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Rob Carrick
Rob CarrickPersonal Finance Columnist

This article was published more than 6 months ago. Some information may no longer be current.

We need to do something about emergency funds.

They’re bedrock personal finance – this has been proven in the pandemic. Having some cash kept safely in a high interest savings account protects your financial and emotional health if you lose a job, have your income cut or run into unexpected big expenses.

But the term emergency fund has got to go. It’s too tired, too vague and too closely associated with an old school personal finance approach that was based on nagging people to do the right thing. We need better branding.

In a newsletter last September, a financial planner suggested using the term ‘contingency and opportunity fund,’ which I like. Now, let’s see what ideas you have. We’re brainstorming here, so don’t worry about nailing it. I will present some finalist names in an upcoming newsletter and readers will vote on a winner.

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Rob’s personal finance reading list

Smartphones, laptops and tablets – which brands break down most?

CBC asked its readers about the reliability of their electronics. Also, a discussion of how hard it is to get broken devices repaired at a reasonable cost.

This travel reward card needs an overhaul

A deep dive into the RBC Avion Visa Infinite Card, a popular card that appears to be falling behind competitors in the travel reward category.

And end-of-life planning guide

Reader’s Digest put together this excellent guide to wills, funerals, assisted dying and more.

How Reddit can improve your finances

A helpful guide to using the online forum Reddit to find answers to your questions about money. I’m a Reddit fan. Smart people asking and answering good questions. Globe personal finance editor Roma Luciw and I just did this Reddit AMA (ask me anything) on how to be a financially successful renter. We were promoting the Globe and Mail’s Stress Test personal finance podcast for Gen Z and millennials.

Ask Rob

Q: Has the Canada Revenue Agency indicated whether it will again lower the minimum RRIF withdrawal by 25 per cent for 2021? Last year I was aced out of this benefit because all my funds are needed in January and there was no provision to enable one to re-contribute the 25 per cent to one’s account.

A: As background, the federal government lowered the minimum withdrawal from registered retirement incomes for 2020 by 25 per cent back in the spring. Stocks were crashing, but they subsequently rallied. That’s why it’s highly unlikely the government will again provide relief on RRIF withdrawals in 2021.

Do you have a question for me? Send it my way. Sorry I can’t answer every one personally. Questions and answers are edited for length and clarity.

Today’s financial tool

A ranking of credit cards in 26 categories, including best for cash back, best no fee card, best for Air Miles collectors and more.

The money-free zone

Lilly Hiatt’s record Walking Proof was on at least one best albums of 2020 list. I’m enjoying this song, Some Kind of Drug.

In case you missed these Globe and Mail personal finance-related stories
More Rob Carrick and money coverage

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