[CryingInside]

I just wondered if there was anyone like me. I just failed my final IUI so we are now in IVF Saving Mode. Anyone else in between treatments and saving to do IVF? I thought maybe we could share some savings and money making advice!

[mia23]

Stephanie i am so sorry to hear it didn't work . But yes I am in the same boat. Except it is kind of waiting and paying off bills mode. We cant even really focus on IVF saving until we get some of these med/credit card bills paid off. I am also looking for fertility treatment friendly employers. It would definitely be great to share some ideas. I am also going to try some alternative therapies for TTC this summer. I know a few people on here have had success with royal jelly. So I will be looking into that as well. Good luck and I hope while your saving money you get a surprise and all that money can go to an extra long maternity leave. Good luck girl!!!!!!!!!!!!

[CryingInside]

Hey Mia...how are you feeling after your surgery?

I have been thinking about changing employers, but I just don't think I can. I probably will not be able to find a job in my field that offers IF coverage and this one does offer a little (just meds). Plus I can go to school and adjust my schedule however I need to since prisons are open 24/7

Right now I am thinking about some fundraisers for summer. Carwashes, maybe a softball game. I thought about seeing if I could get some friends to make teams and play one day and get some prizes for the winners.

I have also thought about a party. Seeing if I can get a DJ to play for free or cheap and charging people a little bit to come and dance and stuff. Maybe with prize giveaways.

[ara79]

just popping in...

mia, i am so glad you are home and better. i was worried about you.

girls, i saved/took a break for a full year before we went from iui's to ivf. we just started taking out a certain amount each month and stuck to it. i also wanted to tell you to enjoy this time. treat yourself to a few nice things too and have lots of fun! breaks are hard (esp when they are forced) but they can also help you prepare yourself mentally for your cycle. good luck!!!

[CryingInside]

Thanks Amy. I have been taking whatever is left in our checking account right before we get paid again and transferring that to savings. I am also taking any money from things I talk myself out of (like a new purse or stopping at McDonalds) and putting that money into savings since I would have spent it anyways. It is working, just slower than I would like LOL!

[AMKD]

Hi Stephanie -

I just wanted to tell you how sorry I am that your IUI wasn't successful. That just sucks. And insurance companies not paying for IVF - well, that sucks too.

I agree with Amy - sort of like my Christmas account, I take a certain amount out of each and every paycheck and put that in a special account just to be used for Christmas shopping each year - it's a lifesaver. And by putting a set amount aside each week before I do anything else, I know the $$ will be there when I need it.

Good luck!!

[jenedens6102]

Stephanie, sorry that your final IUI didn't work. While you are taking a break and saving for your IVF enjoy time with JD. Get back to yourselves and enjoy not having to deal with the stress of doctor's appointments and procedures. You'll be in such a better place when you finally get in for your IVF that it'll be wonderful. At least it was for me. As for saving, see what is really important to you and see what you can cut out. I don't know what bills you have but for example (things we looked at): get rid of the satellite or cable, cut down a bill with a high interest and see how much you save each month (or even pay it off and that's one less bill you have per month), can you downgrade on your cell phone package or live without a cell phone for a few months, etc. Cut down on your groceries by buying store brand versus name brand. There are lots of options. We are in the middle of trying to do the same so we can get some money saved up (after our hospital bills are paid of course) too. Better to have extra money and not need it then need it and not have it. Hopefully you guys can find some options that work best for you and get your money saved up in a decent amount of time. As for extra income there are always those things like Mary Kay, Avon, Candles, etc.

[CryingInside]

Thanks for the suggestions. One thing that we are definately looking into is selling our house. Dh's dad has a home that it sitting empty and we are going to ask if we can move in there for a year or two while we save (that is if our house will even sell. With the way the economy is going around here, who knows!). Hopefully that will give us some equity to use.

[mia23]

We have also thought of selling our house but with this market we may have to take a loss and it wouldn't be worth it. Oh how I hate that we have to go thru this.

[CryingInside]

Yes, it sucks. I just heard back from the RE's office. She said to expect to pay $8000-$10,000, but I told her that our meds are covered at 80% so she said to probably expect to pay $8000 then. It may be less than that. I am supposed to call when we are 2-3 months out from having that so that we can take an IVF class and do a bunch of bloodwork. I am ready to go home and sell absolutely everything I can think of and find LOL!

[mia23]

Oh I know exactly how you feel, lol!!!! I have so been there before but we really dont have much to sell, . We can do this Stephanie. I think my Re said with meds being covered at 80% too (our insurance seems similiar) to expect between $6000-$8000. I just wish I lived in a mandated state. Darn you Ohio!!!!!!!!!!!!

[CryingInside]

Darn Indiana too....we could both move to Illinois and room together to save loads of money

I have a ton of stuff, but its just stuff and probably not what anyone would want and certainly not worth much haha!

[mia23]

I can see it now we would be like Laverne and Shirley, well with Dh's. Hmmm this could work, lol.

[CryingInside]

hehe! I am sure that we would drive our dh's bananas and they would be running for the hills! Can you imagine??? TWO hormonal crazy chicks under one roof!

[sarah16]

Stephanie, just wanted to pop in and say hello! I"m sorry your last IUI didn't work. That is so frustrating. Good luck with saving!!