I Sold My Condo in a Crisis — And It Cost Me $193,000: What That Teaches Us About Planning for Parenthood

Posted on 29 July 2025 by Priya Nair — 4 min

Have you ever made a tough financial choice that you wished you could undo?

Andrea Javor did. In a recent article from Business Insider, she shared a story that’s hitting home for so many of us trying to balance life, money, and family dreams. After losing her job, Andrea sold her downtown Chicago condo to save cash, only to find out years later it’s now worth $193,000 more than what she paid. Ouch.

But what does this have to do with trying to conceive? Well, a lot actually.

If you’re in the thick of family planning or thinking about it, you know how quickly expenses can add up. From fertility treatments to medical appointments, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed — and even pressured into making quick financial decisions that might not be in your long-term best interest.

So how do you avoid the “Andrea Javor” regret when it comes to fertility and finances? Let’s unpack this.

The Hidden Costs of Trying to Conceive

Many people underestimate how costly conception can be, especially when fertility challenges arise. Clinic visits, medications, and advanced procedures like IVF are expensive and can feel invasive.

That’s where innovations in at-home conception technology come in. Companies like MakeAMom are changing the game by offering affordable, reusable insemination kits designed to help individuals and couples conceive comfortably at home. Whether you’re dealing with low motility sperm, sensitivities like vaginismus, or using frozen sperm, there’s a kit tailored for your needs.

By empowering people to try conception in their own space, these solutions can significantly cut down costs and stress. This means fewer emergency financial decisions — like selling property or going further into debt — just to cover treatment costs.

Why Financial Planning is a Fertility Game-Changer

Andrea's story reminds us how important it is to think long-term. It’s not just about getting through the next month or appointment. It’s about building a solid foundation to support your future family.

Here are some tips to help you stay in control:

Budget with Intention: Track estimated fertility expenses alongside your regular bills. Factor in costs for at-home kits, clinic visits, and medications.
Explore Affordable Options: Look into reusable at-home kits like those from MakeAMom, which boast a 67% success rate and help avoid costly clinical interventions.
Delay Big Financial Moves: If possible, avoid making large financial decisions under pressure, such as selling a home or cashing out savings.
Seek Support: Use community forums, expert interviews, and resources dedicated to fertility financial planning. Knowledge is power!

What Happens When You Take Control?

Imagine feeling empowered every step of your fertility journey instead of stressed about money. Using accessible technology, like MakeAMom’s specialized insemination kits, can provide a sense of agency and reduce the urgency to make rash financial decisions.

The Bigger Picture: Planning Beyond Finances

Of course, money isn’t the whole story. Fertility journeys can be emotionally taxing, and handling setbacks alongside financial worries only adds to the strain. That’s why holistic support — mental, emotional, and financial — is crucial.

Andrea’s experience is a powerful reminder: decisions made in crisis can echo for years. But it’s also a call to action to plan thoughtfully and use all the tools available to you.

Ready to Learn More?

If you’re curious about how modern, affordable, and discreet at-home insemination methods might fit your journey, check out the resources and kits offered by MakeAMom. They’re designed to meet diverse needs, from frozen sperm to fertility sensitivities, all while keeping privacy and cost-effectiveness in mind.

You can read Andrea’s full story here: I sold my Chicago condo after losing my job to save money, and I regret it. It's now valued at $193,000 more than I paid.

Final Thoughts

What’s one financial choice you wish you’d handled differently? How are you preparing for your future family without sacrificing your financial stability? Share your stories and questions below—because this isn’t just about money; it’s about hope, planning, and building the family you dream of, one smart step at a time.