“How can anyone possibly afford to adopt?” When considering adoption, have you asked this nerve-racking question?

If so, I’m sure you have lots of other fearful questions because I’m the proud father of an adopted seven year-old child and I too have asked them. I’m a fortunate guy because I’ve literally invested a lifetime of emotions and an entire fortune in the adoption process.

Honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way because my rootin, tootin cowgirl rock star will now always ride with me in her side-saddle!

As both a Coastal employee and as an adoption advocate, I’m pleased to offer some heart felt wisdom in helping you with your adoption process. I think it’s important to say that you can never have too many advocates who are willing to invest emotionally in you while you go through this process. I characterize an advocate as a person who is invaluable because, by definition, he/she “is truthful in telling you what you need to know rather than what you want to hear.”

If you haven’t already done so, take steps to form an advocacy team to help you deal with the anxieties and uncertainties that you may face during your adoption process.

Financial worries and many uncertainties come along with both parenthood and the adoption process. But, don’t let financial worries or anxieties stop you from moving forward with adoption or parenthood. Financially speaking, no one can REALLY AFFORD to have children. If you don’t believe me, have a look at my checkbook.

Before you get lassoed by your entire range of financial emotions, know that you can easily put most of your worries to rest. Many adoptive parents supplement the overwhelming costs of adoption by taking full advantage of the federal tax credit for adoption.

Here's how Coastal can help:

Credit unions like Coastal offer lots of low rate loan options as well as affordable credit alternatives to help people consolidate your debts or pay adoption costs. Consider taking advantage of Coastal’s Home Equity loan program. We offer both a fixed rate and variable rate home equity loan program (each may come along with possible tax advantages).

In your community, you may also find many grant programs, adoption assistance programs and other creative financial incentive programs. Many church groups, attorneys, tax advisors and financial advisors who are willing to help you.

If you’re a Coastal member, know that as both financial service providers and financial advocates, we offer free financial counseling, access to free budgeting tools and we have an incredible resource in our Trust and Investment Advisory Center. Our financial advisors » are always available to meet with you.

As someone who benefited from lots of help from lots of people, there are those who I now refer to as my advocates. I think advocacy is a great type of assistance. It also doesn’t hurt to have a trusted financial advisor as well.