Planning for Gender-Affirming Care: Part 1 – Surgery
Planning for gender-affirming surgery involves more than finding the right surgeon. From understanding insurance coverage to budgeting for out-of-pocket costs, here's what you need to know to make the financial side smoother.
Planning for Parenthood: A Financial Primer for LGBTQIA+ Families
For LGBTQIA+ families, the path to parenthood can feel both exciting and complex. From fertility coverage and surrogacy to adoption and beyond, there are unique challenges and opportunities to prepare for. This primer offers a clear starting point to help you build your family with confidence, especially when it comes to the financial side of things.
SB 729 Explained: More Inclusive and Queer-Friendly Fertility Coverage Is Coming to California
California’s new SB 729 will make fertility care more accessible and inclusive, especially for LGBTQIA+ and single-parent families. Starting on January 1, 2026, large employers must provide comprehensive coverage for infertility diagnosis and treatments like IVF, marking a major step toward reproductive equity.
Asking for a Friend: How do you afford electrolysis when your insurance calls it “cosmetic” but your gender dysphoria says otherwise?
Electrolysis is often dismissed by insurance as “cosmetic,” but for many trans and gender diverse people it’s essential gender-affirming care. In this post, I share practical ways to challenge insurance denials, estimate out-of-pocket costs, save intentionally, and find mutual aid and grant programs.
Asking for a Friend: Is My Monthly CalPERS or CalSTRS Pension Taxable?
One of the most common questions I hear from people about to receive a CalPERS or CalSTRS pension is: How is my pension taxed? This post breaks down the difference between federal and state income tax rules and explains how both pension systems handle tax withholding.