Just as the subject line states, I'm trying to figure out what I should prioritize on my transition in terms of finances. Right now, I'm focused on saving up for HRT, and possibly hair removal, since those I can start those around year's end (unfortunately, my employer's healthcare provider has exemption language against "sex change" medical intervention, so everything will come out of pocket). So, other than HRT should I consider putting savings down for FFS since I do have a very masculine facial structure or should I consider putting that on the back burner for other considerations?

A masculine face isn't always a problem as the combination of hormones, makeup and the proper hair cut can make a big difference. I would play around with those before doing FFS. HRT and hair removal should be first on your list. Electrolysis requires 3 days of growth before the appointment and you don't want to be attempting to pass with that much hair showing. I understand where you are coming from because I also was paying out of pocket for everything. You really need how to save your money, something i still do today.

Everyone is different. In my experience, voice and facial hair get you clocked. So work on those. You should start on facial hair removal ASAP. Start working on your voice or planning for surgery. FFS can wait until you're some time on hormones. I may go for it 2-3 years in. Or I may not.

Priority should be facial hair removal... Sooner or later you will be ready for "full-time", and you really don't want to still have deal with facial hair at that moment. I made a mistake... as I thought laser will zap it all like very quickly, like in maybe 5 or 7 sessions... so I waited a little longer, than I probably should. Turns out, 14 sessions after and more than a year and half later, that it stops being fun while you are full-time for more than a year, and you still have to deal with this bull->-bleeped-<- every two-three months.


Save for FFS, just in case if you might need it in couple years. If it turns out you don't.. well, I'm shure you'll find many useful things to do with $20,000... 

There is no universal advice, but I'm voting for facial hair removal and voice therapy/surgery as well as these can be very hard and can require a long time to get right. You have a chance that hormones will soften your features so that may not cause you so much problems, but as others said, you don't want to deal with facial hair and voice issues when you are ready for fulltime.

Removal of facial hair and hormones are definitely first things. Secondly, you will find that everything just costs a bit more so saving in general regardless if it's for a procedure or a purchase is a must. After that, it depend on what your needs are at the time and what surgeries your interested. Hugs
Mariah

agree with the others, if you have a beard or dark shadow, make hair removal on your face a priority and start it yesterday! An old friend gave me this same advice, and its SOO true. Laser will get you full time faster than electrolysis, but you may find that laser doesn't completely clear you is in my case.

I'm partially holding on going full time at work, until I'm comfortable with my facial hair being mostly gone, and that any new growth periods are minimal and barely visible.

secondly i would say start therapy and get on hormones and work on voice. (you can work on voice by yourself for free, if you know the basics of pitch and resonance)

good luck!