking Average Daily Balance APY* $ 0 – $24,999.99 4.00% $25,000+ 1.50% – 4.00% *APY = "Annual Percentage Yield." APYs accurate as of December 4, 2024. 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. $5 Membership Share account required. Federally insured by NCUA. Premier Checking Average Daily Balance APY* $ 0 – $24,999.99 4.00% $25,000+ 1.50% – 4.00% *APY = "Annual Percentage Yield." APYs accurate as of December 4, 2024. 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. $5 Membership Share account required. Federally insured by NCUA. Who is eligible to become a Vibrant member? 1. Any U.S. citizen or permanent resident of the U.S. can become eligible for Vibrant membership by joining the Illinois Consumer Council. The ILCC is a nonprofit member organization dedicated to consumer advocacy, financial education, and championing the rights of all consumers. Vibrant Credit Union will enroll you and cover costs associated with the ILCC membership. OR 2. You can qualify for membership without joining the ILCC if you are a U.S. citizen or permanent U.S. resident who fits into one of the following categories: You're a member of one of the associations we partner with You're a current or retired employee of one of the many businesses, professions, and/organizations we partner with within the U.S. Your domestic partner or immediate family member is a current Vibrant Credit Union member You live or work in one of the neighborhoods, communities, or rural districts defined in our geographical area: Illinois Bureau, Carroll, Clark, DeKalb, Edgar, Henderson, Henry, Jo Daviess, Knox, Lee, Mercer, Ogle, Peoria, Putnam, Rock Island, Stark, Stephenson, Vermillion, Warren, Whiteside, Winnebago, and parts of Cook County Indiana Fountain, Vermillion, and Warren Iowa Cedar, Clinton, Dallas, Des Moines, Dubuque, Jackson, Johnson, Jones, Linn, Louisa, Muscatine, Polk, Scott, Story, and Warren Wisconsin Grant, Green, and Lafayette This is not a complete or exhaustive list of membership eligibility criteria. Please contact us at 1-800-323-5109 to discuss your eligibility for membership at Vibrant Credit Union or apply for membership online . How long will these rates be available? Don't worry—this is no "special introductory offer." We're committed to bring all our members, no matter the size of their balance, the best rates on checking and savings they can find anywhere. While rates may fluctuate in response to larger economic trends, our promise is that ours will always be well above what you'll earn at the average bank or credit union. With no monthly fees, no hoops, and no hassle. Do I have to sign up for direct deposit, maintain a minimum balance, or make a certain number of transactions? Nope! All you need to do is open an account, and you'll start earning a great rate on your balance each month no matter how you use your account. Is my deposit insured? Your accounts are insured up to $250,000 per account holder by NCUAA (that's the credit union equivalent of the FDIC). Want to carry a larger balance? Talk to us about strategies for maximizing your deposit insurance—and check out our equally great account options for higher balances . Frequently asked questions Add a Title Earn 4.50% APY* on savings up to $14,999 With Preferred Savings, your money can start working as hard as you do. Open an account online

Earn 4.50% APY* on your balance up to $15,000 No hoops. No hassle. Always the best rates. What are you waiting for? Open an account online What's your savings goal? No monthly fees. No minimum balance requirements. Build up savings fast You’ll start earning interest at the same rate million-dollar depositors do with the very first $5 you deposit. Save up for a big purchase With Preferred Savings, you can reach your goals faster with monthly dividend payments. Earn more without sacrificing flexibility Even though you’ll earn interest comparable to a high-yield CD, you can make a withdrawal at any time with no penalty. Add a Title Earn 4.50% APY* on savings up to $14,999 With Preferred Savings, your money can start working as hard as you do. Open an account online Preferred Savings Rates Current as of December 4, 2024 Average daily balance APY* $0 –$14,999.99 4.50% $15,000+ 4.50% – 1.00% 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. *APY = "Annual Percentage Yield." APYs accurate as of December 4, 2024. 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. $5 Membership Share account required. Federally insured by NCUA.

We're not just saying we're the best . It's been scientifically proven. Savings Checking CDs 4.50% APY* on balances up to $15,000 Vibrant 0.35% APY* Average U.S. Bank 0.21% APY* Average U.S. Credit Union 4.00% APY* on balances up to $24,999 Vibrant 0.22% APY* Average U.S. Bank 0.14% APY* Average U.S. Credit Union 4.25% APY* Vibrant 13-month CD 2.41% APY* Average U.S. Bank 1-year CD 3.26% APY* Average U.S. Credit Union 1-year CD * For illustrative purposes only. "APY" = "Annual Percentage Yield." Savings comparison: As of September 27, 2024, NCUA reports the national average interest rate for savings accounts offered by banks is 0.35% APY, based on a $2,500 balance, and the national average interest rate for savings accounts offered by credit unions is 0.21% APY, based on a $2,500 balance. Vibrant APY is for the Preferred Savings account and is accurate as of December 4, 2024. Rates are subject to change. 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. $5 Membership Share account required. Federally insured by NCUA. Checking comparison: As of September 27, 2024, NCUA reports the national average rate for interest checking accounts offered by banks is 0.22% APY, based on a $2,500 balance, and the national average rate for interest checking accounts offered by credit unions is 0.14% APY, based on a $2,500 balance. Vibrant APY is for the Premier Checking account and is accurate as of December 4, 2024. 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. $5 Membership Share account required. Rates subject to change without notice. Federally insured by NCUA. CD comparison: As of September 27, 2024, NCUA reports the national average rate for 1-year CD offered by banks is 2.41% APY, based on a $10,000 deposit, and the national average rate for a 1-year CD offered by credit unions is 3.26% APY, based on a $10,000 deposit. Vibrant APY is for the 13-month CD and is accurate as of December 4, 2024. When the 13-month certificate matures it will automatically renew into a 12-month certificate. ^$5 minimum to open account. Penalty may be imposed for early withdrawal. Federally insured by NCUA. Need extra cash for the holidays? You could be eligible to skip your next personal, auto, or equipment loan payment. Get the details > Bank with the best Move your money to a Vibrant checking or savings account and start earning up to 450x more interest on your balance. Open an account Move your money to a Vibrant checking or savings account and start earning up to 450x more interest on your balance. Bank with the best Open an account If you can't be the best, why even bother? Market-leading rates Paying you more interest on your checking and savings every day is pretty much our whole deal. Check 'em out ZERO hidden requirements No monthly fees. No minimum balance. No direct deposit required. The only thing you have to do to qualify for our best rate is ... open an account. Find the right account No waiting around Bank at Vibrant speed—open an account in minutes, deposits checks from your phone 24/7, and hey, get that direct deposit up to 2 days early. Open an account We're the best kind of local. Learn more Sure, our rates are right up there with those internet-only banks. But there's one big difference between us and them—the money you deposit at Vibrant stays here, from the interest you earn to the investments we make in the communities we serve.

Rock Island, IL - ATM only 2365 11th St Rock Island, IL 61201 United States (800) 323-5109 Get directions ITM (digital banking) hours Services Cash-dispensing ATM FAQ

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! Next Item Previous Item

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. Next Item Previous Item

Vibrant Coffeehouse + Kitchen – Pleasant Valley 3230 Ridge Pointe Bettendorf, IA 52722 United States (800) 323-5109 Get directions ITM (digital banking) hours ITM teller on duty Mon 8:30am-5:00pm Tue 8:30am-5:00pm Wed 8:30am-5:00pm Thu 8:30am-5:00pm Fri 8:30am-5:00pm Sat 8:30am-12:00pm Sun Closed Services ITM banking Deposit-taking ATM Branch lobby open FAQ

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

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

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

Understanding why interest rates change Interest rates are interesting. See what we did there? Word play is fun. Interest rates? Maybe not so much. Like we said, interesting is a more appropriate descriptor. They can often be an obstacle when you’re trying to get approved for a loan. Everyone wants a lower interest rate, but not every lender is willing to offer one. In most cases, lenders will use your credit history to determine your interest rate, but there are outside influences that can also affect interest rates. Interest rates are interesting. See what we did there? Word play is fun. Interest rates? Maybe not so much. Like we said, interesting is a more appropriate descriptor. They can often be an obstacle when you’re trying to get approved for a loan. Everyone wants a lower interest rate, but not every lender is willing to offer one. In most cases, lenders will use your credit history to determine your interest rate, but there are outside influences that can also affect interest rates. If you’re willing to follow along as we peel back the curtain, you can get a better understanding of what interest rates and how they are impacted by the world around us. What is an interest rate? Interest rates are the cost of doing business. If you want to borrow money from a lender, they’re taking a risk and expect a reward in return. You might be able to borrow money from a friend with nothing more than a promise to pay them back, but lenders don’t work on an honor system. The interest rate determines how much of a reward the lender gets. If you are approved for a loan with a 2 percent interest rate, in the end the lender will get back the total amount borrowed for the loan, plus an extra 2 percent. Think of that extra 2 percent as a tip for services rendered. One term you might see mentioned alongside the interest rate is Annual Percentage Rate (or APR). The APR is the total amount you pay each year to borrow money. Not only does that include the amount of interest paid, but it also considers any fees charged for the loan. Why do interest rates change? The answers you’ve been waiting five paragraphs for are here. Now that you know exactly what an interest rate is, you’re ready to see who is pulling the strings. Government. If the economy is a train, the U.S. Federal Reserve is the conductor. It wants to keep the train moving. If the economy is starting to slow down, the Federal Reserve can lower interest rates. When the interest rates are lower, people are more open to borrowing and spending money, which helps fuel the economy. Lower interest rates also make it cheaper for businesses to borrow money and use it to invest and create new jobs, reducing unemployment. The Federal Reserve is also known as the “central bank” of the U.S. It can create more money and deposit it with commercial bankers, increasing their supply of money. With more money in the bank, lenders can often lower interest rates to their borrowers. Supply and Demand. We all know the feeling of opening up the refrigerator, only to find it empty with nothing inside to satisfy our hunger. Well when you apply for a loan from a lender, they might not have money for you to borrow. They don’t have an infinite supply of cash. If the demand for money is greater than their supply, lenders will charge higher interest rates. Because they may have to borrow from another lender, they will be charged a fee, which the borrower ends up paying for. Inflation. Remember when a ticket to the movies was 25 cents? You probably don’t because that was the price of admission in 1920. Unless of course you’ve invented time travel, in which case we’d love to hear more about that. But back on topic, inflation has dramatically affected the value of our money over time, and that has consequences. Lenders will consider future inflation when figuring out interest rates to ensure that their return will still be profitable at the end of your loan. If you have any questions about interest rates or are in fact a time traveler willing to share your secrets, please get in touch with us . We’re here to help you! Next Item Previous Item

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