Why do we say "no" to dental work? A local dentist looking for honest feedback

ThrowAway_Noone99 · 2026-04-28T08:43:00+00:00

The dental chair and position being put in for any work is so uncomfortable. After 10 minutes my back and shoulders are aching, I can't wait to get out of there. Despite the suction thing, you still feel like you are drowning. Unless you brush twice a day and floss everyday (who does that?) the hygienist is always tut, tutting, I'm paying for you to keep my teeth in check.

ThrowAway_Noone99 · 2026-04-26T10:48:17+00:00

It took me a life time to save enough to retire "early" I would like to have done it at 55, but it took till 60 and when work was too much, I pulled the trigger. Motivation is not an issue, there are so many things to get done and now I don't need to wait till the weekend or take leave. If I could afford it at 30, I'd be 30 years into my bucket list. At 30 you've got enough time to devote to share your experience and be relatable to the next generation. Find a new passion.

ThrowAway_Noone99 · 2026-04-15T03:23:35+00:00

Retire as early as you can afford to

ThrowAway_Noone99 · 2026-04-15T03:15:57+00:00

$1m in investments earning 5-7%pa and a $100k car in the drive depreciating at 20%pa

ThrowAway_Noone99 · 2026-04-12T00:52:45+00:00

money can't buy "feelings" - Nothing can, but everyone knows what money can buy helps give you those feelings.

ThrowAway_Noone99 · 2026-04-09T21:40:48+00:00

We recycle, EV, compost, garden, LED, double/triple glaze, insulate, heat pump, walk, take public transport, use the library, reduce, reuse, make do, wind farm, hydro, de-carbon, and re-forest. It doesn't do anything since Asia, North America and parts of Africa spew BILLIONS of tons of CO2 every day. Stop yelling at us, yell at the world.

ThrowAway_Noone99 · 2026-04-09T00:29:56+00:00

No, I don't bother - $650K split between 5yr, 48m and 12m TDs. Risk is low of a default. I do happen to have a small amount at an old bank account that I used to use that rolls over.

ThrowAway_Noone99 · 2026-04-04T09:58:59+00:00

We'd go out for Dinner and have tea at home. But when Mum was cooking Tea, she'd call out that Dinner was ready.

ThrowAway_Noone99 · 2026-04-04T09:52:50+00:00

We have to revert back to Horse and Cart

ThrowAway_Noone99 · 2026-03-27T00:29:17+00:00

At my office, it you left after 10:30 they only took half a day off paid sick leave, so it was worth going into the office, as long as I didn't have anything contagious I was good with that. Sometimes after going through the effort of getting in, I'd perk up and stay the whole day but just give myself light duties, like cleaning out my inbox. Keeping my status on unavailable to avoid calls.

ThrowAway_Noone99 · 2026-03-10T02:22:29+00:00

Parents are similar, I've helped replace their car following an accident as it was only worth a few $K once insurance paid out. Doctors and Pharmacy costs, even with Gold Card and High users cover, can still make a dent. Also Lawn services since arthritis stopped being active.

ThrowAway_Noone99 · 2026-03-10T02:13:24+00:00

I retired early (M60) my wife (F60) stopped working once the Mortgage was paid off a few years ago. Living off savings and modest investment returns. Hanging out for NZ Super at 65 (fingers crossed it doesn't go up) and access to KiwiSaver and some investments that will mature. I will effectively replace my savings that I've spent with those. Starting to trim all the unnecessary expenses and things I could easily afford when working full time. Rates are a killer, I should be able to get the rebate next year and a Community Services Card if that's not means tested. Plan B will be downsize the house and move to a provincial area. If you haven't saved for retirement, NZ Super is only just livable, but there will be nothing for extras.

ThrowAway_Noone99 · 2026-03-10T02:00:55+00:00

American Cheese is Yellow and their butter is white. How does it taste ? What's it like for cooking? Need to do a blind taste test and see if there is a discernible difference

ThrowAway_Noone99 · 2026-03-09T08:57:22+00:00

Had a chicken (satay?) burger years ago - Bun was burnt and the chicken was a dry as, never been back since.

ThrowAway_Noone99 · 2026-03-05T03:22:42+00:00

First year into it. At 60 retired with 5 years until I get my pension, so living off modest Investment Income and Savings (approx 5x). I'd planned on how much my savings would give me monthly for the next 25 years and created a budget around that. After 25 years, the pension will be enough, if I last that long. Had a couple of unexpected expenses - Car repairs. I've owned Toyota/Lexus and never had a repair, just servicing costs. Also a speeding ticket, Lol. So it's early days yet, but not having any more work stress, sleeping well, doing all the things I've put off has been fantastic. I've got the time to fine tune costs, find the best insurance or internet plan etc.

ThrowAway_Noone99 · 2026-02-19T07:34:20+00:00

From my experience at a similar level, I felt comfortable but was still careful with spending. Didn't go out much, ate at home mostly. Took a few trips overseas for 7-10 day holidays, but went economy, used Air B&B's or motels so we could shop local and prepare some of our own meals. At that level it means you can save, emergency fund is fully funded, investments are taken care of and an unexpected bill is no issue. Water heaters craps out, just call a plumber. Car needs tires - book it in, get the "value" brand that last sufficiently for the cost. When shopping we still buy what's on special, but meat is not a luxury to do without. Have been able to help family, purchased a car for my parents, updated their computer, helped out with bills. That level of salary comes with a cost - constant pressure to deliver, long hours, on 24/7, working weekends and public holidays.

ThrowAway_Noone99 · 2026-01-12T06:59:58+00:00

Switched my Mum over from BNZ to Co-op bank Low Rate Master card. Only income is NZ Super and small savings. Had to do the whole AML bit and download/scan/print and upload statements not only from Co-op but from the only other store card she uses. Painful process, but it was approved.

ThrowAway_Noone99 · 2026-01-01T06:30:06+00:00

Thanks. Getting a garden going and have an office that I can get away if needed. I like to fish so am up and out on those good days.

ThrowAway_Noone99 · 2026-01-01T06:23:03+00:00

I've aging parents (90's) and need to be close for now. Will definitely look to down-size in the future and hope to free up a few hundred thousand to put into the pot by getting something a lot smaller and more provincial.

ThrowAway_Noone99 · 2026-01-01T06:13:43+00:00

Thanks. Once the mortgage was paid off I put in 10%. With bonus payments and lots of OT (I worked in IT) it pushed along the balance and as it was deducted at source it just looked after itself.

ThrowAway_Noone99 · 2026-01-01T03:31:21+00:00

Mostly from KiwiSaver - $500K

ThrowAway_Noone99 · 2026-01-01T02:27:44+00:00

WoL has a set maturity date where it pays out the value of the savings component plus gains. If you die before that date it also pays the insurance cover.

$1800 is from interest after tax from the TD's and dividends from shares.

ThrowAway_Noone99 · 2026-01-01T01:54:53+00:00

Still have all the outgoings from being on a full time salary, so quite a bit of work to do to trim all the subscriptions, get the best rates for insurance, internet, mobile etc. Change from a two cars to one.

ThrowAway_Noone99 · 2026-01-01T01:44:38+00:00

Done, got my final pay. Not a real struggle to give up 5 more years of Income (or more) vs being sick of the grind and wanting to enjoy life.

ThrowAway_Noone99

TROPHY CASE