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Long-term planning, we're often told, is the means to achieving our financial goals. But even the most assiduous planner can be waylaid by certain calamities. No one can anticipate the unexpected. But good preparation, once again, can help someone get back on course sooner after confronting one of life's roadblocks.

The editors of Consumer Reports Money Adviser recently looked at three situations - job loss, divorce and disability - that can wreak havoc with long-term financial plans and came up with tips to help consumers bounce back and move on.

Losing a job

¢ No one is safe from cutbacks. Job losses totaled 240,000 in the first quarter of 2008, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. In this climate, CR Money Adviser recommends keeping resumes current in order to start a job search immediately if necessary. Also stay marketable by keeping skills up-to-date and perhaps developing some new ones.

¢ Stockpile some cash. The ideal situation is having an emergency fund of at least three to six months of living expenses in an accessible account, and nine months' worth for a family's sole wage earner. While employed, consider getting a home-equity line of credit to draw on if absolutely necessary. Shore up reserves by cutting back on spending and stop using credit cards.

¢ Deal with it. If the dreaded pink slip arrives, try to negotiate on severance pay, outplacement services and medical-insurance options. File for unemployment benefits as soon as possible and start looking for a new job. Avoid the temptation to touch 401(k) money.

Ending a marriage

¢ Seek protection. A divorce can be one of the most difficult situations ever faced, emotionally and financially. A prenuptial agreement may not seem romantic, but it will seem smart if a marriage crumbles. However, couples typically don't divorce overnight but gradually get a sense that the marriage is unraveling. Open bank and credit accounts to build a credit profile. Find out what the family's assets are and where financial statements, tax returns and insurance policies are kept.

¢ Temper emotions. Many financial decisions are fraught with emotion, but try to separate the emotional baggage from the money, stocks and retirement accounts. For example, one of the parties might want to keep the house. But if it will be too expensive to maintain, is it really worth it? Often, it makes sense to sell it and divide the proceeds.

¢ Take control of finances. Someone who is caught totally off guard by a request for a divorce should work quickly to get on top of the situation. Prepare a personal financial statement and take it to a financial adviser, who can not only analyze investment portfolios but also understand current and future tax consequences. Review beneficiary designations on life-insurance policies, bank accounts and retirement funds. Make changes to wills and other estate-planning documents.

Illness, injury

¢ Buy disability insurance. Disability coverage, which provides replacement income if someone is unable to work because of illness or injury, is often overlooked. Yet 43 percent of all 40-year-olds will have a disability lasting 90 days or more by age 65, according to research gathered by the Insurance Information Institute.

¢ Tap all resources. If someone is unable to work because of disability, CR Money Adviser experts advise notifying the insurance company to find out what is needed to begin payment. Ask employers about continuation of medical insurance, and about keeping the job available until the worker is able to return.

¢ Find ways to make up for income gaps. See what's available in terms of medical leave and vacation pay. Those who were hurt on the job should find out what they're entitled to under workers' compensation. If the disability is likely to be permanent, immediately apply for disability benefits from Social Security, which can take a while to kick in.