What Are You Willing to Give Up to Afford Adoption?

Making the decision to adopt will ultimately change so many aspects of your life, hopefully for the better. The reality is that we all have shortcomings or things that are not always good for us in our lives. For some, it’s living beyond their means or splurging too often on expensive meals, for others, it’s a habit such as smoking or playing the lottery. All of these can be a significant part of a family’s expenses.

With adoption being a very expensive decision for some families, being able to afford the cost of the process may require additional funding, which in turn, could mean that you or your partner may need to make some significant adjustments in your lifestyle to have the money that you need. If you find yourself in that situation, it may be time to reduce that expense and make a positive change in your life. Consider the following when determining how giving up that vice or overcoming that desire could help you to have a better financial profile and the adequate funds for adopting:

  • Stop smoking. affording adoption
    The cost of a pack of cigarettes can be astronomical in some areas. That habit is not only bad for your health, but it could adversely affect your adopted child. Take a free smoke cessation class or just quit on your own to save large sums of money, quickly.
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  • Plan your family meals.
    Eating out all of the time can cause your family’s dining expenses to mount. Instead of eating extravagant and expensive meals too often, creating a food budget and preparing meals at home could decrease your expense by as much as half!
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  • Minimize or completely stop gambling.
    Buying lottery tickets can cost a small fortune over time. Instead of spending your money trying to get lucky, put that money that you intended to spend away in an interest bearing account. Then, watch as your finances increase enough that you and your partner are finally able to go for the real gold, which is sharing your life with a child.

 
None of these are necessarily “good” habits to share with your child, so, why not take this opportunity to make a personal turn for the better. The money that you save could cover the cost of the adoption process, and you will feel great knowing that you are providing the positive home life that your adopted child deserves.

Mardie Caldwell COAP is nationally recognized as an authority on adoption and adopting safely on the Internet. She is the founder of Lifetime Adoption and has been working in adoption since 1986. She is a speaker and award-winning writer, currently working on additional adoption titles soon to be released. Learn more about Mardie at www.LifetimeAdoption.com.  You can learn more about her books by visiting www.AdoptionStepByStep.com.

Called to Adoption Download

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When you're thinking of adopting a child, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. This book is full of great stories, examples from adoptive parents, helpful resources, tips for any adoptive parent, and encouragement to carry you along your journey to adoption.