With a new year comes budget-planning and I have been trying to figure out the best way to use our financial resources for treatments. My husband and I have a decent combined income and we are fairly modest about our spending. However, we live in a state (Alabama) where we receive little or no insurance coverage for advanced treatments. I am thankful that my insurance policy covers medications with a reasonable co-pay. Treatments like IUI and IVF are, of course, out-of-pocket expenses.

I have heard of several people doing IVF several times and I cannot for the life of me figure out where they get the money to do this. (I know it's not cheap.) My DH and I have some funds reserved in savings, but we're talking thousands of $$$ for each attempt - it could all be wiped out in an instant.

I have heard about shared risk programs and even some research studies (would like to know more) that cover some expenses. I would be interested in hearing from some of you on what you're doing to finance such treatments.

Thanks in advance.