“How do I do this, moneywise? I want to adopt, but it seems so overwhelming. We don’t really have $20,000 in the bank, ya know!” Please blog about your experience, ideas, insight, fundraisers and other ideas that worked for you while raising your adoption money.
This is a question that most of us struggle with when God opens our hearts to adoption. Sometimes it seems as if God plants his seed at the most inopportune times! And you think to yourself... what in the world are you thinking? Now?! Yes, NOW! There is a reason for everything! God will lead you and provide for you! You just need to open your eyes and have faith. Sometimes the answers can be plain as day and other times you may need to dig a little deeper. In reality... most are lucky to have $100 in the bank let alone $20,000. We felt compelled to start with Foster Care. Adopting children through the foster care system is very inexpensive and sometimes even free. The children are usually covered under your states medicaid program until they are at least 18 for those who do not have good medical insurance. We have been fortunate to have medical insurance but this can sometimes be another financial issue for families struggling with adoption. Most adoption agencies have a fee schedule so your not paying everything in one lump sum. This can give families a chance to maybe save the funds or come up with more creative ways to earn the money. It may mean getting a second job temporarily. Some families have had garage sales and bake sales to help with the expenses. I've even seen PayPal links for donations to their adoption. There are other fundraising options out there, but my husband didn't want to fundraise. There are low interest loans and grants available if you take the time to look. And although you can't claim it until your adoption is finalized, there is the Federal Adoption Tax Credit. For us, we first sat down and restructured our budget. Many families feel they cannot adopt because they simply can't afford it. We were one of these families!! But in the end, we didn't give up. We found ways to "trim" our budget and took out a home equity line of credit. That ment some obvious things like not getting a new car this year and not taking a big family vacation or going on a cruise for our anniversary! Hmmm... having a little girl of my own to raise or that little convertible Mini Cooper I've always wanted. I was just dreaming about the cute-lil-impractical-non-family-mobile! (Please don't tell me if you have one!) :) I drive an 02 Explorer with 107,000 miles and am due, but still, given the option, that was a no brainer for me! My heart ached for a little girl of my own. The line of credit worked for us because it's flexible. You pay interest only on what to take out. Sort of like a credit card but with a lower interest rate and the interest is tax deductable. Everyone has a different situation, but I will tell you that when you are called to adopt, don't ignore it. If you do, you may always be left with a "what if". The internet is a valuable resource. Talk to families who have been through it. Join an adoption forum. Don't give up because of money! If you are a loving and nurturing family who would be blessed by a child, whether it be your first or your 4th, like us, follow your hearts. Remember... it's not money that makes you the man or woman you are!
May God bless you through your journey.
2 comments:
Great advice!
Great post, girl!!!! I love your perspective, and I agree 100%.
:)Kristi
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