How did you manage financially?

[Mlove12]

We all know IVF, meds, extra tests and god know what else is an expensive game. Just hoping for some advice on how you all managed it? Myself and my partner dont have savings- we like spending and going out to much lol! Obviously that’s something we will cut back on, but did the majority get loans out? Finance rounds? Donated egg/sperm to get free rounds? Bought a package at your clinic?

Please let me know your advice if your happy too it would be much appreciated

[DianeArnold Partner Nurse Fertility Network UK]

Hi Mlove. I am sure some ladies will come back with ideas for you. However, are you not eligible for any NHS treatment? Check with your CCG (Clinical Commissioning Group) attached to your GP's postcode. Then it is down to prioritising. Cut down, or cut out, unnecessary spending and concentrate on what is important- your treatment. Good luck! Diane

[Mlove12 in reply to DianeArnold]

Hi Diane, yes we were lucky to have 2 rounds of IVF with NHS funding, but those didn’t work out so now looking to self fund

[AuroraXen]

Hi Lovely. It's all horribly expensive isn't it 😕 I had to pay for all 4 of my past rounds privately. Long story but my first 2 were solo so no chance of NHS support . By the time my husband and I tried I still couldn't get NHS support as I'd have private treatment previously! 🙄 We didn't have savings enough to cover it all outright, no way. My 4 attempts cost over 20k all in. I found my only way to cut costs was to use a company that finances with the clinic, giving you a better deal. That saved thousands on going direct with the same clinic. I also took out loans. I'm lucky to have a decent salary so could pay off a lot each month and therefore managed to borrow like 10k with only paying a few hundred for the privilege. Still paying it off 🙄🤦‍♀️ It's very hard isn't it xx

[Hidden]

so frustrating that finance has to come into this and you may already know that you can shop around for various medications at varying prices. Who knew that Asda did IVF medications! These are just small savings but the likes of boots own brand pregnancy vitamins have the same levels of vitamin as some of the expensive ones at much lower prices. When it comes to the big money my friends opted for a multi round package and got a competitive loan for it from a reputable company with links to their clinic. Also for short term saving towards this, change your bank account. With higher interest rates there are some really good saving rates around even if you are just saving short term. Check out the money saving expert web page for top tips. Try & change expensive tv subscriptions/ phone contracts etc. Good luck.x

[Babytocome]

I didn’t have this information before I started my journey but I found out few tips, Watch “egg whisperer” ivf over 40 ( it just mentioned supplements that will help on the quality, applies to all ages) and , prepare with some tests pre transfer.

Regarding savings and money, I took a loan and spend some in UK, where actually abroad is waaaaayyyyy cheaper and the experience have been from hell to heaven, I am on that boat at the moment.

So if money is tight, do some research for clinics abroad, some have packages and calculate flights and hotels. In my case ended up being less than in UK.

[Mlove12 in reply to Babytocome]

Hey

Thanks for replying. Can I ask if your having pre tests abroad as well or if your having pre tests in UK and then taking those results to the clinic abroad?

I hope your round works out🤞🏼x

[Babytocome in reply to Mlove12]

I am having tests in UK, like blood tests and scans. Send results and then talk with consultants. I also went to the clinic and I have to say there were people from France, Italy and Germany and each one has a language speaker customer helper with the consultant, as they were greeting in their language while I was waiting. Another experience even on the positive attitude. Imagine you could book acupuncture before transfer if you want ( I read it while I was there)

[Ivfgotadream]

unfortunately liking going out and spending doesn’t go together with funding IVF treatment 😂 - my treatment cost upwards of £35k….

- remortgage but interest rates make it a lot more difficult expensive now

- bank loan

- Lived like we had a child for 12 months - that got us the final 3 rounds

You do need to consider that if you do have a child then giving up work to be a stay at home parent costs at least £1200 a month on a minimum wage job to give that income up or the cost of full time childcare can start around £1200 a month - we had to consider if we couldn’t afford that in the first instance we’d struggle if IVF did work for us. So we saved the £1200 a month and over a year saved the £13k and did a 3 cycle package

(I ended up having twins which massively messed up my financial planning 😂)

[Mlove12 in reply to Ivfgotadream]

Thats such a good way to go about it, lots of self control too haha! Congratulations on your twins, what a journey! X

[ourbundleofjoy]

Hi Mlove 12, I just sent you a private message and listed our costs, I hope it helps. I wish you all the best xoxo