So your company offers you group benefits....SO WHAT?!

Hey, don't just automatically assume that because your employer is providing you with a benefits package that it's a smart thing to do to get on it.  Every year you should be comparing what your employer offers to what you can do on your own.

You already know that group insurance costs more than individual coverage so unless your employer is picking up part of the tab it may not be beneficial for you to participate.  AND, even if your employer is paying for you, you need to consider your family...especially if you only have one child.  You may be paying for "family" coverage for just one child and that could cost you hundreds of dollars per month when you consider it costs less than $100 (generally speaking) to insure that child.  SO compare what it costs for multiple scenarios (i.e. just you on the plan,  just you and your spouse, the whole family, etc...).

Be smart about those benefits and take the $200 a month you just saved and put it towards your bills, a 401(K) or deposit it into your spouse's individual HSA account that can be used for the whole family.  Now that makes a lot of cents.