We all dream of that magic day we can retire and truly become masters of our own time. A dream without a plan, though, runs an immense risk of becoming a living nightmare.

When you dial it back to its essence, retirement planning is about answering just two questions:

Ann Arbor, Mich. -- The high cost of gasoline is affecting more than Americans' travel plans, it's delaying children's visits to their doctors, a study reported.

An online poll of about 2,000 adults indicated 6 percent of the parents responding delayed a medical appointment or buying medications for their children, the University of Michigan said in a news release. About two-thirds of those surveyed indicated they were parents.

"At the national level, these poll findings indicate that more than 4 million children have had a medical visit or medications postponed because of high gas prices," said Dr. Matthew Davis, director of the university's C.S. Mott Children's Hospital National Poll on Children's Health.

Low-income families and families living far away from children's healthcare providers were particularly likely to say they'd missed a child's medical visit due to gas costs, the survey said.

Dear recent (or not-so-recent) graduate,

Please move out.

Yes, we know that moving back in with your parents can be a financial lifesaver for those starting out. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, nearly one-third of households headed by 25-to-29-year-olds make less than $30,000 annually. High debt burdens, crazy rents, and less access to health insurance stretch already-thin paychecks to the breaking point.

Dear Mrs. Riches: My husband and I have two kids whom we're afraid we've spoiled. It's not that they're out-and-out brats. But on the continuum, they're a little closer to bratty behavior than we'd like. Don't get us wrong: They don't get big, lavish gifts, catered birthday parties, and expensive vacations. But I do find myself saying yes to small gifts every time we go to the store, yes to treats anytime we're at a grocery store, gas station, or 7-Eleven, and OK to their requests to always do "something special." Rather than being grateful, our kids are now upping the ante, asking for bigger and better things.

To celebrate the wedding season, the Fool has a gift for you: our advice on how to mix love and money into a successful marriage. Take a look at all of our marriage and money articles.

By Rich Duprey

Ahhhh! With warm temperatures, sandy beaches, and bikinis on the brain, what better time is there to bring up Christmas? There are only 196 days left (where does the time go?), so we

Leeds, England -- A new British report finds the latest growing trend in relationships appears to be couples who are committed to each other but can't live with each other.

The trend of merging finances and putting your expectations about money on paper as you plan your wedding is gaining popularity. With both partners earning, people have realized it is important to discuss beforehand how to maintain an equal partnership as incomes vary, careers diverge and family expands.

Being badly let down by a holiday is not uncommon. Things can go wrong for anybody. Many a times people come back from holidays frustrated, tired and repenting their decision rather than coming back happy and rejuvenated.