So far I’ve shown you have to SAVE money, but there are also ways to ensure you do not LOSE money. Although initially they sound like the same thing, saving is not the equivalent to “not losing.” Protecting the money you have available and making smart decisions is imperative to being able to afford the IVF and Surrogacy process.

Avoid Scams​

​Some people directly ask their parents, grandparents, and other family members for financial assistance, while others don’t feel comfortable doing so.
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​If you’re uncomfortable asking friends/family for financial assistance outright, you could ask them for any old household items, clothes etc. they were going to donate or toss. You can then hold a yardsale, advertise that the proceeds will go towards having a child and putting the profits towards your treatment. You could do a “donation only” sale where the customer pays what they can/feel comfortable paying or tag everything with pre-determined prices. Coordinate with a church or community center if you end with more items you can hold at your home. Ask for volunteers to help set up and/or handle the sales. Consider allowing credit card transactions (Square is an easy tool for this) and advertise this option. Put out a donation jar too, with a quick story for people to read.
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​How we did it: We created a crowdfunding page and posted a link to it on our website, we regularly posted updates to it and would include the link in any blog posts or videos we created. We were fortunate that we raised $5,000 from friends and family to put towards our journey.

​Another option if you don’t feel comfortable directly asking people for financial assistance is to post a link to a “Crowd Funding” page (such as YouCaring.com which is free, or indiegogo or gofundme which charge fees) on social media that tells your story and asks for donations indirectly. Including a video along with your written story tends to get more donations.
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​A creative trend for those with known infertility is to ask for monetary contributions towards their family-building in lieu of wedding or birthday gifts. A cute poem or quick story on the event invitation is a great way to get the idea across in a sweet way. There are also “money registries” online for easy ways for guests to contribute.

Connect with Other IPs and Surrogates​

Many times people facing infertility get a second, part-time job, also known as a “side hustle” to save up the money needed to afford the IVF/surrogacy process. They sometimes stop working this additional job once they have paid for the treatments, or baby is here.
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​Starbucks was recently in the news because they cover up to $20,000 in IVF-related treatments and medications for all employees, even part-time, so maybe being a Barista is in your future? Uber or Lyft are new companies that provide an option for part-time work. And many of the popular work from home type Multi-Level Marketing (MLM) companies, like LulaRoe, Jamberry, etc. are great for part-time work (just be aware of start-up and inventory costs that are often associated with these businesses). Also, seasonal or retail jobs are common. Consider a monetizing a hobby or talent you hold, such as babysitting, dog walking, housesitting, tutoring, photography, etc. Every penny adds up!

Use a Rewards Credit Card​

TOP TIPS

• ​The #1 way to not overspend during your journey is by being informed.
  
• Research everything and ask questions.
  
• Don't assume there is only one way to do things or achieve your goal.
  
• Learn from others that have been through it.
  
• If you think something sounds too good to be true...it usually is.
  
• Surrogacy doesn't have to leave you bankrupt; it is possible to do it debt-free.