I read on here all these people are torn between doctors to go to for different surgeries. and how their families and friends are accepting and they have support through their whole transition.

I have been struggling for over 20 years, I just turned 37. I don't have any support. I don't have any money. I barely have a place to live. My life is not based on this doctor or another. I live everyday as it comes. I'm not whining or even complaining. My point to this is where is everyone getting the money to have theses surgeries? they are not cheap.

I can only talk for myself, but I live in France and here health care can pay a part of your sugery if you go to the doctors they chose for you or that you pick from a list they give you. The surgeries are then "cheaper" (but still expensive). Then you can ask your insurance to take a part.
I also save money for surgeries, baby steps but still ^^ but i don't expect to have my surgery before I pass my exams (in 2 years) so I have time i am also thinking about selling lots of stuff I owned to save money ^^
Some FtM youtubers that I follow have patreons or paypal accounts where you can donate to help pay their surgery too, so that's an idea if you like to do that kind of stuff ^^ (i dont xD )

Quote from: MistyMinx15 on December 09, 2015, 10:27:56 AM
My point to this is where is everyone getting the money to have theses surgeries? they are not cheap.

I worked hard and earned mine. I am very good at living a minimalistic lifestyle. I'm a miserly saver. Call me Ms. Scrooge.

Hello Everyone, Dr. Sinclair accepts American Express Cards for SRS! 
Actually it was about using all available resources to get through transition before they could fire me.

Thank you,
Anne

from the sound of it... i'll be able to get started with my therapy once life has passed me by. oh well, i should have figured as much. I guess i'll go now. I guess my happiness is just a waste of time.

Hello again, used my own AMEX for payment to gain Rewards Points.  Essentially paid for SRS in cash since bill was due in less than 30 days.

Used checking/savings and sold some AOL stock to pay for new wardrobe, custom skirt suits, jewelry and genital electrolysis.
 
FFS and BA may help me land a better paying gig. So I'll make that investment 1st quarter of next year.

Having a good paying job really helped.  I very much understand many of us struggle obtaining decent paying employment opportunities. Once one begins transition the risk of losing job can be greatly amplified.  In my case, getting though it ASAP was key.  Executive management had no idea what hit them. 

Here's my rather reckless approach towards transition expenses - 'You are not doing it right if you're not going broke doing it'.  Again very reckless but can help speed things along.  Getting deep into debt to better myself is really a no brainier.
Thank you,
Anne

I had my surgery about 33 years ago but I had 8 years of therapy before that. I figured all the cost of transitioning amounted to about $40,000. I started the journey with about $10,000 and worked as a computer programmer earning about $24,000 a year. My big expense was a single bedroom apartment but I only ate out once a week at the local hamburger stand and purchased very little other than what I needed. The only thing insurance covered was a small portion of my nose job and after everything was paid for, insurance repaid me about $10,000 for my surgery.

I counted every penny and drew a very clear line between wants and needs. I had money for my needs but my wants often went unfulfilled.

Usually people fund it through work, or in the UK its sometimes covered by the NHS, more often than not.

But the blunt answer is work, loans, asking friends / family, start an internet campaign etc

i can also only speak for myself but i had some help from family. i also have a decent job as a RN so money is normally not a issue. the people i know of who are older save up the money before they transition because they know they will have to take time off work and find a new job once the changes become noticeable.i dont know your situation but i guess some of us just get dumb luck?

Quote from: MistyMinx15 on December 09, 2015, 10:27:56 AM
My point to this is where is everyone getting the money to have theses surgeries? they are not cheap.

I saved all my money while in college and grad school, working 2 part-time jobs. That paid for my top surgery, first year of HRT, and the few therapy sessions that I needed. I put off transitioning partially because I didn't want to have to stop due to financial issues. My mom swooped in at the last second and insisted on paying for my surgery, saving me $8500.

For my bottom surgery which is exponentially more expensive, I am hoping insurance will foot all but a small portion of the bill. As of right now, they've said that they will. It's just a matter of presenting them with the bill and seeing how they react. For me, paying $120 a month is a small price compared to the $30k I'd have to come up with otherwise.

Personally, I worked 3 jobs (one full-time, two freelance) for almost three years and saved every penny we could.

But I was lucky enough to be doing OK financially before that - my wife and I made enough money to afford a small house and a reasonable if not well-off lifestyle - and to be married to someone who can squeeze money until it screams.

I paid for surgery by working 3 jobs. I live in a rented room. Ate ramen noodle on the regular. I'm 100% on my own and on top of paying school, health insurance and car insurance I was able to save. Top surgery I paid out of pocket. My transition totaled at $27,000. That includes everything from legal to health costs. I had a few health scares with probable cancer but everything came back negative. Had it not been for that my bills would have been a lot less. I was able to get credit cards and that helped. I would pay my copays on my Amex and the actual bills that I got in the mail for my deductible got put on credit. I also put $1200 of my top surgery on my credit card.
I'm post op and recovered. I'm now paying things off with ease. I'm finally enjoying life. I pay as much as I can off on the cards too.

Sent from my SD4930UR using Tapatalk

Im always staggered by how much any kind of surgery costs. even minor things, its crazy.

Yeah. It hurt a lot when I placed $7,300 on the counter at one time to pay for surgery. It was the largest amount I'd ever spent. It was like, I need to use up this money to get rid of my dysphoria. And lucky for me it cured it. I'm very happy. I know that I worked hard and deserved the surgery. I busted my behind saving it up. I guess looking back I was just nervous and scared that the surgery wouldn't happen. It was a dream come true. My life never went as planned until I started transition. Everything did fall into place and my life is full of hope and happiness.

Sent from my SD4930UR using Tapatalk