How have others afforded surgeries?
 

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.

Sex industry work.

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.

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.

Thanks for the advice,

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

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.