Even when you think you’re doing everything right financially, things can still go wrong. Job loss, divorce, and illness can all wreak havoc on your finances, as can car accidents, natural disasters and — well, you get the idea.

One of the underlying principles of Lifehacker is that not every hack works for every person. This is especially true of money advice, because everyone’s individual situation and goals will vary dramatically from everyone else’s. You might overspend when using a credit card, for example, so advice on the best rewards card doesn’t work for you.

With a little planning ahead, most things you want to buy don't really need to be bought the day you get them. To block impulse shopping, reserve your spending for one designated weekday.

The specifics of managing your finances can be complex, but the basic principles of good financial health are simple. Above all else, put your future money toward saving rather than spending.

Watching the sunset on the beach every day. Doing a cross-country road trip whenever you feel like it. Finally devoting time to that hobby you've been dreaming of turning into your full-time gig. If you're like a lot of folks, one or all of these are something you want to do in retirement someday. And to help turn these visions into reality, you're probably contributing to a superannuation, hoping that compound growth will help you build a nest egg sizable enough to make those dreams come true.

Retirement is a long time away and it can seem like the contributions you make don't make a huge difference. However, with a little maths (or this tool) you can see exactly how much another day of freedom costs.

Whether you want to save to send your kids to private school, sock away enough for a deposit on a house or simply be able to retire comfortably, reaching long-term money goals can seem overwhelming. But there are pain-free ways to stack up your savings and keep the momentum going -- if you pick a method that matches who you are.