One of the first steps to consider to find the funds to cover your adoption-related expenses is cutting back on your own spending. Sit down and take a close look at your budget. Every cutback, large or small, adds up so go over your spending with a fine-tooth comb to see where you can cut back, and cut back everywhere, such as:

• Turn off your cable or choose the very basic plan;
• Turn off any extra features on your telephone;
• Cancel your cell phone or reduce to a very basic plan;
• Stop eating out;
• Lower the thermostat in your home;
• Lower your food bill by shopping at stores with lower prices; Cook from scratch;
• Shop using coupons, shop sales, buy only what you need;
• Trade your car(s) in for a cheaper model with a lower payment or no payment at all;
• Call your insurance companies to see where you can cut back;
• Travel less and plan errands accordingly to use less gas;
• If you drink designer coffees, especially if you buy them from an establishment, stop.
• Scale back in gift giving.

There are many more ways to cut back in your spending and live a more frugal lifestyle as you save for your adoption. For more ideas, check out these frugal living websites:

• Frugal Families
• Hillbilly Housewife
• Frugal Mom

Put all the money you save into your adoption fund, preferably a savings account that accrues interest. Though you many not be able to pay for your entire adoption by scaling back in your spending, you will likely be able to put a large dent in the expenses. When used in addition to other methods of generating income for your adoption fund, you may find that the costs associated with adoption are not as overwhelming as they seemed.

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