<prompt> Human: My employer has agreed to consider paying me at a higher rate if I forego some or all of my employment benefits.The benefits are pretty standard I think for Virginia US. I realized that I have barely used my vacations for the last 3 years - I am too busy enjoying my work to take time off, multiple projects, IT; I rarely get sick touch wood! So, I can negotiate a 10-15 increase in rate for opting out of benefits like vacation 120 hours, use or lose per year, Sick leave 8, IRA 3 match, medical dental insurance for me family, tuition expenses 2K per year. I can choose what to keep and what to let go, of course that affects the rates... I know I am not sharing specific figures etc, but I really need some insight tips on what to expect and if it is really a better deal going in without benefits.One of my biggest concern is how to get medical dental coverage that is not employer backed. Is that something one would normally do, as independent consultants or is it too expensive not a good idea. Similarly on the IRA 3 match, what if I take that money I know post tax, is it always? and invest it in mutual funds or my own IRA etc.  <response>: Well, there are these new health insurance exchange websites that are supposed to make getting healthcare as easy as buying a book from Amazon.com. You should be able to get a quote for a policy comparable to what youd be losing, then its simply a matter of comparing the rates.One question Id ask is what happens if you need to take a sick day or 3?, same with vacation time ... do they just cut your pay for that week based on the hours not worked? Is that only 8 sick hours per year?I wouldnt opt out of the IRA match, its 1:1 free money.If youre not planning on going back to school 2k in tuition expenses would be easy to cut from your benefits package. 