Being the top dog has its privileges … and its share of drawbacks. No one has to tell you about the rising cost of insurance. You may have to make some tough choices, like a health plan with a higher deductible. The Health Savings Account could be just what you're looking for.

Why you need a health budget
You're carrying the full weight of your health care costs — isn't that reason enough? Getting a handle on these costs will help you plan for other business and family expenses. Use the Family Health Budget to identify how much you really spend and to get tips on reducing those costs.

HSA to the rescue
As you may already have learned, traditional health insurance for self-employed people can get very expensive. A High Deductible Health Plan paired with a Health Savings Account (HSA) may be your best option. The plan's higher deductible helps keep premiums low. Then you can use the HSA to cover your deductible, pharmacy expenses, and other health care costs — or leave the money in your account so it grows tax-free. Use the Family Health Budget to add up your HSA-eligible expenses and see how much you can save with an HSA.