Money, Foster Care & the Real Cost of Growing Your Family (with Dylan Snowden)

About this episode

This episode discusses the financial aspects of foster care and adoption with financial coach Dylan Snowden.

Thinking about foster care or adoption—but unsure how to prepare financially? Dealing with challenging finances already? In this episode of From Foster to Forever , I sit down with financial coach Dylan Snowden to talk about one of the most overlooked (and often overwhelming) parts of the journey: money . We get real about the hidden costs of growing a family, how to plan for the unknown, and why understanding your finances before a child enters your home can make all the difference. Whether you're just starting to consider foster care or you're already parenting, this conversation will help you feel more grounded, prepared, and empowered. 💡 What You’ll Learn How to estimate the true cost of raising a child —even when so much is unknown Why you should understand your current expenses before fostering The reality of foster care stipends (and why they don’t go as far as people think) A simple way to plan for unexpected costs (hint: add a buffer!) How to figure out what your life actually costs each month The difference between “serious” expenses vs. “fun” spending —and why you need both How to reduce impulse spending (Amazon! Target! Oh my!) What a 529 plan is and whether it’s…

People in this episode

Host: Rachel Fulginiti

Guest: Dylan Snowden

Topics covered

• foster care
• adoption
• financial planning
• family growth
• parenting
• budgeting

Keywords

• foster care
• adoption
• financial coach
• family expenses
• budgeting
• unexpected costs
• foster care stipends
• 529 plan
• debt management

More episodes of From Foster to Forever

• From Foster Youth to Father of Five: Rob Scheer on Foster Care, Adoption, and Permanency · June 2, 2026 · 42 min
• Raising a Black Teen in a Mostly White Community | Transracial Adoption: Kat Parvin · May 26, 2026 · 46 min
• An LGBTQ Dad’s Journey Through Trauma, Adoption & Unconditional Love with Ron Platt · May 14, 2026 · 60 min
• Called To Foster: An Honest Guide with Jen Lilley and Dr. John DeGarmo · April 29, 2026 · 40 min
• Birth Order: How It Affects Fostering and Adopting with Dr. Robert Hurst · April 23, 2026 · 39 min
• Why Foster Kids Struggle with Food, ADHD & Addiction (Root Causes with Kamy Moussavi) · April 15, 2026 · 47 min