How Much Does an Adoption Cost?

I wanted to do a "Straight Up" post about how much an adoption really costs. Not how much one thinks it costs, or how much an agency might quote you it will cost, but how much it REALLY costs.


It always seems to be the pink elephant in the room when someone asks you about adoption. No one really knows how to ask about the expenses. If the truth was laid out there more openly then maybe money wouldn't be a roadblock for someone really interested. So hopefully this post might answer some questions for anyone who may be really be considering adoption.


The complete gross total of money that we used to bring home Faith on this last adoption was $28,262.16. This covered everything we used to take myself, CJ, Caleb, Travis, Shelby, and my sister on the trip to China. The only thing not included in this number is Sheila's personal expenses while she was in China like food and shopping. Everything else that we spent is in this number. Here is the general breakdown:


$6670 Adoption Agency Expense
$3000 All paperwork & misc fees in US
$6200 Airline Tickets
$5373 In-China Escort & Hotel Fees
$3000 Orphanage Fee
$1500 In-China paperwork fees
$2500 Spending Money in China

Now here is the part people don't realize, you get some of this money back! That's right you get a HUGE tax refund back to the tune of $11,650 (for 2008, goes up to $12,150 in 09). You also get a check back from the state of GA for $2000 if you adopt a child with special needs. So here is the bottom line...


$28262 Spent
-$11650 Federal Tax Refund
-$2000 State Reimbursement
---------------------------------$
$14,612 Total Amount Out of Pocket

I promise you that this will be the best investment in your future you will EVER make! So there you have it all laid out in black and white. What are you waiting for?!? Get busy and email me at cjstraight@bellsouth.net to find out how to sign up to make the best investment in your life :)

"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal."- Matthew 6:19