"You don't realize how much money you can save until you have to save it," says Colettte Steele of Gilbert, Arizona.
The Steeles and three other families in their neighborhood are adopting Russian children whom they hosted during a three-week cultural and host-family experience last summer. The Steeles are raising $60,000 to bring home the three children they're adopting.
Each year, over 160,000 Americans adopt a child. But with the cost of adoption averaging near $23,000 for international adoption and ranging from $4,000 to $35,000 for domestic adoption, many people who would otherwise adopt choose not to. There is help!
Learn how to minimize the financial risks and how to creatively finance an adoption in my new article, "Financing Adoption," published at preconception.com.
"Financing Adoption" discusses the following:
- How to save sacrificially
- How to evaluate adoption professionals in order to obtain the lowest fees available
- How to take advantage of workplace benefits for adoption
- How to investigate adoption grant programs
- How to organize a "fun" fundraising event
The story includes a sidebar listing several creative ways to finance fertility treatment or adoption.
Here are a couple of "bonus" tips for financing adoption that didn't make it into the published version:
If you’re adopting internationally, ask friends and family to pledge a dollar per mile to help you bring your child home.
Research travel agencies that offer discounts for adoption travel. Visit www.affordingadoption.com/travel.php.
The article is Part 2 in a series I wrote entitled, "The Price of Parenthood."
Part 1, "Four Steps to Financing Fertility," gives budgeting tips to those pursuing medical treatment for fertility challenges.
Here are some "bonus" tips for financing fertility:
Comparison shop for pharmacies (including online pharmacies) that provide low-cost fertility medications. Visit www.sharedjourney.com/phar.html.
Search the online classifieds for low-cost meds at www.FreeGarageSale.com/cls.htm.
Ask whether local universities or research facilities are conducting clinical trials in which you may be eligible to participate.
For more information about financing adoption, visit my Web site, www.laurachristianson.com.
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