Many working adults view open enrollment as a chore to be endured rather than as an opportunity to improve their family's financial security.

How bad is it? In a recent survey by Haven Life, half of respondents would rather let their spouse have total control of the remote on Thanksgiving than spend time reviewing their health insurance and benefits options. Moreover, even many who try to make smart choices don't fully understand their options.

"The results of our fourth-quarter survey show that even though employer-sponsored open-enrollment periods are the primary way Americans purchase their insurance benefits, there is a significant educational gap within that process," says Wade Seward, head of distribution strategy at Haven Life. "We found that 29% of those surveyed indicated they were unaware of the life insurance benefits their company offers to them."