Should I keep my emergency fund inside or outside my RRSP?

Warren Baldwin, vice-president of T.E. Financial Consultants, has the answer.

Warren Baldwin 8 February, 2005 | 2:00PM
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn

Dear Expert,

Does it make more sense to build my emergency fund inside my RRSP or outside of it? In my case I'm 29 and am looking at approximately six months of net income for my emergency fund.

Expert Answer:

I would not recommend using an RRSP for "emergency" funds, ever. The taxation of any emergency cash withdrawn is just too awkward a problem. Rather, I would recommend making reasonable contributions to an RRSP and using some small cash outside just to manage cash flow issues. You should also apply for a line of credit to provide "emergency" access to larger sums of cash. This way, you are not short-changing your RRSP funds and you do not have a lot of cash sitting idle in low-interest deposits. The line of credit costs you nothing if it is not used, and presumably the rate is reasonable if you do use it. You can use as little or as much of the line of credit as you need and repay it at any time.

Do you have a question?

All Ask the Expert questions are read and considered. Unfortunately we can't provide individual responses or respond to every question. Please note that questions about specific securities cannot be considered. Click here to Ask the Expert.


No statement in this article should be construed as a recommendation to buy or sell securities or to provide investment advice or individual financial planning. Morningstar Canada does not provide specific portfolio advice and recommends the use of a qualified financial planner when appropriate.

Facebook Twitter LinkedIn

About Author

Warren Baldwin

Warren Baldwin  

© Copyright 2024 Morningstar, Inc. All rights reserved.

Terms of Use        Privacy Policy       Disclosures        Accessibility