Hi ladies,
I have recently discovered my insurance won't cover my SRS so I am pretty much depressed and screwed. How were you girls able to fund your SRS or are currently funding it outside of insurance coverage? It seems like every girl on here has their surgery date but me. :-\
Thanks in advance,
Stella
I'm doing it through Medicare and supplemental insurance.
You can rest assured there are plenty of ladies here who don't have a date yet. ;)
As for me, I could fund it out of savings thanks to a massive redundancy I received last year. However i was thinking it might be better to take a loan out against my mortgage; it would mean not having to spend all of my money and repaying it back in instalments over twenty or so years instead.
I'm doing it just with saving money from my take-home pay at work.
I make about $32,000/year, and I live very minimally. One-bedroom apartment, (I could have gone $150/month cheaper if I'd decided to split a 2-bedroom with a roommate, but I decided against it,) low-cost car, I live very close to work so that I don't have high gas costs, I cook everything from scratch at home rather than going out to eat or paying for food at work, I skip going out for drinks (alcohol is expensive,) I don't have cable (just internet and a computer, where I get all of my entertainment from,) and I keep my budgets for clothes, entertainment, and basically everything at the bare minimum that I possibly can. All of those weekly $10-$20 differences add up over the course of the year.
I've put away $8,000 in the last 12 months, which is about 2/3 of the total cost of SRS in Thailand.
Work hard, and make sacrifices. That's about the only advice I can give.
Quote from: Ms Grace on February 07, 2016, 01:15:37 AM
As for me, I could fund it out of savings thanks to a massive redundancy I received last year. However i was thinking it might be better to take a loan out against my mortgage; it would mean not having to spend all of my money and repaying it back in instalments over twenty or so years instead.
Hi Grace, I think you might be doing this wrong. If you have your money in a separate account to your mortgage then you'll pay tax on the interest, as well as paying the interest on the mortgage. If you instead use an offset mortgage account then you won't pay tax on it. Basically it cuts your interest in half, and it could be quite a lot of money.
If you pay the extra money into your mortgage you don't pay the tax either, but might have problems getting it back out again (according to he terms of the contract).
Even though my father was a banker I'm useless at understanding that stuff, makes my brain hurt.
Quote from: Ms Grace on February 07, 2016, 04:03:59 AM
Even though my father was a banker I'm useless at understanding that stuff, makes my brain hurt.
This one is easy. You pay tax on income, and the interest on your bank accounts is income so you pay tax on it. If you got 5% interest, you'd pay half (or so) as tax, so you only really get 2.5%.
If you instead pay all that money into your mortgage, you don't get any interest (because you still owe heaps of money) so you don't pay tax on it. However you don't owe as much interest on the mortgage as you did before, and that's where you save the money.
Just look at how much money you get in interest on that separate account, and your losing whatever your top rate tax is. If that's a lot of money then look at changing to a mortgage with an offset account (or similar).
Quote from: Carrie Liz on February 07, 2016, 03:29:57 AM
I'm doing it just with saving money from my take-home pay at work.
I make about $32,000/year, and I live very minimally. One-bedroom apartment, (I could have gone $150/month cheaper if I'd decided to split a 2-bedroom with a roommate, but I decided against it,) low-cost car, I live very close to work so that I don't have high gas costs, I cook everything from scratch at home rather than going out to eat or paying for food at work, I skip going out for drinks (alcohol is expensive,) I don't have cable (just internet and a computer, where I get all of my entertainment from,) and I keep my budgets for clothes, entertainment, and basically everything at the bare minimum that I possibly can. All of those weekly $10-$20 differences add up over the course of the year.
I've put away $8,000 in the last 12 months, which is about 2/3 of the total cost of SRS in Thailand.
Work hard, and make sacrifices. That's about the only advice I can give.
Yeah I am thinking that is the most viable option. So I guess Thailand is where I will be going too, I just feel a bit confused about how to start the operation over there. I started a thread about it the other day and emailed the institution that was reccommended but it is convoluted. Any tips?
Although I haven't checked into it personally, I hear Starbucks offers a pretty comprehensive "Trans" insurance program. It might be worth getting in with them for as many hours as you need to qualify for their insurance.
I'm planning on setting aside a thousand dollars or two and trading it on the market. Its something I've learned to do after watching people do it and reading about it. Even though I'm 15, I have a well enough understanding to actually make a profit.
Quote from: DiamondBladee on February 07, 2016, 09:36:09 AM
I'm planning on setting aside a thousand dollars or two and trading it on the market. Its something I've learned to do after watching people do it and reading about it. Even though I'm 15, I have a well enough understanding to actually make a profit.
Just make sure its money you can afford to lose it as there's every chance you will. You're competing against a lot of big companies doing this.
Give it another 20 years and you'll see it go though cycles of boom and crash. And just before the crash everyone's talking about how wonderful it all is.
A lot of people think they know what they are doing because they are making money, but really most people are making money and they are just along for the ride. They then proceed to lose it all when things change.
Quote from: DiamondBladee on February 07, 2016, 09:36:09 AM
I'm planning on setting aside a thousand dollars or two and trading it on the market. Its something I've learned to do after watching people do it and reading about it. Even though I'm 15, I have a well enough understanding to actually make a profit.
That's a reasonable long term plan if, as Amoré said, you can afford to lose all of it. Just be aware that, at 15, you'll need an adult to officially own the account. Get someone you really trust.
Quote from: DiamondBladee on February 07, 2016, 09:36:09 AM
I'm planning on setting aside a thousand dollars or two and trading it on the market. Its something I've learned to do after watching people do it and reading about it. Even though I'm 15, I have a well enough understanding to actually make a profit.
Might I make a suggestion. As you don't have the money yet, write on a piece of paper $2000. Every time you want to buy or sell, record it and don't forget to take out a small amount to pay the broker. When you have the money to invest, look at the paper and decide if the market is where you want to put the money.
Am I telling you not to invest in the market - no. I have made a pile of money in the market but I started out with a pile of money and conservative investments over a long time worked their magic. Day trading requires you be on top the market minute by minute and sometimes I suspect there is insider trading which is illegal. You might be the wiz who can make it pay but most of the time it works the other way.
I don't have a date yet, but I have two people willing to give me a letter for it. I just have to make the decision.
I have no idea if my insurance will cover it or not, but they wouldn't cover HRT so there's a good bet that it's a no. I'm planning on taking a loan out on 401k to pay for it.
Oh, honey, I'm so sorry.
I basically worked 3 jobs (1 full-time, 2 freelance) for a couple of years, and we saved every penny we could.
Quote from: Stella Sophia on February 07, 2016, 01:08:16 AM
Hi ladies,
I have recently discovered my insurance won't cover my SRS so I am pretty much depressed and screwed. How were you girls able to fund your SRS or are currently funding it outside of insurance coverage? It seems like every girl on here has their surgery date but me. :-\
Thanks in advance,
Stella
Save, save, save. I still look back and wonder how in the heck I was able to to all that I did and paid cash for it all. I somehow managed to come up with the almost $10,000 I had to pay for Dr Brassard. One thing all of that saving did was give me really good financial discipline which is paying a lot of dividends now. For the record, I believe I had put myself in a position where I was able to save all of the money for my bottom surgery in about 6 months.
Well here's the motto I used during transition. 'You're not doing it right if you are not going broke doing it.' Yeah, old school thinking...but I'm old...er.
So, despite having insurance and executive level job. It's cash, cash and more cash, oh, and credit cards!
Best 20K I ever spent was on SRS.
You might also want to try some of the medical loan websites such as Prosper.
EOM
Quote from: Dee Marshall on February 07, 2016, 10:29:49 AM
That's a reasonable long term plan if, as Amoré said, you can afford to lose all of it. Just be aware that, at 15, you'll need an adult to officially own the account. Get someone you really trust.
I consider trading a potential bonus. I'm primarily going to use other methods, but I've become pretty confident in my trading. And yes, at this age my father has to look over it. One of the only things we really bond on anymore.
Although I don't have a date yet, but my parents are going to fund it :) They are also funding for my HRT and other medicare (along with my brother). I am 21 and work as a freelance writer but I don't make enough money to fund everything on my own, and so glad to have family's support! :angel:
Luckily for me, I also had parents' support. :) Plus my great uncle who is no longer with us. :'(
I am funding mine through a combination of insurance, having a good job, money from a couple of lawsuit settlements and inheritance. I thank God everyday for my good fortune and realize that I have to give back to the community of which I am a member. We need better insurance and coverage for things which insurance companies call "cosmetic" which we know are actually necessary. Electrolysis should be a covered item, if a cis woman went to the doctor because she was having a bunch of thick hairs growing all over her face it would be covered as being the result of a hormone imbalance. That's my problem also, it just took 54 years to get them balanced out correctly.
My work insurance will cover 80% of GCS.
Quote from: Jessie Ann on February 08, 2016, 02:01:49 PM
Electrolysis should be a covered item
Yes (when most facial hairs are terminal and cannot reverse) and tracheal shave when pronounced and FFS when absolutely required, as determined by doctors. Anything that hinders passability and integration into society and that can be fixed should be covered. BA is not necessary as even certain ciswomen have barely any breasts.
My insurance company supposedly will cover SRS, as long as its pre-approved, with the out-of-pocket expenses being limited to the first $1000 of in-patient hospital care.
My more immediate problem is FFS, which I feel I need to have a realistic chance of surviving a year of RLE.
~Terri
Quote from: Maybebaby56 on February 08, 2016, 04:23:45 PM...My more immediate problem is FFS, which I feel I need to have a realistic chance of surviving a year of RLE.
~Terri
Hello Terri, for me it was how would I survive 1 year of RLE without SRS. I did not care if I looked like and ugly woman as long as my genitals matched my head.
Now it's all about looking pretty...same situation that many women find themselves in. Next on the docket it's FFS, trecha shave, BA, take out a couple ribs, Coolsculpting, 4 inch's off my legs and beyond?
'If it's broke, fix it.'Thank you,
Anne
Quote from: OOAnne on February 08, 2016, 05:07:54 PM
Hello Terri, for me it was how would I survive 1 year of RLE without SRS. I did not care if I looked like and ugly woman as long as my genitals matched my head.
Now it's all about looking pretty...same situation that many women find themselves in. Next on the docket it's FFS, trecha shave, BA, take out a couple ribs, Coolsculpting, 4 inch's off my legs and beyond?
'If it's broke, fix it.'
Thank you,
Anne
Hi Anne,
I can understand that. This is getting off topic, but the issue you raise is exactly why I don't consider RLE "real life". Real women do not walk around with the wrong genitals, or fear being outed and discriminated against, possibly in a violent manner, for being transgender.
I do understand that for many transgender women, SRS is not an issue, but it's an issue for
me, and I can only roll my eyes when I hear people say they "can't understand how anyone could feel that way.". One person defended RLE prior to SRS by saying, "you wouldn't buy a car without test driving it, would you?". To that I would say, "Why would you test drive a partially-assembled car?".
Ironically, many people on this forum have expressed the opinion that "passing" isn't just about looks, it's about attitude and how you act, how you present yourself. If that mind-body connection is very important to you, then it is very important to a successful RLE.
I'll shut up now.
With kindness,
Terri
just starting on my journey and EVERYTHING will have to be cash in hand ! so in the immortal words of the 7 dwarves , hi - ho - hi - ho it's off to work I go !!!!
My insurance is dealing with the lion share of it, but the rest I just budged it out the expense int he budget. Hugs
Mariah
Savings. Education (to pay off loans). Loans.
I am going to wait until my grandma dies so lets say when I am 30-35 yrs old.
Quote from: DiamondBladee on February 07, 2016, 09:36:09 AM
I'm planning on setting aside a thousand dollars or two and trading it on the market. Its something I've learned to do after watching people do it and reading about it. Even though I'm 15, I have a well enough understanding to actually make a profit.
Don't. Please. You'll lose before you start just with the commissions. The market this year is moving sideways as well. Today it hit some harsh lows. And besides, you should really start with a few tens of thousands to make any headway. Your best bet is to put your money into some other investment vehicle.
Cindi
Quote from: Stella Sophia on February 07, 2016, 01:08:16 AM
I have recently discovered my insurance won't cover my SRS so I am pretty much depressed and screwed. How were you girls able to fund your SRS or are currently funding it outside of insurance coverage? It seems like every girl on here has their surgery date but me. :-\
I had to pay for my own up front. I borrowed it and paid it back. I had a few legal exchanges with my insurance company and after 18 months or so, they finally consented to pay for it. That was over 25 years ago. I think I must have been the third case to get insurance to pay and also the last for a very long time. I cited the two other cases in my letters. I should have studied law.
Cindi
Well I have student loans up the ying yang which were absolutely useless and the biggest waste of $30k I can imagine. I have horrible debt and I am declaring bankruptcy due to it. I am going through a divorce so just moved which is expensive. My family is poor so I don't have anything in line for an inheritance, and I am not young or cute and passable enough for a sugar daddy. So guess I'll just have to try and save the money.
I'm not sure at this point. I have vague ambitions of saving for it. I make a nice enough living, but I'm in deep in student loan debt and I'm atrocious at saving my money. I keep hoping I'll either learn to get better, get a more lucrative or better insured job, or find a big bag of money on the side of the road. I'm honestly thinking that moving to a more LGBT friendly area, where I can peddle my skills and get it covered by insurance, is the best option. But... I never want to sit for another bar exam again.
Quote from: Stella Sophia on February 08, 2016, 09:09:17 PM
Well I have student loans up the ying yang which were absolutely useless and the biggest waste of $30k I can imagine. I have horrible debt and I am declaring bankruptcy due to it. I am going through a divorce so just moved which is expensive. My family is poor so I don't have anything in line for an inheritance, and I am not young or cute and passable enough for a sugar daddy. So guess I'll just have to try and save the money.
You ARE young and you ARE cute. Just cut that out. ;) I'm sixty years old this year. I do have a unique perspective.
I came out of my divorce in debt to the tune of 45k in short term credit card debt. Half my pay check went to child support. I should have declared bankruptcy but I was too proud. I paid the debt off without missing a payment and I paid child support until my kids were 21 years old. I'm not necessarily proud of that, it's just how I'm wired.
I am now faced with a similar financial dilemma. I won't get into it here but I will get out of it. During the past year, I thought it wouldn't work but I'm making good headway. For the situation and my options I am very proud of what I have accomplished.
Chin up!
Cindi
Quote from: Stella Sophia on February 08, 2016, 09:09:17 PM
Well I have student loans up the ying yang which were absolutely useless and the biggest waste of $30k I can imagine. I have horrible debt and I am declaring bankruptcy due to it. I am going through a divorce so just moved which is expensive. My family is poor so I don't have anything in line for an inheritance, and I am not young or cute and passable enough for a sugar daddy. So guess I'll just have to try and save the money.
If you want a sugar daddy.... Bleach your hair blonde, become rail thin, tons of extensions, HUGE implants (supply/demand). And make sure your voice is passable.... And voila, you would look like a standard sexpot. You could pull this look off till age 50, Id imagine.
Quote from: Tamika Olivia on February 08, 2016, 10:43:35 PM
I'm not sure at this point. I have vague ambitions of saving for it. I make a nice enough living, but I'm in deep in student loan debt and I'm atrocious at saving my money. I keep hoping I'll either learn to get better, get a more lucrative or better insured job, or find a big bag of money on the side of the road. I'm honestly thinking that moving to a more LGBT friendly area, where I can peddle my skills and get it covered by insurance, is the best option. But... I never want to sit for another bar exam again.
Peddle your skills???
Paid for the whole kit and caboodle out of my purse. It was covered by our health insurance plan again but I put in for it waaaayyyyy back in March 2014. Still on the waiting list just to be seen! Couldn't wait any longer so paid for it myself.
Don't despair, it will happen!
Love,
Clare
I think SRS will not be the first surgery I will spend money on but the price range is the same.
There is no insurance here which would pay something like that so I have to save as much money as I can.
It can be pretty hard even though my salary is above average in this region I would have to save every last cent apart from food and rent costs for 3 years to be able to afford any surgery I'd want. And considering that there are a lot of other expenses I guess 4-5 years is more accurate if my salary doesn't change.
I was planning on hitting up 401k to pay for this, but I just found out that my insurance will pay for it as long as I have 12 months of RLE and 2 letters. Of course it looks like I don't get rewarded for time already served and it doesn't count until more than just HR has been notified at work.
Quote from: Stella Sophia on February 08, 2016, 09:09:17 PM
Well I have student loans up the ying yang which were absolutely useless and the biggest waste of $30k I can imagine. I have horrible debt and I am declaring bankruptcy due to it. I am going through a divorce so just moved which is expensive. My family is poor so I don't have anything in line for an inheritance, and I am not young or cute and passable enough for a sugar daddy. So guess I'll just have to try and save the money.
I am not sure but I as I recall there are some debts like student loans and taxes that bankruptcy will not wipe from your record. In addition, your credit will be messed up for at least 7 years after the bankruptcy which now days can even restrict some of the jobs you would be accepted for. Bankruptcy has it's place but it needs to be considered very carefully as the cure can be worst that the disease.
Quote from: Dena on February 09, 2016, 07:58:45 PM
I am not sure but I as I recall there are some debts like student loans and taxes that bankruptcy will not wipe from your record. In addition, your credit will be messed up for at least 7 years after the bankruptcy which now days can even restrict some of the jobs you would be accepted for. Bankruptcy has it's place but it needs to be considered very carefully as the cure can be worst that the disease.
Last I heard was that federal debt could not be wiped out by a bankruptcy, but the laws are always changing. Lawyers will normally give you a free consultation, so I would speak with one. Bankruptcy is also not cheap. I spoke to one several years ago and it was $2500. I spoke to another one last year and it was $4000. So you can't be bankrupt to declare bankruptcy.
Quote from: Wild Flower on February 09, 2016, 12:23:49 PM
Peddle your skills???
In retrospect, the phrasing on that wasn't quite what it should have been. I'm a lawyer, those are the skills I was thinking of... not other things.
I made a crowdfunding, and I am saving money as I am living with someone else, and they are paying most of my expenses for now. I did not have srs yet, but I am putting the money on the side.
I'm going to school with my GI Bill right now. I should be getting about $2,500 a month starting next month, plus the $1551 I get from my medical retirement. I live with my parents, after failing to kill myself too many times because of my ex-wife, so I don't have a whole lot of bills. I'm hoping that by either next winter or summer, I'll be able to save enough to get mine done in Thailand between semesters.
Quote from: KittyKat on February 10, 2016, 01:51:08 AM
I'm going to school with my GI Bill right now. I should be getting about $2,500 a month starting next month, plus the $1551 I get from my medical retirement. I live with my parents, after failing to kill myself too many times because of my ex-wife, so I don't have a whole lot of bills. I'm hoping that by either next winter or summer, I'll be able to save enough to get mine done in Thailand between semesters.
Jesus you make more than I do and I work 40+ hours a week :D
Quote from: Melanie ♡ on February 10, 2016, 12:11:04 AM
I made a crowdfunding, and I am saving money as I am living with someone else, and they are paying most of my expenses for now. I did not have srs yet, but I am putting the money on the side.
Melanie, what is crowdfunding?
"Crowdfunding is the practice of funding a project or venture by raising monetary contributions from a large number of people, today often performed via internet-mediated registries, but the concept can also be executed through mail-order subscriptions, benefit events, and other methods."
https://www.crowdfunding.com/
But Melanie might be able to to refer to a good site and her story ...
*hugs*
:police: Warning, links to personal crowdfunding sites are a violation of TOS 13 and are not permitted on this site :police:
Quote from: stephaniec on February 07, 2016, 01:12:25 AM
I'm doing it through Medicare and supplemental insurance.
Just curious can you tell me how supplemental insurance works for SRS? It's something I've been wondering about also.