Different people and cultures believe different things for the answer to this question. The meaning of life as we perceive it is derived from philosophical and religious contemplation of, and scientific inquiries about existence, social ties, consciousness, and happiness.
A long-term financial plan should include these elements. Time Horizon. A plan should look at least  five to ten years into the future. Scope. A plan should consider all appropriated funds, but especially those funds that are used to account for the issues of top concern to elected officials and the community. Frequency.
You ought to have an emergency fund equal to your minimum monthly expenses times at least three months, and preferably six months, and keep it to be stashed where you can get at least a large fraction of within one business day. It's one of the basic rules of personal finance for good reasons.