[jenkas1]

Hi all! My husband and I are considering adopting internationally and the cost is a concern. I am curious how others have managed. Anyone know of a great quality agency that is still inexpensive? I want to be able to have enough money left over to spend on my new bundle of joy!
I would appreciate any advice.
Thanks,
Jen

[Lissa]

My husband and I were at first very put off by the cost of international adoption, but ultimately decided that it was the best and most affordable route for us. With lost wages, a modest "nesting" account and agency fees etc. we came up with a total estimation of $23,000 in costs. I was scared to death by that amount and immediately began to fret about where the $$$ was going to come from. We had researched adoption specific loans, and we knew the $10,000 tax credit would help--but it all seemed too daunting. However, it's amazing how many people will help you when you say you are trying to adopt a baby. We did a letter writing campaign and raised $15,000 from relatives in a month. We were shocked, and extremely moved. Some relatives we've never even met donated to the fund and asked for nothing in return but for us to make a happy home for our baby. My friends (who scrapbook) all donated their time and resources to make cards etc. to sell. Other friends donated stuff for us to sell at a garage sale. My students are right now forming a "benefit concert" for us where they will sing, dance and do skits for a night for donations to the adoption fund. It amazed me how many people wanted to help. We are now up to $20,000 and are thrilled. We actually told the loan agency last week we won't be needing to take out the loan afterall. Don't give up. Dreams come true everyday. :-)

[nhook]

Well, when we were considering international adoption, we were also thinking of buying a new home and selling our current one. Luckily for us we were able to make a huge profit on our current house and used that money to adopt.
However cost was still a concern for us. As we looked into adoption, it was incredible the differences between the countries. For example, 2 years ago when we started the process, the Philippines costs (including the agency fees) was around 10,000 and Guatemala was somewhere between 25,000 and 30,000 when all was said and done.
Before you decide on a country, find out how long you have to stay and what the country fees are.
There is also a 10,000 tax credit you receive over the course of the years that you pay federal taxes. Most people eventually get all of that money back, so if you could take out a loan, you could pay it back in a couple of years.
It is hard but there is always a way. Good luck!!

[Ktates]

Hi-
There is a recent thread about this on the international adoption board you might want to check out. Good luck!

[wwjdmelissa]

We adopted independently last April from Ukraine. The total cost was $10,000. We adopted a 20 month old little girl. I had a friend that had adopted from there so she helped me with the paperwork and she knew of a faciliator in Ukraine that does adoptions and they were great. If you need more info just let me know. I would love to help as much as I possibly can.

[CeAnne]

Hi! I don't have any bright ideas on finding the money for adoption, I was actually looking for some. So far my husband and I are just trying to save money to adopt and get our finances in order so I can stay home with baby when the time comes. We have been plugging away for 2 years. We try and save 500 a month but my husband just started a business and our income now depends on us instead of another company. Hopefully we can still put away that much money. Of course we havent saved that much every month because we made a down payment on a house and certian things pop up that get in the way (cars, fences ect.) My mom gave us 5000 dollars for christmas last year which sure boosted that adoption account as well as our spirits but we are still running a little short. I suspose we could take out a loan for that small amount that is left. I guess at the moment its a matter of getting our business going and geting me out of my job!

I hope you can find someway to get the income necessary. I don't like the idea of any prospective adoptive parents feeling as anxious and excited for a baby as we are and not be able to get there!

A soilder in Christ,
CeAnne

[wwjdmelissa]

We have adopted a 20 month old little girl from Ukraine last April. She has been such a blessing to our family. The total cost for our adoption was $10,000. We were able to do it independently so if anyone out there needs any advice I know just the person that can help. God Bless you all for giving these orphans a chance at life.

[angelika66]

Originally Posted by CeAnne

Hi! I don't have any bright ideas on finding the money for adoption, I was actually looking for some. So far my husband and I are just trying to save money to adopt and get our finances in order so I can stay home with baby when the time comes. We have been plugging away for 2 years. We try and save 500 a month but my husband just started a business and our income now depends on us instead of another company. Hopefully we can still put away that much money. Of course we havent saved that much every month because we made a down payment on a house and certian things pop up that get in the way (cars, fences ect.) My mom gave us 5000 dollars for christmas last year which sure boosted that adoption account as well as our spirits but we are still running a little short. I suspose we could take out a loan for that small amount that is left. I guess at the moment its a matter of getting our business going and geting me out of my job!

I hope you can find someway to get the income necessary. I don't like the idea of any prospective adoptive parents feeling as anxious and excited for a baby as we are and not be able to get there!

A soilder in Christ,
CeAnne

hello
did you ever try appl for grants?
try this site:
https://www.giftofadoption.org/Grant.asp