[joelynn]

We researched agencies and options that didn't require large fees. We then saved and paid into our "adoption" account until fees where paid. Our first agency charged only fees that were required for that particular placement...our second agency was subsidized by United Way and private donations so we only had to pay the small fee that they set for all prospective families. Most of the bmoms and babies were eligible for medicaid until placement. They required all fees paid by placement so we paid into our account until paid in full.
We knew how much we could afford to spend and set out to make sure we stayed in that budget. Save is what we did. We rented at the time and didn't have a home equity to borrow from or any relatives that could loan us money so...we had to pinch pennies until we got it together. Finally we got it all back after our second finalization with the Adoption Tax Credit.