How have others afforded surgeries?

[thegirlinblue]

Hey all,

Although I am working full-time it seems like it is going to be at least five years until I can afford any further surgeries.

Any one have any secrets/tips that they have used to save the money needed to have said surgeries?

Short of finding myself a wealthy donor, I can't seem to work out how else to afford anything more.

Thanks for your help.

[GRH]

Sex industry work.

[thegirlinblue]

Hi GRH,

Sex work is not something I really want to pursue, I don't think that just because I am trans that I should have to that sort of thing just to be able to be me.

[GRH]

No, I agree. But that is the reality for a lot of girls and one of the reasons they get into the industry. Whether it's escorting, part-time porno shoots, etc. That and the fact that just getting a stable job with decent benefits can be difficult, especially when you have to interview with a discriminating employer.

I don't have any pragmatic tips for you other than perhaps getting a second job and cutting your spending to the bone. I am struggling to pay all my bills and save for retirement on my single income. There's really nothing leftover for discretionary stuff. I probably need a second job, as I'm looking at running my thermostat at 42 this winter to save money. That or a roommate.

Towards the surgery though, you might explore overseas options. Traveling abroad can save a good bit of money, even after you factor in the price of travel.

If your job has an HSA that accompanies a high deductible insurance plan, you might look into that. I don't know if gender surgery would be an excluded expense though. There you get the benefit of a tax-free contribution, tax-deferred growth, and a tax-free withdrawal assuming it's used for a qualifying medical expense.

[thegirlinblue]

Thanks for the advice,

But actually in Australia it is cheaper to get the surgery here as it is partly covered by medicare.

[GRH]

Oh, my apologies. The HSA is clearly an American invention! You've got it better than most of us if you have a government insurance program that will cover a good portion of the cost.