Money

Can anyone break down their experience into amounts and when its needed....like how much at the start, then how much say 3, 6, 8 months later etc???

We DO NOT have $25K sitting in savings but we have completly thrown out the idea of adoption due to the financial aspect but are wondering for a honest idea of what the costs really are and when. Obviously knowing we had time to save would change things.

Thanks to anyone open to anwering this, I know its a private question.

Re: Money

Off the top of my head, no...

but I do know the big $$$ is due at referral and in China. and that is a year from now for us. And we started the process last October. So it is very spread out!

Re: Money

It is different depending on where you are looking to adopt from.
Also, have you and your husband both looked into your company benefits. Some companies offer adoption money to their employees. My husband's does.
You can take out an equity loan on your home and then use your tax refund (you get a $10K CREDIT) to pay a lot of it back. You would be suprised just how you find the money when you need it. I know many of us have said that.

I will say that for Ethiopia we will total around $20K, that includes travel too. But the money is spread over almost a year to be honest. If you want I can get my paperwork out and really break it down for you. But if you are interested in China or Russia, for instance, it would be totally different.

My agency has been really great
www.whfc.org
You can always call and schedule time to speak with a social worker and ask them to help you understand which program is right for you. Of course we can help too.
What gender and race are you looking for?
That can easily narrow down the countries.
it can seem overwhelming and emotional as well but it is a step by step process so it can be really calming too once you start the process.

Re: Money

This is the way I look at it. If you want a college education badly enough, you find a way to pay for it. Nobody has tuition money in their back pocket. If you want a baby badly enough, you just figure things out, even if it means sacrificing things that you wouldn't otherwise sacrifice. We personally took a loan against our 401ks in addition to getting rid of alot of our 'extras.' Our adoption is costing about $25K. Best of luck to you!

Re: Money

See thats the thing...No house, and neither of our companies offer anything. We have very little in savings as well.

thanks for the replies, still sounds like its probably not an option for us yet.

Re: Money

Not everyone who adopts is wealthy, believe me. There's always loans....

Re: Money

Susan is correct, our adoption is $20,000 +...Our tax return that we could have used to pay down stupid debt was used (part of the return) was used for a payment for the adopton agency. Today we got another invoice for $675, and we will pay that in august b/c DH gets an extra paycheck that month...so that is $675 less we have for our yearly vacation spending money. We gave up HBO, newsday, going out to eat, manicures, golfing, and basically fun stuff. DH had a side job b/f xmas that helped w/ a payment. I have no idea how we will pay for the rest, but there have no roadblocks through this entire process so I believe 'god' is on our side. It is in his hands and if it was NOT meant to be I trust there would be some sort of *sign*. Just inquire, friends of ours went to an agency in Massachusetts, their china adoption is $12,000 but they have to pay for their own travel expenses...(credit card/frequent flier miles ??)...don't give up.

Re: Money

I know my agency has help for certain income levels. What country are you interested in?

Re: Money

Please dont give up - there are so many children that need parents. You Can Adopt. Believe me I know where you are coming from. The numbers are overwhelming when you first hear them. As everyone else has said you just find a way.

Start reseaching programs, once you decide on a country look into agencies. There are some agencies that work on a sliding scale based on income. There is also some grant money available, but its mostly reserved for special needs children. Most programs take about a year to complete so you have some time to save and prepare.

You should not pay a big lump sum up front, as a matter of fact I would stear clear of any agency that works that way. I think we started with about $2000 in the first 6 months and that was not all paid out at once. We didnt have a large sum due until we accepted our sons referral with the final sum due when we went to pick him up. Our timing between the two was short but our agency would have worked with us to spread the payments out if we needed to.

Good Luck - Please dont give up - If this is your dream You Can Do It.

Message edited 6/30/2006 9:28:44 AM.

Re: Money

Thanks all! I just find it a tad depressing that I feel we need to truly be above middle class to have a child if dealing with IF. We dont have the money for IVF even..yet they will accept less then 5K total from insurance for it.....And theres soooo many babies needing good homes, but the process is not only expensive but scary to me. The thought of being turned down on the basis of financial status when If I could I would have my own and afford it makesme crazy.

If anything I still realize apodtion is something we wouldnt be able to do anytime soon.

Thanks for all the honest informative replies!!

Re: Money

This upsets me so much.

Re: Money

The worst part is that couples who truly cannot afford to support the children they are already have, have more

Don't forgot that when you adopt you will have your OWN children...your children are yours no matter how they get into your arms

Speaking to an agency may give you a lot more confidence in this process. You have to be below the poverty line to be disqualified for an adoption. There are so many people on some of other adoption boards who do not have a ton of money.
Hugs to you!!!

Re: Money

Have you considered a domestic adoption?

How about an organization like Birthright?

I was adopted, and I know this was a long time ago, but it was a private domestic adoption (through church!) and I don't think it cost a lot a lot of money... I think in the end it cost a lot less than the IF treatments my mom went for for years....

Re: Money

Hi Donna,
Money is always a concern when beginning the adoption process. I am adopting from China. I decided to go with Harrah's. They break down the money into pay as you go, so it is doable. If you would like to see their actual numbers please feel free to contact me. $ should never prevent you from getting your child out of an orphanage and into your loving home!
Robin