The cost of adopting a child can be expensive, on average, ranging between $20,000 to $50,000, but there are creative and innovative ways for prospective parents to raise funds that will help them cover the costs without creating an unnecessary financial burden or a skyrocketing debt. As a well-respected expert, adoptive parent and author, Julie Gumm’s latest book, You Can Adopt Without Debt: Creative Ways to Cover the Cost of Adoption, (Abingdon Press) offers trusted advice and practical insight on how to pay for adoption.
“Together, God took us on a long and winding road that eventually led to adoption. But not before we made a lot of financial mistakes and eventually learned to be good stewards of the money God had entrusted to us. In truth, our financial journey led to our adoption journey,” says Julie Gumm of the course she and her husband, Mark took.
Pulling from firsthand experience, Gumm understands that many families want to adopt, but do not have the seemingly endless amount of money it takes to complete a private domestic or international adoption.
In the must-have guide You Can Adopt Without Debt, Gumm provides readers with a wealth of information. She addresses a number of beneficial topics, including the various types of adoptions, what to expect from the process whether you are adopting domestically or internationally, how to choose an agency or attorney, and many other details on what to do once you’ve decided to adopt. Reflecting on various challenges and successes, she also offers specific fundraising examples from 30 different families.
Julie knows how quickly some may give up the idea of adopting, how many are left feeling frustrated, overwhelmed and discouraged. Those who choose to proceed often take out large loans or borrow from family and friends, which only adds to the financial pressure on the family.
“I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard someone say, ‘We’ve thought about adopting, but there’s no way we could afford it.’ That breaks my heart. Obviously there are a lot of considerations when families decide to adopt, but the financial cost of the adoption process shouldn’t be the thing that keeps families from pursuing this,” Gumm says.
Gumm’s personal experience and the testimonies of other adoptive parents allow her to share proven strategies. Topics addressed range from what type of adoption is right for you, cost considerations, the debt-free approach, adoption grants, giving back, and more. She suggests taking a look at how families spend their money, and shares the benefits of creating a budget. She also addresses the top five areas where families can usually tighten their belts and find some extra cash.
“Delaying buying a new car is one thing, but we’re talking about children. Every child deserves to have a family, and for people who want to start or grow their family by adoption there are ways to do it without going into debt, even on a modest income. It takes sacrifice and work, but it’s so worth it,” adds Gumm.
The practical tips and information shared in You Can Adopt Without Debt will help prospective adoptive parents prepare for and avoid the high costs associated with adoption. The book gives advice on how to budget, save, and earn extra income so that families can afford to make their adoption dreams come true.
AVAILABLE AT MAJOR RETAILERS
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Christian Book | Cokesbury
NOTE: You Can Adopt Without Debt is a greatly-revised version of a book I self-published in 2011 under the title Adopt Without Debt (no longer available). You can read more about the differences between the two books here.
RESOURCES
My #1 tip for getting control of your budget
DAVE RAMSEY INTERVIEW
On June 7, 2011 I was honored to be interviewed about my firs book (self-published) on The Dave Ramsey Show. You can read about it and hear the 10 minute interview here.
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