Last time we covered modifying our expenses. This post, we’ll talk about saving money. I know that’s not always so easy to do when you have continuous expenses. Trust me, I get it. It’s hard for me, too, but let me share what I did to financially prepare for my placement.
I had 2 piggybanks. One was a savings box I acquired through a women’s ministry at my church called, “Girls Just Wanna Have Funds”. It’s a women’s savings club that teaches economic empowerment for women. Everyone who participates has a partner that holds them accountable each week. You pick an amount that you want to save every week or every month, then place those funds in your personal savings box. For some reason, I was less willing to bother it if it was in that savings box. You might be the same way, so try it.
Everyone had a purpose for their money. Mine was for my future kids. My job offers maternity leave for adoption, but it’s unpaid leave. So, that money was set aside to cover my expenses while I’m on leave. This is a good time to remind you to check on your job’s coverage of maternity/paternity leave and save accordingly.
I mentioned there were 2 piggybanks. My other one was something I just did on my own. I dumped random amounts of money in a repurposed coffee can whenever I had a few extra dollars in my purse. I know that sounds country, but it worked for me..LOL.
This coffee can savings was meant for what I call “Placement Week”. Let’s say your agency phones you on Monday and informs you that your children will arrive on Friday. That means you have all week to purchase any last minute necessities, i.e. clothes, food, diapers, formula, etc.
Because you may not know the genders or ages, it could be difficult to buy everything they need in advance. So, count on there being some last minute expenses the week of your placement. Receiving children into your home is already eventful enough. You don’t want to add financial stress to the mix. So, be diligent about this saving jar. You’ll need it when you get the call.
I didn’t have a set amount for this savings. Sometimes, I dropped in $2 in the can, sometimes $20. Remember the yard sale I had? Those funds went into the coffee can, too.
I sat both of my piggybanks next to each other for about a year. The rule is DO NOT TOUCH THEM! They’re for your kids. As a matter of fact, don’t even lift the lids to peak inside. Just trust that they’re piling up. Again, it doesn’t have to be a large amount. As long as you’re consistent, it’ll add up quickly !
After saving for over a year, I finally counted both piggybanks and deposited them into the bank. Again, I saved 1) Money for my maternity leave and 2) Money for placement week. I know that I’ll never be 100% prepared for incoming children, but it does give me comfort knowing that I’ve at least prepared as best I could. I encourage you to do the same. We’ll talk about “Stocking Up Essentials” next time.
Thanks for reading… See you next post ! ~Banessa
