So you’ve decided to adopt. Maybe you’ve already spent tens of thousands of dollars on infertility treatments. Maybe you aren’t a big planner and haven’t socked away 30 grand to pay for an adoption. Maybe you and your spouse are just starting out and haven’t had a chance to save, but don’t want to wait on starting a family.
Regardless of your financial situation, the cost of adoption can be overwhelming. We are here to help… with the help of many others.
Becky Fawcett has started a foundation because of her own experience with the high cost of infertility treatments followed by the sticker shock of adoption. Help Us Adopt provides grants from $500 to $15,000 to help defray the cost of adoption for those in financial need.
There are also tax deductions nationally and from many states, including Kansas and Missouri. AdoptionHelp.org has a fairly comprehensive list of other agencies that provide grants and a great FAQ on the available tax credits. Adoption and Beyond is also here for you to help with this process! Be sure to check in with our financial coach as you begin your adoption process.
Of course, there are other ways to help pay for an adoption. Tightening the belt and/or getting an extra job can help fast track your savings account to adoption-ready status. Remember to make this a team effort. If your spouse takes on extra hours at the office, make sure to put in some extra hours around the house.
Lawn work, dinner, and laundry – these tasks all take time and energy that he or she may be expending to make more money. If you decide to go the belt-tightening route, take turns making dinner now that eating out is a less frequent affair.
Do you need some motivation in the savings department? Listen to the podcast How to Save for Adoption or Infertility the Dave Ramsey Way. Chris Hogan is tough, but inspiring, in his discussion about how to adopt without going into debt.
Don’t forget your community when you are seeking to adopt! If you have a strong community around you, then you have a community ready to support your adoption journey. Try running a marathon, making homemade crafts, putting together a garage sale, and or making a big dinner in return for donations.
There is also a website, AdoptTogether.org, that you can set up to receive donations, possibly in lieu of a later baby shower.
Want more ideas? Check out the blog Walking By the Way’s Ultimate List of Adoption Fundraisers.
The most important thing to remember is ASK FOR HELP. Start with Adoption & Beyond! We are here to help you. And if you have more ideas, please share on Facebook!
