You can expect to pay anywhere from $2,000 to $9,000 for a shower remodel, according to the home improvement site Angi. The average cost in mid-2025 is $7,000, but when you think of how often you take a shower, that expense may amortize pretty quickly.
Here’s a closer look at the specific costs involved, some ways to save money on a shower remodel, plus how to get started.
Key Points
• The average cost for a shower remodel is around $7,000, ranging from $2,000 to $9,000.
• Factors influencing cost include shower size, type, fixtures, and finishes.
• Maintaining the existing layout and drywall can significantly reduce remodeling costs.
• Prefabricated shower units and DIY work can also help save money on the project.
• Home improvement loans are available to finance shower remodeling projects.
The Process to Remodel a Shower
The first decision you’ll need to make is whether you’re going to hire a professional or do the remodel yourself. If you have experience with home remodeling, you could potentially save a lot of money by taking on the job, since labor can make up as much as 75% of your total remodel costs. However, if this is your first remodel, you could end up spending a lot more fixing your mistakes.
Once you determine if you’re going to hire a professional or not, you’ll need to come up with shower remodel ideas, including the color scheme, shape, shower type (full or shower-tub combo), fixtures you’re going to get, lights, fans or radios you’ll install, and any doors you’ll replace.
If you aren’t sure how to design your new shower, you can ask your contractor for help or hire a designer, but this will add to your costs.
Once you have an idea of what you want to do, your contractor will come up with a plan for your shower remodel and give you an estimate for materials and labor. You can work with them to see if there are cheaper alternatives, like shopping for materials online or choosing less expensive fixtures and finishes.
If you’re going the DIY route, you’ll have to shop around for the materials and pick them up. You’ll also need tools, such as a safety mask and goggles, tape measure, spackle knife, power drill, extension cord, hammer, and stud finder, just to name a few.
An easy way to DIY a shower remodel is to shop for a complete shower system that includes coordinating fixtures. After removing the existing shower walls, flooring, and fixtures, the new materials can be installed. You might choose an all-in-one shower surround, or a shower pan (the base) with tiled walls.
Typically, it can cost from $2,000 to $10,100 to remodel a shower, with the average cost coming in around $7,000. Your actual costs will depend on how large the shower is, what kinds of fixtures you’re installing, and the finishes you’re using. Here’s a look at some of the factors that affect the cost of a shower remodel.
Shower Type
A walk-in shower adds a high-end look to a bathroom and is easy to get in and out of. With this option, there’s a lot of wiggle room on budget — you could spend as little as $600 or as much as $12,000 depending on the materials you choose.
You might be able to spend less if you go with a prefabricated shower, which comes with the entire shower surround and fixtures. You can find prefabricated shower inserts in a variety of styles and price points.
A tub-and-shower combination is one of the most popular choices, since they use up less space than having a separate shower and bathtub. You can also customize the look with your tile and fixture choices. On average, a tub-and-shower combo runs from $350 to several thousand dollars.
The costs involved in remodeling a shower can add up quickly, so budgeting wisely is important. And once you get into the project, there is always the potential for unwanted — and expensive — surprises. Fortunately, there are ways to keep costs in check while still ending up with a clean, updated look. Here are some to consider.
• Maintaining the layout If you use the current layout, you won’t need to make changes to the plumbing and electrical. This cuts costs, as well as the chance for costly surprises.
• Keeping the same drywall If the drywall behind your shower is in good shape, you may be able to avoid tearing it out and starting fresh. If there is some damage, your contractor may be able to simply replace those sections rather than tear the entire wall out.
• Saving your tub If your bathtub is in decent shape, you might simply give your shower a face-lift by changing the surrounding tile and shower fixtures and reglazing the tub to match.
• Buying a prefab shower These units can cost significantly less than a custom build and are now available in a range of designs that look luxurious and don’t scream “prefab.”
If you’re eager to remodel your shower but don’t have funds to cover the cost up front, you may be able to finance the project using a home improvement loan.
A home improvement loan is essentially a personal loan used to pay for home upgrades and renovations. These loans are available through banks, online lenders, and credit unions, and are typically unsecured (meaning you don’t have to provide collateral). Once approved, you receive a lump sum of cash up front you can then use to cover the cost of remodeling your shower. You repay the loan (plus interest) in regular installments over the term of the loan, which typically runs up to seven years.
Think twice before turning to high-interest credit cards. Consider a SoFi personal loan instead. SoFi offers competitive fixed rates and same-day funding. See your rate in minutes.
SoFi’s Personal Loan was named NerdWallet’s 2024 winner for Best Personal Loan overall.
FAQ
How much should it cost to renovate a shower?
The average cost of renovating a shower as of mid-2025 is $7,000, but there’s a wide range of prices depending on the specifics. It could be between $2,000 and $9,000.
Can you remodel a bathroom for $5,000?
It is possible to remodel a bathroom for $5,000, but you will likely be working on mainly cosmetic changes vs. buying new fixtures, choosing top-of-the-line options, and moving plumbing lines.
How much does it cost for a new walk-in shower?
As of mid-2025, a basic prefabricated walk-in shower cost an average of $1,850, including installation. A custom-built shower, however, could cost an average of $8,000.
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You probably know how easily you can tap to pay for items when shopping and click to send a friend money for your share of dinner. Why can’t most of your financial transactions be that easy?
They can be. You can be freed from much of the usual day-to-day account activity by automating your finances. Doing so can eliminate your wondering whether you have paid bills on time, allocated the right amount to savings, and more.
Automating your finances can be a smart money move that saves you on late fees and reduces financial stress. It may also help you establish and stick to a budget, as well as get on a path to growing your wealth.
Deciding where and when to automate personal finances need not be complicated. Here’s a guide sharing what it means to automate your finances, the different ways you can put your money management on autopilot, and tips for making the process super simple.
Key Points
• Automating finances simplifies bill payments and savings through prescheduled and preapproved fund transfers.
• Automated fund transfers can be used to receive paycheck funds quickly, pay bills on time, and steadily increase savings for emergency funds, retirement contributions, college, and more.
• Automated investing may promote consistent portfolio growth and long-term financial stability.
• Creating a budget accounting for retirement and savings goals, debt payments, and other expenses can help you set up automatic payments and transfers.
• Regular financial reviews can help you quickly catch errors and prevent overdrafts.
What Does It Mean to Automate Your Finances?
Automating your finances means you use today’s technology to preschedule and preapprove transfers of your funds. It’s a “set it and forget it” way to pay bills, move money from checking to savings, and even enrich your retirement account.
The beauty of doing so means you can avoid late fees (which many of us, no matter how responsible we are, get hit with sooner or later). You may also become more organized and free your mind to ponder better things. Worrying about when bills are due is so last decade, after all!
Check out our Money Management Guide.
This article is from SoFi’s guide on how to manage your money, where you can learn basic money management tips and strategies.
What Kind of Accounts Can You Automate?
If you’re wondering what kind of accounts you can automate, you’ll probably like this answer: Almost any kind. Here’s a list of some of the most popular:
• Credit cards
• Rent or mortgage
• Utilities
• Investment accounts
• Loans (car, personal, etc.)
• Insurance
• Savings (from short-term vacation funds to your emergency fund to retirement accounts).
Automating payments can spare you late fees and overdraft charges. It can also help you streamline the process of staying active and accountable on your accounts (a great way to avoid winding up with credit charge offs).
It may also help keep your credit score from being impacted by missed payments. In fact, payment history contributes 35% to your FICO® score. You want to protect those digits.
(BTW, it’s a good idea to scan for common credit report errors on an annual basis, just to make sure nothing is amiss.)
💡 Quick Tip: Want to save more, spend smarter? Let your bank manage the basics. It’s surprisingly easy, and secure, when you open a bank account online.
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Different Ways to Automate Your Finances
When it comes to the set-up of automating personal finances, there are a few different techniques to try. Here, you’ll learn some of the most popular options so you can decide what’s right for you, whether it’s one method or a combination.
Option 1: Sign Up for Automatic Payments With Your Creditor
Here’s how this works: Say your wifi provider or landlord of your rental apartment gives you an automatic bill payment option.
• Through their payment portal, you’ll set up an autopay schedule, connecting the service provider to your bank account. On the agreed-upon date (say, rent is due by the 7th of every month so you select to pay on the 6th), they will automatically deduct the amount from your checking.
• In some cases, you may be assessed a fee for this privilege; it varies with the provider.
• When you opt into this kind of plan, you may be given the opportunity to have the payment charged to a credit card or deducted from an account other than your bank account. Look carefully, though; you may wind up paying additional fees for this.
You may find that some creditors don’t offer you the kind of convenience described above, but your bank may swoop in and help you pay automatically. Many major banks will issue payments on your behalf to a creditor or service provider, which can make your life infinitely easier. No more writing checks every month and digging around for stamps. Here are the steps to take:
• Check with your bank about what they offer. Typically, they will need the name, account number, and potentially the address of the business you are paying.
• You’ll also need to assess how long this process will take every month; it may not be instantaneous. You’ll want to make sure the money arrives on time and you are not charged any late fees so your credit score doesn’t suffer.
• Then you’ll sign up for the series of payments to be handled by your bank.
Option 3: Set Up Direct Deposit With Your Employer (if You Have the Option)
An excellent way to automate and fund your personal finances is to set up direct deposit of your paycheck (the vast majority of salaried workers are paid this way). You’ll know your salary is getting sent to your bank account and when it hits. Some pointers:
• You’ll likely need to share your account number and routing number with your employer in order to establish direct deposit.
• You may also need a voided check to get the funds moving to the right place.
• You can then schedule your automated payments for the right dates, when your balance is feeling especially flush.
• A great hack to know about: Some bank accounts will allow you access to your paycheck funds a day or two early if you sign up for direct deposit with them. That’s another great way to keep abreast of those bills.
Option 4: Set Up Automatic Retirement Contributions
It’s all too easy to think, “I’ll get around to saving for retirement…someday.” Perhaps that’s why the American households had a median balance of only $87,000 in retirement accounts, according to the Federal Reserve’s most recent survey. That’s probably not enough if your dream is moving to Hawaii at age 65 and spending your days with your toes in the sand.
That’s why learning how to automate your finances for retirement savings can be such a helpful practice. Many experts suggest depositing at least 15% of your pretax income into your retirement plan every paycheck. Some tips:
• If your employer offers a retirement savings plan, you can authorize your HR or payroll department to automatically whisk away a certain amount of your pre-tax income every paycheck and put it toward retirement. You won’t miss what never hits your checking account, right?
• Aim for the maximum amount allowed, or at least put in enough to get any company match that’s offered. Otherwise, you’re leaving free money on the table.
If you’re self-employed, you may be able to automate your savings with recurring transfers into such vehicles as a solo 401(k), SEP IRA, or SIMPLE IRA as you save for your future.
Option 5: Put Your Savings on Autopilot
Your non-retirement savings are another important account to automate. Again, if your salary hits your checking account, you may feel rich and go spend more than you should. By automating your savings and funneling money from your paycheck straight into an account, you may avoid going on shopping sprees.
This can be a very effective tool. In one study by financial psychologist Brad Klontz, people who visualized their goals and set up automatic withdrawals enjoyed a 73% increase in their savings after just one month.
Into what kind of account can you direct those funds? That’s up to you. Perhaps you want to have a few separate accounts that feed different goals. You might have one account for a down payment fund, one for vacation savings, and one for your child’s educational expenses. You can direct how much and how often you want each transfer to be.
Of course, there are options about where exactly you keep your savings. Some possibilities to consider:
• Standard savings accounts are good, but a high-yield savings account can be even better. These tend to pay a significantly higher annual percentage yield (APY) than a standard account and are often offered by online vs. traditional banks.
• Certificate of Deposit (CD) accounts can be another good option. These are time deposits, meaning you commit to keep the funds with the financial institution for a specific period of time, which may typically range from a few months to several years. In return, you are assured a specific interest rate. However, there may be penalties if you withdraw funds early.
• A TreasuryDirect account can allow you to make recurring purchases of electronic savings bonds directly from your paycheck. You can learn more about this at the Treasury Direct website .
Option 6: Set Up Regular Contributions to Your Emergency Fund
Your emergency fund is another type of savings that can benefit from automated infusions of money. An emergency fund is a stockpile of easily accessed cash that can tide you over when unexpected circumstances hit. Perhaps you get a major car repair or medical bill or are laid off from your job. An emergency fund can let you pay bills without accessing a high-interest line of credit (say, ringing up too much debt on your credit card).
In terms of emergency funds, keep the following in mind:
• It’s wise to have at least three to six months’ worth of basic living expenses in the bank. That means mortgage or rent, utilities, insurance payments, food, childcare, and other must-have goods and services, plus minimum debt payments.
• Most people can’t create this fund with a single, lump-sum deposit. Making regular transfers into your account (even if it’s only $20 per paycheck or per month) will get you started. Any contribution is better than nothing!
• Where to keep your emergency fund? Since you want it to be available almost immediately in urgent situations, a high-yield savings account or standard savings account can be a good option. Either way, you’ll earn some interest. A money market account, which combines some of the features of savings and checking accounts, may also serve this purpose.
Option 7: Sign Up for Automated Investing With Your Brokerage
If you currently have an investment portfolio or are planning on starting one, that’s another task that can be made simpler by technology. Automated investing can allow you to achieve consistency with minimal effort, which can help you build your net worth over time.
Some examples:
• As noted above, you might set up recurring transfers into a retirement plan that invests the funds for you.
• You may automate contribution to a 529 investment account, designed to help families save for future educational expenses, such as college.
• You can automatically transfer money from your checking account into a brokerage account.
• You might work with a robo-advisor that picks investments based on your needs and preferences and also rebalances your portfolio.
• Investing apps are another possibility to help automate investing. These can be as simple as the ones that round up the price of purchases and then invest the change for you.
Tips to Successfully Automate Your Finances
Now that you have a good grounding in the benefits and how-to’s of automating personal finances, consider these strategies for success:
Create a Budget Based on the Balance You Get Paid
Look at where your money stands after you deduct your retirement and savings amounts. With the remaining funds, you can plan out ways to budget. There are various techniques out there, like the 50-30-20 budget rule, among others. Do an online search and see what resonates with you.
A budget will guide your saving and spending and can reveal how you are doing in terms of setting financial goals and meeting them on other fronts, such as a vacation fund or a retirement account.
It will help you handle good vs. bad debt more effectively. All are terrific ways to avoid excessive debt and build wealth.
Be Aware of All Your Bill Due Dates
As you automate your finances, do pay careful attention to the due dates on your bills. Who wants to see their hard-earned cash get drained by late fees?
• Look at the calendar; check when your paycheck hits and when certain bills are due. Some creditors may set your due date in stone; others may have some flexibility.
Similarly, some autopay portals may allow you to set the payment date; others may have a specific date on which they will debit funds.
• Make sure you understand if there’s any lag with automatic payments. Be sure they will arrive on time.
• It can be better to stagger autopayments so you don’t risk overdrawing your account. See what best suits your lifestyle and money style to keep your account in good shape.
Review Your Bank Account and Bank Statements Often to Stay on Top of Your Transactions
One of the pleasures of automating your finances is that you are freed from thinking and worrying about your money and your bills on a regular basis. However, daily life involves all kinds of money blips, from treating your bestie to a fancy birthday dinner to (ugh) having fraudulent charges appear on your credit card bill.
So do review your bank account and other statements regularly to make sure everything is as it should be and that your balance isn’t too low. Check in with your accounts often. Should you check your bank account every day? Not necessarily. A couple of times a week can be a good cadence.
Increase Your Contributions When It Makes Sense
While you’re checking your finances and bank balances, don’t overlook whether it’s time to increase your contributions to help meet your savings goals. If you’ve gotten a raise or paid off a student loan, you may have funds available to save more.
Or you might find that a chunk of change has accumulated in your checking account which could do more for your finances if used elsewhere. There are times when you may want to increase your transfers to reflect your positive financial status.
The Takeaway
Automating your finances can be a great way to take control of your money and make bill paying and saving so much more convenient. That kind of organization can let you breathe easier when it comes to managing your money and be more successful in meeting your financial goals.
Interested in opening an online bank account? When you sign up for a SoFi Checking and Savings account with direct deposit, you’ll get a competitive annual percentage yield (APY), pay zero account fees, and enjoy an array of rewards, such as access to the Allpoint Network of 55,000+ fee-free ATMs globally. Qualifying accounts can even access their paycheck up to two days early.
Better banking is here with SoFi, NerdWallet’s 2024 winner for Best Checking Account Overall.* Enjoy up to 3.80% APY on SoFi Checking and Savings.
FAQ
How often should I review and adjust my automated finances?
You should review your finances and automated transactions regularly to monitor your payments and balance, which for some people may mean a couple of times weekly; for others, it might be every other week. Also, it’s wise to check in when you have significant changes in your life, whether you’ve gotten a raise, took out a mortgage, or moved to an area with a higher cost of living. You may want to recalibrate your automated transfers.
Is it safe to automate my finances?
By and large, it is safe to automate your finances. You should, however, check in regularly to make sure you are not overdrafting or getting close to it, and also to keep in touch with your money. It’s possible that a glitch could delay a payment and, unfortunately, it’s important to be aware of any potential signs of fraud when conducting any type of financial transaction.
What are the best tools or apps to use for automating my finances?
There are an array of tools and apps for automating your finances. A good place to start may be with your very own financial institution. They may have automated savings and investing products, roundup apps, and other tools to help you make the most of your money and grow your wealth.
Can I still make manual payments even if I have automatic payments set up?
In many cases, you will still be able to make a manual payment even if you have automated payments set up. This could occur when you have an additional bill for an account that is set on autopay, or when you have a credit and want to pay a lower amount. Check with your creditor or the financial institution handling the transfer for details on how to do this smoothly.
Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.
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Although we do our best to recognize all Eligible Direct Deposits, a small number of employers, payroll providers, benefits providers, or government agencies do not designate payments as direct deposit. To ensure you're earning 3.80% APY, we encourage you to check your APY Details page the day after your Eligible Direct Deposit arrives. If your APY is not showing as 3.80%, contact us at 855-456-7634 with the details of your Eligible Direct Deposit. As long as SoFi Bank can validate those details, you will start earning 3.80% APY from the date you contact SoFi for the rest of the current 30-day Evaluation Period. You will also be eligible for 3.80% APY on future Eligible Direct Deposits, as long as SoFi Bank can validate them.
Deposits that are not from an employer, payroll, or benefits provider or government agency, including but not limited to check deposits, peer-to-peer transfers (e.g., transfers from PayPal, Venmo, etc.), merchant transactions (e.g., transactions from PayPal, Stripe, Square, etc.), and bank ACH funds transfers and wire transfers from external accounts, or are non-recurring in nature (e.g., IRS tax refunds), do not constitute Eligible Direct Deposit activity. There is no minimum Eligible Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the stated interest rate. SoFi members with Eligible Direct Deposit are eligible for other SoFi Plus benefits.
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Using a surrogate, also known as a gestational carrier, can cost $55,000 to $200,000 total or possibly more. This process involves an arrangement in which a woman carries and gives birth to a child for another couple or individual. Surrogacy can allow would-be parents an opportunity to have a baby with whom they have a biological link. But gestational carrying can also be complicated, with complex laws and medical procedures that can make the process expensive.
The cost of using a surrogate can vary, depending on where you live, whether you need an egg donor, and how many rounds of IVF your surrogate will go through before she conceives. Read on to learn more about potential fees involved in using a surrogate, as well as some ways to make the process more affordable.
Key Points
• Surrogacy typically costs between $55,000 and $200,000, covering agency fees, surrogate compensation, medical procedures, legal costs, and more.
• Major expenses include agency fees ($25K-$60K), surrogate fees ($40K–$60K), IVF and clinic costs ($20K to $45K), and legal support ($7K–$12K).
• Insurance rarely covers surrogacy, and parents may need to purchase separate coverage for the surrogate, which can cost $10K or more and have deductibles of $15K or more.
• Ways to reduce costs include using a compassionate surrogate, exploring grants, or searching for surrogates independently.
• Financing options include personal loans, savings, family support, HELOCs, and employer benefits where available.
Why Is Surrogacy so Expensive?
The lump sum of surrogacy can seem overwhelming. But it’s important to keep in mind that the estimated overall cost is based on averages.
Because surrogacy is unique for all families, your expenses may differ. But knowing the various elements of surrogacy can help you see how each cost plays into the overall price. Here are some typical surrogacy costs that aspiring parents should anticipate.
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Agency Fee
Because fertility clinics do not find surrogates, would-be parents typically need to find a carrier through a personal connection or an agency. Surrogacy agencies, which have a network of surrogates who have met certain requirements, charge fees that can run $25,000-plus.
The fee covers all of the services provided by the agency, including background checks, screenings, support and education, advertising, marketing, and more.
Agency fees should remain fixed, regardless of how long it takes to complete the surrogacy process.
Working with a gestational carrier can be expensive, typically running somewhere between $40,000 and $60,000, or more for an experienced surrogate who has carried successfully in the past. This fee is paid to the surrogate as compensation for undergoing tests and fertility treatments, carrying and delivering the child, taking on the medical risks involved, and putting themselves through the physical and emotional challenges that surrogacy and pregnancy can involve.
Fertility Clinic Fee
You will also need to work with a fertility clinic to produce embryos. In many cases, couples have already done this before pursuing surrogacy. This can range from $20,000 to $60,000.
The cost of carrying and delivering a baby can vary in the U.S., depending on location, type of birth, and whether there are any complications, but tends to average around $14,000 and up. The surrogate’s insurance may or may not cover any of this cost. If the surrogate doesn’t have health insurance, the would-be parents may need to purchase a short-term or maternity-only policy for them.
Legal Fees
Surrogacy can involve several psychological, ethical, and legal complexities, and typically requires legal contracts that outline each parties’ responsibilities and compensation.
The intended parents and surrogate typically each need an attorney to negotiate and draft this contract, as well as complete other necessary services. The Intended parents typically pay for everyone’s legal expenses, which can cost from $7,000 to $12,000.
Other Potential Costs
Other expenses that can come up include travel, pregnancy clothing, lost wages, payment for breast milk, and counseling fees.
Surrogacy is not typically covered by health insurance, but the situation isn’t always clear-cut. Some health insurance plans include language that clearly specifies the plan does not cover costs for a woman for surrogacy, while a few plans state that they do provide coverage.
Many insurance plans, however, don’t make it entirely clear whether they do or don’t cover surrogacy. Surrogacy agencies, however, can often help intended parents evaluate the surrogate’s health insurance plan to determine whether or not the pregnancy will be covered.
In some cases, the would-be parents will need to purchase outside insurance for the surrogate from a comprehensive surrogacy insurance agency, which can run $10,000 or more and may have deductibles in the range of $15,000. In other words, even with coverage, there may be considerable out-of-pocket costs.
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What To Know About Surrogacy Fees
Surrogacy fees are a large portion of the overall surrogacy price tag. But there are ways to possibly minimize these fees.
One common route is using what’s called a “compassionate” surrogate. This is someone — perhaps a friend or relative — who does not want a fee for surrogacy. While the would-be parents will be responsible for expenses, eliminating a carrying fee can make surrogacy much more affordable.
Another option is to search for a surrogate independently instead of going through an agency. This can minimize fees, but can also potentially be complicated because of the complexities involved in surrogacy.
Some families choose a surrogate who lives outside the United States as a way to save on potential costs. International surrogacy may be facilitated by an agency in the home country of the potential surrogate. This too, however, may come with risks including legal risks and travel complications.
Regardless of whether a family uses an agency, a connection, or pursues a surrogate through an independent channel, they will still likely need to use a reproductive lawyer to craft a legal agreement, as well as psychological counseling for all parties to make sure everyone has a place to explore the complex emotions that can come from surrogacy.
How to Pay for Surrogacy
Many people don’t have an extra six figures sitting around in a bank account that they can tap to pay for using a surrogate. But there are some ways that hopeful parents can find funds. Here are some options you may want to consider.
Employee benefits and health insurance. It’s not very common for companies to offer a surrogacy benefit, but it can’t hurt to inquire. There are some companies that offer a maximum family-planning benefit that could be used for processes such as surrogacy. It can also be worthwhile to check your own health insurance benefits. While it may not cover the surrogate’s pregnancy, it may cover procedures would-be parents need to undergo.
Saving up in advance. If you are planning surrogacy for some time in the future, you may want to start putting cash away every month into a savings account, ideally with an above-average interest rate, set up specifically for surrogacy. You can also automate savings by setting up a recurring monthly deposit into this account so it happens no matter what.
Considering financial resources. Some aspiring parents may want to reach out to their family for financial help, or even crowd-source funds through their social media networks. Others may tap into equity, such as a home equity line of credit (HELOC) or borrowing from their 401(k). Of course, it can be a good idea to explore the pros and cons of these types of loans, including a timeline to pay them back.
Taking out a personal loan. Taking out a personal loan, sometimes referred to as a family planning loan, can be a good option for some would-be parents. Unlike a credit card, a fixed-rate personal loan gives transparency over interest rate and exactly how much money you’ll need to pay back for the life of the loan.
Personal loans can also come with significantly lower interest rates than credit cards. Prior to applying for a loan, it can be a good idea to understand any fees and penalties. Surrogacy agencies and fertility centers also may have loans available.
Applying for a grant. There are some national, regional, and local grants available for some families pursuing surrogacy. Qualifying for a grant may depend on income, location, and personal situation.
Surrogacy is a process that can help would-be parents have a baby, but it typically comes with considerable costs. While specifics can vary widely based on your location and the type of surrogacy you choose, the total can run around from $55,000 into the six figures.
Because this family-building option is pricey, aspiring parents may want to try to save up in advance, tap certain financial resources, explore grants, find ways to trim costs, or take out a personal loan, which often comes with a lower interest rate than credit cards.
Think twice before turning to high-interest credit cards. Consider a SoFi personal loan instead. SoFi offers competitive fixed rates and same-day funding. See your rate in minutes.
SoFi’s Personal Loan was named NerdWallet’s 2024 winner for Best Personal Loan overall.
FAQ
Do surrogates get paid if they miscarry?
Yes, typically they do get paid if they miscarry, but often a lower amount than if they were to carry to term and deliver the baby. A lawyer and surrogacy agency can help you work out these “what-if” scenarios prior to embarking on surrogacy.
Which is cheaper, IVF or surrogacy?
Typically, IVF is cheaper than surrogacy, costing $50,000 or less per cycle, while surrogacy can run into the six figures for all the expenses involved.
What are the cons of surrogacy?
The downsides of surrogacy can include emotional and physical strain on the surrogate, the high price tag associated with the process, and the ethical considerations that may arise.
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It’s easy to get lost in the excitement of your wedding and focus on the fun parts, like trying on dresses. But before you get too far into planning, it’s a good idea to take a breath and crunch a few numbers.
In addition to being a joyous occasion, a wedding can also be a significant expense. While the price tag can vary widely depending on the level of luxury you go for and where you live, the median cost of a wedding is $10,000, according to SoFi’s most recent survey.
Besides the basic expenses like the dress, venue, catering, and rings, there are also lots of unexpected wedding costs, both small and large that can really add up. Being aware of these costs can help you plan ahead and save appropriately.
Key Points
• Weddings have hidden costs beyond the main expenses; these can add hundreds or thousands of dollars to your total expenditure.
• Budget for beauty treatments, gifts, and pre-wedding parties.
• Consider insurance for venues.
• Factor in postage for invitations and cards.
• Plan for lodging and transportation costs.
1. Bachelor and Bachelorette Parties
Since these events happen in advance of the wedding, it’s easy to forget to include them in your initial budget when saving for your dream wedding. But planning for these festivities is crucial, since they can come with a hefty price tag.
Guests spend an average of $1,300-$1,500 on these parties, according to the wedding site Joy.com. When travel is involved, the cost can go up even more.
Sometimes the host and guests will opt to cover the cost of accommodations and activities for the bride and groom, but that’s far from guaranteed.
And even if your costs are partially covered, you may still need to chip in for your airfare, meals, and incidentals.
In the whirlwind of wedding planning, it can be easy to forget about some of the more technical steps of getting married.
You’ll need to apply for a marriage license, of course, typically with the relevant county clerk’s office. Some states have a fixed fee, while others vary by county or city. The fees can range from about $20 to $110.
3. Insurance
You know that you’ll need to pay for a wedding venue, but you may not be aware that many of them require you to also purchase insurance. These policies typically cover damage to the venue or injuries to guests or vendors.
Some wedding insurance policies also reimburse you if something goes wrong, such as a venue becoming unavailable or a vendor not showing up. Wedding insurance costs range from about $75 to $550 for basic coverage, but the price can be higher for more expensive events.
If you’re mailing correspondence to your guests, don’t forget that you’ll need stamps, too. These can add up when you consider that you may need them for save the date cards, invitations, RSVP envelopes, and thank you cards.
As of June 2025, a postcard stamp costs $0.56, and a First-Class Forever Stamp for an envelope costs $0.73. Say your save the date is a postcard and your invitations, RSVPs, and thank-you notes use envelopes. Mailing these items to 150 guests in the U.S. could cost hundreds of dollars.
5. Alterations
The perfect wedding-day outfit requires not only paying for a dress and a tuxedo or suit, but also likely shelling out for alterations.
Some stores and custom tailors include the cost of alterations in the price of the garment, but others don’t. For a wedding dress, changes such as hemming the gown, adding lace or beading, or taking it in can cost anywhere from $150 to $800 or more.
6. Beauty Treatments
You’ll want to look your best on your big day, and that likely requires spending some cash. Hair and makeup for brides costs $290 on average in mid-2025, and some stylists charge extra for a trial. If you’re paying for your bridesmaids to get hair and makeup done as well, the cost could also be around $230 per person for both services on average, according to The Knot’s latest data.
Brides may also choose other beauty treatments, such as facials, manicures and pedicures, application of false eyelashes, and body art, like mehndi for Indian brides. Costs can run from $25 to hundreds of dollars.
The groom may also choose to pay for services like a haircut (an average cost of $30 to $70) and professional shave.
7. Gifts
You are probably expecting to receive gifts from your guests, but don’t forget that you may want to give some out, too.
It’s customary to give thoughtful thank you gifts to your wedding party, with especially nice presents going to the maid of honor and best man. Expect to spend $75 to $150 for each bridesmaid or groomsman.
You may also want to give tokens of appreciation to your parents and grandparents, particularly if they helped pay for the wedding. If you have friends who helped out, perhaps by doing a reading at the ceremony or serving as an officiant, you may want to thank them with a gift as well. And you’ll also want to give a gift to any children participating in your day, such as a flower girl or ring bearer.
Last but not least, it can be meaningful to exchange gifts with your new husband or wife. By including these significant items in your budget, or by exploring the option of a wedding loan (a kind of personal loan) to help cover them, you can make sure you can afford them when the time comes.
8. Wedding Weekend Events
Your initial wedding budget may not have included other gatherings you’re hosting, such as the rehearsal dinner, welcome drinks, or a brunch.
Depending on the number of guests, all of these events can cost a pretty penny. The average cost of a rehearsal dinner is around $2,700 as of 2025.
9. Lodging and Transportation
You’ll probably be paying for a hotel for one or more nights if your wedding isn’t in your hometown, or if you just want to stay somewhere special.
You also likely won’t want to drive yourselves around on the big day. If that’s the case, factor in the cost of a limo or fancy bus to get you to and from the wedding locations. The average cost of a wedding limo is $75 to $150 an hour.
If you’re providing transportation for guests as well, expect the amount you spend on transportation to go up significantly.
10. Rentals
More likely than not, your wedding venue and caterer won’t provide everything you need. You’ll typically need to pay extra to rent linens, flatware, and glassware. You may also want to rent other items, such as heating lamps, a cake stand, string lights, candles, or a photobooth. These items can add hundreds of extra dollars to your costs.
So how do you afford all the wedding expenses — both the ones you plan for and the hidden ones that crop up? Here are some ideas for financing your dream wedding.
Budgeting and Saving
The first step is to make a budget, but you’ll want to be sure to avoid some common budgeting mistakes. Add up all the anticipated wedding expenses, including the lesser-known charges above. Then, you and your partner-to-be can track your monthly expenses and income and see how much you have left over to save each month.
If that isn’t enough to get to your goal, see if you can find ways to reduce living expenses or earn extra cash. Your financial institution may offer a financial tracker to help you avoid going over budget — and help you save for the big day.
Trimming Expenses
If your wedding budget is more than you can afford, you may be able to find ways to lower some of the costs. For example, perhaps a friend can officiate instead of paying a professional.
Family and friends may be able to help you create DIY paper goods, bouquets, and centerpieces. Or you could send digital Save the Dates and invitations, rather than paying for printing and postage. Some couples even self-cater their weddings. There are a number of creative ways to save money.
Personal Loans
Along with saving and cutting costs, a wedding loan, which is a type of personal loan, could help finance your wedding. Borrowers may qualify for loans with interest rates that are generally lower than the interest rates charged by credit cards.
Personal loans are flexible and may be used for almost any purpose, so they can help you cover wedding expenses that come up. It can take just a few minutes to apply for a personal loan online, and these loans usually have fast funding and flexible repayment options.
The Takeaway
Most people planning a wedding know about the major expenses: the dress, the rings, the venue, food, and music. But the often forgotten extras, like hair and makeup, rehearsal dinner, and bridal party gifts can add hundreds to thousands of dollars to your budget. You’ll want to include these items in your budget so you can save appropriately or consider the right amount to borrow, say via a personal loan.
Think twice before turning to high-interest credit cards. Consider a SoFi personal loan instead. SoFi offers competitive fixed rates and same-day funding. See your rate in minutes.
SoFi’s Personal Loan was named NerdWallet’s 2024 winner for Best Personal Loan overall.
FAQ
Is $5,000 enough for a wedding?
While recent research suggests that $10,000 is the median cost of an American wedding, you can plan a wonderful wedding for $5,000. Ways to economize include having the wedding at your or a loved one’s home or in a park, having a pot luck meal, and asking friends and family to help out (say, but helping arrange flowers as centerpieces or play music).
What are some unexpected wedding expenses?
Some commonly overlooked wedding expenses include postage for Save the Date cards and invitations, hair and makeup for the wedding couple and bridal party, the cost of a rehearsal dinner, gifts for the bridal party, and the cost of a bachelor/bachelorette party if friends don’t pick up the tab.
How do people afford weddings?
People typically afford weddings by a combination of saving, receiving help from family, and borrowing via credit cards or loans.
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The transfer case helps send power to the wheels in all-wheel drive and four-wheel drive vehicles. If you have issues with your transfer case, you’ll have to get it repaired or replaced as soon as possible.
Replacement cost can range from $2,000 to $8,000, depending on your vehicle, while repair costs will vary depending on the type of fix required. For example, replacing an output shaft seal will typically cost around $350, while more complex repairs can run into the thousands of dollars.
Here’s a closer look at what a transfer case is, the factors that affect transfer case repair and replacement costs, and options for financing repairs.
Key Points
• Replacing a transfer case can be expensive, with costs ranging from $2,000 to $8,000, depending on the vehicle and specific issues involved.
• Repair costs vary widely; for instance, replacing an output shaft seal may cost around $350, while more complex repairs can escalate into thousands of dollars.
• Signs of a bad transfer case include unusual sounds coming from underneath your car, fluid under your vehicle, your car not staying in four-wheel drive, and your car not shifting into a low gear.
• Regular maintenance, including checking for leaks and ensuring proper fluid levels, is crucial to prevent transfer case failures and avoid costly repairs.
• If paying out-of-pocket isn’t feasible, options like personal loans, credit cards, or auto loan refinancing can help manage the financial burden of transfer case repairs or replacements.
Transfer Case Repair and Replacement Cost Breakdown
The chief factors that will affect transfer case repair and replacement costs are parts and labor. On average, you can expect to pay a mechanic between $75 and $130 per hour. Rates will vary depending on where you live, with mechanics in big cities, for example, possibly charging more than those in more suburban or rural areas. Removal and replacement of a transfer case takes about 3.5 hours. It’s a heavy component, so it may require more than one set of hands to complete the task.
In addition to labor costs to replace a transfer case, you can expect the cost of parts to be about $2,400, on average, while labor will likely cost between $650 and $975.
There is a wide range of costs associated with transfer case repairs depending on what the issue is. For example, if there is a hole in your transfer case, you may be able to replace half of it instead of the whole thing. That could cost you $450 to $675, with parts costing $115 to $150. Replacing a damaged encoder ring could cost you $425 to $800, with parts costing $30 to $60. While labor costs for these fixes may be high, it is still cheaper than replacing the transfer case entirely.
Get estimates from multiple mechanics to ensure you’re getting the best deal for the repair or replacement of your transfer case.
You may want to start by consulting online tools like Kelley Blue Book’s Repair Pricing Tool or the Consumer Report’s Car Repair Estimate. They can give you an estimate of the price range you can expect to pay in your area for the make and model of your car. This range can act as a benchmark against which you can compare estimates from local mechanics to determine if you are getting a fair price.
Before settling on a mechanic, be sure to look up reviews to see if other customers have had trouble in the past. You can also look them up on the Better Business Bureau to see if they’ve received any recent complaints.
What Is a Transfer Case?
A transfer case is a vital component in four-wheel-drive (4WD) and all-wheel-drive (AWD) vehicles that distributes power from the transmission to the front and rear axles. It allows a vehicle to switch between 2WD and 4WD modes and may include gear ranges for off-road or low-traction conditions, enhancing traction and control.
Why Do Transfer Cases Fail?
Transfer cases can fail for several reasons, often due to wear and tear or lack of maintenance. Common causes include:
• Low or contaminated fluid – Insufficient or dirty transfer case fluid can lead to overheating and internal damage.
• Worn bearings or gears – Over time, components inside the case can wear out or become damaged.
• Faulty seals – Leaking seals can cause fluid loss and allow contaminants in.
• Electrical or sensor failure – Modern transfer cases rely on electronics to shift; faulty sensors or control modules can prevent proper operation.
• Improper use – Frequently switching in and out of 4WD incorrectly, or using 4WD on dry pavement, can put unnecessary strain on the system.
Regular maintenance, including fluid checks and replacing worn components, helps prevent failure.
Keep an eye out for these common signs that your transfer case is failing.
Unusual sounds: A failing transfer case could cause grinding, humming, or whirring sounds that come from under your vehicle.
Fluid under your vehicle: Low fluids are one of the number one reasons that transfer cases fail. Pooling liquid under your vehicle could be a sign that your transfer case is leaking.
Your car won’t stay in four-wheel drive: If your transfer case is not functioning properly, your car may have trouble staying in four-wheel drive.
Your car won’t shift into low gear: A four-wheel drive system has a low gear that allows your vehicle to creep slowly in rough conditions. If your car can’t shift into this low gear, your transfer case may be malfunctioning.
It’s not a good idea to drive with a bad transfer case. It could, for example, cause your car to jump in and out of four-wheel drive mode unexpectedly. If you allow damage to persist and get worse, there could be ripple effects on other parts of your vehicle, such as the transmission, drive shaft, and axles. If these get damaged, you could end up having to repair or replace other expensive components, as well.
4 Ways to Cover Transfer Case Replacement Costs
Consider the following ways to cover the cost of transfer case replacement.
Cash Savings
Cash savings, such as an emergency fund, will allow you to pay for a transfer case replacement and is the cheapest way to cover costs, as there are no fees or interest on cash transactions. Consider setting aside some money in a cash savings account to cover the cost of car repairs.
Credit Cards
If you don’t have cash on hand, you could consider a credit card. However, be aware that if you carry a balance on your card, you will owe interest, which can be higher than 20%. If you carry a balance for more than one month, your interest payments will compound. This means you’ll owe interest on your interest, and you can end up in deep cycles of debt.
As a result, credit cards are best used when you know you will be able to pay them off each month.
Personal Loans
Personal loans may be a cheaper alternative to credit cards for financing car repair. They allow individuals to borrow a lump sum, which the borrower agrees to pay off in regular monthly installments with interest. Interest rates may be significantly lower than credit card rates.
You may also consider auto loan refinancing. When you refinance, you pay off your old loan with a new loan, ideally one with a lower interest rate, which can save you money over the life of your loan. You can put that savings toward other expenses, including car repair.
Transfer case replacement can be one of the most expensive items to replace in your vehicle. However, if yours is faulty, it’s necessary to fix or replace it to prevent further damage to your car. Signs of a bad transfer case include strange noises coming from the engine, leaking fluid, or your car not shifting into lower gears. If you notice any of these signs, take your vehicle to the mechanic as soon as possible.
If you’re seeking auto loan refinancing, SoFi is here to support you. On SoFi’s marketplace, you can shop and compare financing options for your car in minutes.
With refinancing, you could save big by lowering your interest or lowering your monthly payments.
FAQ
Can I continue driving my vehicle with a faulty transfer case?
You should not drive with a faulty transfer case. Driving with a faulty transfer case could damage other components of your car or you could find yourself in unsafe driving conditions, such as having your vehicle slip into four-wheel drive unexpectedly.
Are there different types of transfer cases for different vehicles?
Yes, the type of transfer case depends on whether your vehicle has part-time four-wheel drive, full-time four-wheel drive, active four-wheel drive, or all-wheel drive.
Can a transfer case be repaired, or does it need to be replaced entirely?
It is possible that your transfer case will only need a small repair, which can be significantly cheaper than replacing the entire component.
How long does it take to repair or replace a transfer case?
A transfer case will typically take 3.5 hours to replace. Repair times will vary depending on how complicated the repair is.
Does the make and model of the vehicle affect the cost of transfer case repair or replacement?
The make and model of your car will determine what type of transfer case you need to purchase and how long it takes to replace. Both of these factors will affect cost.
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