Adopting one child from Russia can cost from $18,000 to $40,000. I will list below the costs we know, how much we've saved ourselves, and how much generous people have donated (by buying our items or services, or just by donating).
**Update: We found one that is only $1200 + $300 for the post-placements. Russia requires 4 post-placements. Meaning $2400 for the home study we started the week of our 2nd anniversary (in early March 2008).** I will list below the costs we know, how much we've saved ourselves, and how much generous people have donated (by buying our items or services, or just by donating).
We began saving money for our adoption on our wedding day. During the reception in fact. We hosted a raffle and sold 100 tickets at $1 each. The prizes were free. My chiropractor donated an exam. Rob and I used our Thank You points from our credit card to get a couple gift cards. And Rob had a DVD/VCR combo which we didn't need, seeing as I had 4 VCRs and a home entertainment center.
That initial $100 went into an ING savings account (which is presently earning 3.4%). We started by adding $10, then $25 then finally making automatic transfers of $50 per paycheck (twice a month) to the account right after. We did have to stop during my unemployment and the month of February (when Rob only worked half-time) but we are back on track stronger than ever. We are now up to $95 per paycheck. And with my new job paying every two weeks, we can now add two more $95 installments to our savings per year. We are also putting everything we earn from our second jobs and our home-based business, Work at Home United and Live Total Wellness, toward our adoption. We also ask for donations instead of gifts for Christmas or birthdays. Below you'll find our present balance. All money gifted to us will be put in that savings account until we need to spend it on fees and travel.
We eventually will also be applying for grants and no or low interests loans to help raise the funds as well. We'll keep you posted on that.
Adoption: Estimated total cost: $40,000
- Known cost: $?
- $250 for WACAP application fee Raised Paid
- $101.90 for finger printing/background checks Raised Paid
- $45 Required education classes Raised Paid
- $2400 for home study (includes post-placement visits) Raised Paid
- $400 to expedite home study Raised Paid
- $400 Home Study Update Raised Paid
- $104.40 for finger printing/background checks Raised Paid
- $830 US Immigration and Visa application Raised
- $380 ($380 for child's immigration visa) Raised
- $2000 app and first installment for Nightlight Chrisitan Adoptions Raised Paid, $1500 refunded
- $200 app for EAC Raised
- $4152 for 6 weeks travel (maximum, may not have paid vacation time) Raised (will likely be moved)
- $8100 for 3 months salary to stay home and bond with child Raised (will likely be moved)
- Note: air fare, hotels, etc. extra.
- Total saved (including interest, selling on eBay, etc.): $17,292.31
- Total gifted (including garage sale sales): $1,937.95
- Total grants received: $1000
- Total loans taken out: $0
- Total funds raised: $20,230.26
- Total spent toward adoption: $4201.30
- Total Known Cost still needed: $?
- Total $ left in adoption account: $16028.96
Please help us raise the funds to bring Roberta home!
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