[sak9645]

Do remember that there is a $10,000 federal tax credit, which is applicable to both domestic and international adoption. Check with your tax advisor, or go to the IRS website and download the forms and instructions, to see if you will be able to make use of the full credit.

It is true that the credit cannot be taken until after you complete your adoption. However, you may be able to use a line of credit to complete the adoption, and then pay it off with the tax credit proceeds.

Some states also have adoption tax credits. Check to see whether yours does and, if so, whether it is applicable to international adoption. If so, it can also help make adoption more affordable.

Also, check out whether your employer or your spouse's employer offers adoption benefits. Increasing numbers of companies ARE beginning to offer adoption benefits, though the numbers are still relatively small.

Since only a fraction of your adoption costs will be payable up front, you can continue saving for your adoption expenses right up till you travel to bring home your child. You may want to take a temporary second job, or get started on a very disciplined adoption savings program -- foregoing many "luxuries" like video rentals, restaurant meals, a new TV, expensive Christmas presents, etc.

Sharon