Understandably, there was a great deal of focus on the mortgage meltdown and the effect certain mortgages have had on homeowners. While many of these so-called "creative" mortgages were entirely appropriate for particular consumers, some homeowners who opted for these mortgages are now unprepared for interest rate changes.

Similarly, an employee unprepared for the financial impact of a large claim on a high-deductible health plan might be faced with a financial crisis even though he or she has a quality comprehensive health insurance plan in place. Even if the high-deductible health plan is appropriate, if employees don't understand the importance of opening and funding a health savings account, they'll ultimately be unhappy.  

Part of the problem with the American health care delivery system is the well-documented disconnect between the actual cost of services and who pays for those services.