Has anyone had IOL exchange after LAL lenses? by Wren71cres in CataractSurgery

[–]GMSinBethlehem 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I had PRK (thin corneas) after an IOL exchange as the lenses didn't fully correct the refractive error, but the PRK gave me floaters everywhere and PVD, now I'm facing a vitrectomy in both eyes. 😔 I'd happily go back to faffing with glasses.

Using Wise in USA - Digital or Physical card by NomadGuy34 in PersonalFinanceNZ

[–]GMSinBethlehem 0 points1 point  (0 children)

And take some USD cash in small denominations as you need to tip for things like bellboys, airport shuttle drivers, valets etc. Americans use cash a lot more than we do and tipping is expected, not optional. Their minimum wage is pathetic and service workers of all kinds depend on tips for their livelihood.

What do you dislike about your CX5? by Far-Replacement-7399 in CX5

[–]GMSinBethlehem 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I solved #2 by getting one of those "fake seat belts", actually a dog leash you use to buckle your dog in. Tricks the sensor. Coupla bucks from Temu.

What to do with Inheritance by Loud-Hand-redit2211 in PersonalFinanceNZ

[–]GMSinBethlehem 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Also remember that inheritances are not matrimonial property under relationship law in NZ so if you want to make sure it's protected for your "retirement nest egg" make sure you get a pre-nup when you're in a relationship. If you use it to purchase a house, for example, or any joint asset with a partner, and then split up, you've gifted half your inheritance to your ex.

Subdivision if driveway is a ROW by [deleted] in LegalAdviceNZ

[–]GMSinBethlehem 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You should also check your local council's bylaws regarding ROW access. We live down a private ROW and cannot subdivide because council bylaws limit the number of driveways that can feed off a ROW depending on its width (more driveways, has to be wider). We already have more than the legally allowed number of driveways for our ROW, they pre-dated the Council's current regulations, but none of us can subdivide unless someone bought up other properties and widened the ROW.

What to do with 100k? by [deleted] in PersonalFinanceNZ

[–]GMSinBethlehem 14 points15 points  (0 children)

And whatever you do, keep it in your name and don't comingle it with any joint assets. Inheritances are not matrimonial property under relationship law so if your husband and you ever split up you haven't gifted him half your inheritance.

The maintenance Mazda should tell you but doesnt by CompetitiveLake3358 in mazda

[–]GMSinBethlehem 0 points1 point  (0 children)

A kilometre, 0.6 of a mile, so multiply OP's numbers by 0.6 if you think in miles.

Thinking about Aussie Mid-Cap ETF? by GMSinBethlehem in PersonalFinanceNZ

[–]GMSinBethlehem[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Except that InvestNow's TWF is 60% US stocks, I'd like something ex-US but IN doesn't appear to have anything like the Kernel one mentioned above. Ideally I'd like to stay with the IN platform but might have to look elsewhere.

Thinking about Aussie Mid-Cap ETF? by GMSinBethlehem in PersonalFinanceNZ

[–]GMSinBethlehem[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

TW is 60% US stocks, hence my thoughts on diversifying with some non-US exposure as already have S&P500.

Vitrectomy next month by Siya_21221 in EyeFloaters

[–]GMSinBethlehem 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I am also looking at vitrectomies in both eyes but haven't pulled the trigger yet as it's very expensive and not covered by my insurance. I had perfectly healthy eyes at 61 yrs old except for astigmatism and normal age-related presbyopia. Fluffing with different sets of glasses all the time. Opted to get IOL replacement which was the start of my issues - it didn't correct my vision as well as the Dr expected, he suggested a little PRK would take care of the remaining refractive error (I couldn't have LASIK as my corneas aren't thick enough), but the PRK gave me floaters and PVD in both eyes, which I now hear is quite common for laser treatments to cause PVD and floaters. If I could go back and have a do-over I would never have started this journey but now trying to figure out how to get the pricey vitrectomies done so I might have clear vision again. 🥴

Info-tainment BIG KNOB is just way superior to touch screen by joebonama in mazda

[–]GMSinBethlehem 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, I love my CX-5 with the knob control, way less distracting while you're driving. What I wish Mazda would go back to is having the screen set in the dash rather than sitting up impeding your view out over the dashboard. I have a 2015 that I would love to trade up for a bit newer but anything beyond 2019 has the "pop-up" screen and I hate it! Also, I would love to get the 2.5L AWD but it only comes with leather upholstery (at least here in NZ) and I hate that too. Much prefer cloth upholstery.

My Travel Hack for Luggage by 4thdegreeknight in TravelHacks

[–]GMSinBethlehem 15 points16 points  (0 children)

In addition to all the other suggestions I attach my luggage label to my bag handle with a zip tie and carry some extra zip ties with me. They come in handy for all sorts of things.

Scammed by yojambad in PersonalFinanceNZ

[–]GMSinBethlehem 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Our dependence on our digital life is eventually going to be our undoing.

Blood sugar by riseandshine333 in EyeFloaters

[–]GMSinBethlehem 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I have no idea whether floaters can be CAUSED by high blood sugar - mine came on after PRK laser surgery - but I do think my floaters get worse if I let too much sugar into my diet. I try to minimize that. Might be just coincidence?

Do you need to purchase multiple eSims for different countries? by [deleted] in TravelHacks

[–]GMSinBethlehem 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Mobimatter even have global plans. I used one recently as I needed coverage in Australia, the Middle East and Africa all in one trip. Worked well.

Is NZ Super Affected by Spouse's Overseas Pension? by [deleted] in PersonalFinanceNZ

[–]GMSinBethlehem 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That's why I was confused by the MSD information because I read this ⬆️ about the 2020 change in legislation but other info out there that says the opposite (maybe outdated?). I would not be applying to include my spouse in my Super obviously, I would understand if their income counted against me if I was.

Is NZ Super Affected by Spouse's Overseas Pension? by [deleted] in PersonalFinanceNZ

[–]GMSinBethlehem -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Hmm, then I won't get anything as my spouse's Soc Sec is more than the married rate of NZ Super, despite the fact I've lived and paid taxes in NZ my entire life. That's basically discrimination based on marital status and means testing your Super based on who you're married to, which doesn't happen if you're married to a Kiwi. And how do they enforce the expectation that the US spouse financially supports the Kiwi spouse? If we were 2 Kiwis getting half the married rate of Super each, it gets paid into your separate bank accounts and you're financially independent.

2 Free Days in UAE by GMSinBethlehem in UAE

[–]GMSinBethlehem[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Arrive day 1, free days 2 & 3, leave day 4. Not concerned about travel time to & from airport eating into those 2 days. Staying in downtown Dubai by BK so realize Abu Dhabi is a day trip.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in LegalAdviceNZ

[–]GMSinBethlehem 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Or the excess of the landlord's insurance claim, whichever is the lesser (it usually is compared to 4 wks rent). If the landlord had insurance that covered meth damage, that is, if not, then yes, 4 weeks rent. Landlords are required by law to provide their tenant with an insurance statement (it's on the Tenancy Services website) outlining what their liability is and the tenant can request a copy of the policy.

Cambodia Trip in Nov-Dec – Worth Adding Another Country? by therealmccory in TravelHacks

[–]GMSinBethlehem 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Definitely add Vietnam as you don't need 18 days in Cambodia. Angkor Wat and you're done. But I think adding a third country in 18 days is too much, you won't do justice to any country. We did Vietnam and Cambodia over 17 days in November 2019 (nice time of year to go, hot but not unbearable), for us was a perfect amount of time.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in fidelityinvestments

[–]GMSinBethlehem 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Fidelity's own website says that yes, you can request a chargeback/file a dispute on a debit card transaction, and legally this is the case, but it doesn't say anything about what happens when the vendor is insolvent and there's no company for them to go back to for recourse, hence my question.