InsurancePremiums

Nearly everyone is feeling the pain of high health care costs. Between 2003 and 2010, the cost employers paid for family coverage rose 50% and employees' share of the tab increased 63%. That's money siphoned away from the rest of the economy.

Some people take fun to the extreme, engaging in pastimes that put their health -- and even their lives -- at risk. Insurance companies refer to such activities as "hazardous vocations," and charge higher premiums to those who engage in them. One way or another, these hobbies will cost you.

Last week, Dallas County in Texas joined the growing ranks of employers that charge employees who smoke a higher monthly health insurance premium than employees who don't. It's an idea that's gaining momentum across the country -- but will it work to reduce smoking, or just to penalize the nicotine-addicted?

Despite some common misconceptions, life insurance isn't just for those of us who are married with children. If you're a single, you can benefit from it, too -- first, because you're probably more connected to people than you may think, and second, because it can be a great investment.