Transsexual lottery winner regrets paying for gender reassignment

[LostInTime]

Article

After the operation, Melanie returned to work, but problems at home led to the break-up of her 25-year marriage. Previously her spouse had been supportive, even going shopping with Mick to buy women's clothes. Things started to deteriorate as the lottery cash dwindled, and Melanie was eventually forced to move out alone into a rented bugalow.

"I know I shouldn't have spent the money on the sex change operation. If I hadn't won the lottery, I wouldn't have had it done at that time," she told the Cannock Chase Post.

[Melissa]

I would put the money in a savings account and wait until my 1 year RLT was complete.   I want to follow the standards of care if possible and I don't feel like getting the surgery is an emergency.  Well, 11 months to go.

Melissa

[LostInTime]

It is important to stress that this is something that should not be rushed.   There are always exceptions to every rule but I think a nice, even pacing works the best.  Make this change, adjust to it.  Make the next one, adjust to it.  Surgery, adjust.  And on and on.

[Sarah Louise]

It seems like so many lottery winners don't know how to handle the money they have received.

And for this person, it just sounds like his wife took advantage of the money and when that ran out, she ran out.

Also, if she now regrets the surgery it sounds like she wasn't really ready and should of had some counseling.

Sarah L.

[Melissa]

Also, if she now regrets the surgery it sounds like she wasn't really ready and should of had some counseling.

In the article, is said that she didn't regret the surgery itself, just the timing.

Melissa

[LostInTime]

It is true that, at least in the US, lottery winners typically do not do well with their winnings.  Every charity comes around looking for a handout.  Shady investors, etc, etc. 

If I ever won, my lawyer would pick everything up and transfer it to my holdings.  From there I would chat with my financial/tax consultant about tax shelters and retirement funds.  Then I would get a referral to someone who deals with the money markets (and double check with a friend of mine who is involved in them) and set up a number of investments.  Then I would pay off the house, the car, and any outstanding debt.  I would keep working.

If anything was left over it would then go for surgery.  Protect the future, deal with the here and now.  Plan nice vacations each year.  Try to live on whatever interest my investments generate.  Help those who have been good, close friends.

IMHO.  YMMV.  And all other disclaimers that I might think of with this subject.