I have been investing most of my paycheck ($700) into the stock market for about a year and a half now. But now that I know I'm trans, I am seriously considering my SRS about two years after I start my hormones. So if I stop investing for two years I should be able to afford my surgery and completely pay off the bill. But if I continue investing it will be worth more than the surgery in 10 years. I understand that this is a personal decision but I was hoping that somebody could help me come to a decision.

Not a real expert on stock investments but couldn't you continue investing for the next two years and then sell of enough to pay for SRS and continue afterwards? The only catch is to be careful about the tax impact from the earnings... The surgery may be tax deductible (hopefully).

So the two options you are considering are GCS in two years or in ten years?  If you can theoretically manage to have it in either time frame and the primary concern is financial, then just the fact that you are considering waiting an additional eight years shows that you are a far more disciplined woman than I am!

The stock market is generally a form of gambling, and you might find after 10 years you don't have anything.

Quote from: AnonyMs on September 01, 2016, 12:17:14 PM
The stock market is generally a form of gambling, and you might find after 10 years you don't have anything.

I agree.  Having been the victim of investment in shares which lost 95% of their value due to mismanagement, I would definitely say don't trust shares as far as you can throw them - even the seemingly safest can go down the proverbial pan.

Prudent investing over the long term usually dictates early on you go with higher return investments which yes have higher risk. As you approach an event that must have funds available, transfer to lower margin/risk as well as ensuring that you can make your capital gains long term for lowered taxes.

Also, find work where your surgery will be covered by insurance!

I don't see how the two are really mutually exclusive. Unless when you want to "Cash Out" you "Suddenly" learn all those great stocks are..... total crap?

TBH... SELL at or around the week of 24 Oct. Then take it from there a month later as to "re-invest" or keep the money in T-Bills or some other tax-free instrument

I manage my family trust and as you may know returns over the prime rate carries a risk profile.  In todays investment climate, substantial volitility and uncertainty our cash portion is at an all time high. We will wait and see when to increase our innestments. We invest in established funds and only had a target of 5pct which was not achieved. We are considered institional investors.

Save for the possibility of srs and see how you feel as your journey progresses.

I recommend staying with the stock market, but invest in solid exchange traded funds like DIA, SPDR, or a solid utility like Consolidated Edison, ED.  Do not buy mutual funds or invest in speculative ventures.

Many mutual fund managers fail to consistently beat the yields of the Dow Jones average.  Buy DIA and you, in effect, have bought the Dow. Ultra low management fees.

Also 'Dollar Cost Averaging' is very useful.  If you invest a set amount in your stock each month, you will buy more shares when it's cheap and fewer when the price is high.

I invested a total of $12K by the year 2000.   It doubled in value.  I took out my original investment to pay for college for my wife and daughter.  The portfolio doubled again.  Since I took out my original investment, I really can't lose.

I was fortunate enough to invest following the crash of 2008.  There is one adage to take seriously, but a huge number of people can't seem to do it.  "Buy Low, Sell High".   If the stock market dives, they panic and want to sell, when they should be buying cheap.  If the stock market is high, instead of taking their profits and selling, they want to buy high priced stocks.

Of course, I've never had SRS and am now a bit too old and decrepit for that.  In any case life is better with a cushion of money.

Best Wishes,
Randi