To me electrolysis, along with my orchiectomy, is the best thing I ever did for myself. Nothing I can think of (that most people are likely to see) can "out" you faster than visible facial hair. I personally did not even fully transition until I had had my entire facial area permanently cleared AND a bunch of work done elsewhere. Having facial hair was a daily reminder that I did not have the body I wanted, and having it gone was a huge weight off my mind. No more having to worry I had missed a spot shaving, no more stubble, no more hiding my face under heavy makeup. Even now, over a decade later, when my husband touches my face I know he's going to feel nothing but soft peach fuzz and smooth skin....not the horrible sandpaper rasp of shorn stubble.
You might not mind shaving now, but what happens if you get old or incapacitated and can no longer do it daily? Would you be comfortable being "outed" every time someone else had to shave your beard? In social situations are you okay with wearing heavy concealer and foundation to cover up? I didn't have much money either (I started transition in my late teens) but I made it work. I strongly suggest you reconsider not having your facial hair removed. If you only shaved your face three weeks ago then I am guessing you have not transitioned and are still living as male. If that's true, it would be easy to grow your facial hair out as needed to have electrolysis. However, once you transition (and I am assuming you will before surgery in 18 months?) it's a logistical nightmare to walk around with visible facial hair in between electrolysis sessions. That amount of time is more than enough to get complete, or almost complete, beard removal providing you go to somebody good on a regular basis and are willing to dedicate a lot of time up front.
