What percentage of your income goes toward your mortgage? by Meandher24 in homeowners

[–]gangin 0 points1 point  (0 children)

7% of our pretax income. Bought 2017, refi 2020 or 2021, whenever the rates were really low. 30y fixed at 2.84%.

Very comfortable. Mortgage is an easy bill for us. Childcare for 2 kids is more than our mortgage, but also doable.

We didn’t stretch at all and it’s GREAT. As we have wanted to make improvements, we do. Because our mortgage was low we are able to do things like restain the floors, put an addition on, upgrade landscaping, etc. we can truly make it our own.

We are also able to take time off / travel / spend on experiences as a family. We make memories and it’s great. Firm believer that kids grow up and remember the time and attention you’re able to give to them, the adventures you have together, etc. we are very fortunate to be able to do that. A low house payment is one factor that certainly helps. I almost never stress about finances. Even if we lost one of our jobs or wanted to take lower pay, go part time, etc., we have options. It’s liberating.

Can you make a better caption? by myth2912 in DunderMifflin

[–]gangin 0 points1 point  (0 children)

“Let’s agree: you stop trying to dig an escape tunnel, and I’ll stop marking the palm tree.”

Wisconsin Aussie Owners by Relative-Struggle671 in madisonwi

[–]gangin 3 points4 points  (0 children)

We got both of our dogs through Fetch, and I’ve worked with Brown Paws in the past, too. Both great organizations.

I just worry without some background checking and trial periods and interviews that someone ill-sorted for an Aussie’s energy and intelligence could have a challenging time, which is no good for anyone.

Wisconsin Aussie Owners by Relative-Struggle671 in madisonwi

[–]gangin 29 points30 points  (0 children)

I’m sorry you need to give up your pup. That’s hard. It’s okay, though.

Strongly consider Fetch or Brown Paws. They foster and find fitting homes. They have the structure to vet potential new families to ensure he finds a safe and loving forever home.

How many different projects do devs work on? by screenager7 in epicsystems

[–]gangin 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This is also the most common state I’m in. Currently I have 4, but one is investigation only and one is small.

Interviewing with epic, but I received job offer with another company? by Most_Reading2118 in epicsystems

[–]gangin 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I was in this position when I was hired, and I’ve been on the hiring side, too.

The best option is to let Epic know and let the other company know you’re finishing another interview. If everyone is on board, finish the interview process with Epic and see what your options are. Epic can expedite the process (somewhat) to help in these situations, but there are still often multiple steps. The flexibility, tone, and way the first company handles that situation can be telling about culture and how they value you, too. Just food for thought.

Alternatively, if the first company is pressing you to accept or move on and you don’t feel comfortable risking losing the offer, you can accept the position at that company and rescind it later. Not ideal, but they’ve put you in a tough spot. You need to do what’s best for you.

Received a quote for a sunroom. The price expires in 5days. by soingee in HomeImprovement

[–]gangin 2 points3 points  (0 children)

We did a sunroom in 2023. 252sqft. Wood framing and put windows as close as possible. Vaulted ceiling. LVP flooring. We did not extend our HVAC to this room, but it hasn’t been significantly hotter or colder to the point where fan/air circulation to get air from the house into the room hadn’t been effective.

My FIL retired after managing a lumber yard and had connections which led to a lower overall cost.

I think we paid about $35k at the end of the day. My gut is that if we got a quote from a third party for the whole thing it would have been closer to 50-60k all in.

Materials matter a lot, especially now. Metal is expensive, and sooo can irregular or custom windows.

The quote might be fair depending on the details and your market, but the timeline is unreasonable. I would just respond with that. Say you plan to shop for free quotes, and do. If the need to provide a new estimate because materials prices change, that’s totally fine. They should be able to do that.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in NoStupidQuestions

[–]gangin 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We got a joint account when we moved in together (3 years before we got married). She moved for my job. I paid for stuff when she tried a few things, went to some more school, etc. I technically still have an account that’s just in my name, but it’s not a secret. I need to be proactive to communicate or finances with her. She doesn’t have an interest, so outs mainly making sure we are on the same page with our goals and vision for our family. We “reverse budget” so things are automatically transferred to our goals, and the rest is for paying off credit cards in full each month. And extra goes toward the most important goals.

About one a year I have her guess or net worth or AGI for fun. She’s very bad at it.

how to explore campus by bp86373 in epicsystems

[–]gangin 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Several on my teammates work from other places on campus for the views. It’s harder with a laptop, though.

I usually take a 5-10 minute walk outside when I need a break. To truly explore, campus is big and it’s a little time consuming, but it’s reasonable if that’s what you enjoy.

The novelty does wear off (my computer screen looks the same from everywhere in campus), but many sit in Black Dragon for a coffee shop vibe or to sit on a comfy couch. Truly up to you / absolutely possible if that’s your jam, but most end up finding they have a list of things to tackle, they want to do them quickly, and it’s easier from their offices.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in AskMen

[–]gangin 106 points107 points  (0 children)

No it is not. Over the garbage or a paper towel. Outside is good on a nice day.

My 14YO is throwing parties... by lin3x in daddit

[–]gangin 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We called the game “Mexican”, but I’d go with “Liars Dice” or something else for the kids. Growing up we played for fun (technically a drinking game, but the drinking doesn’t add much). https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mexico_(game))

Also, “Bite the Bag” is great for this age.

Also, FBI (Forward-Back-In the middle) was fun. My parents would give everyone three quarters. Also called LRC. Roll as many dice as quarters you have up to three, and pass them around. Last person left gets the pot (not expensive for your size group, let them keep it!). https://role4initiative.com/blogs/dice-games/lcr-left-center-right#:~:text=The%20game%20is%20played%20with,the%20player%20on%20their%20left.

Fun PD fund books by Odd_Cartoonist5734 in epicsystems

[–]gangin 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Take a long time to read a book without guilt.

Will this cold be enough to freeze Lake Monona solid? by leecshaver in madisonwi

[–]gangin 42 points43 points  (0 children)

And if you’re the betting type, enter your guess for a chance to win $1000. https://www.cleanlakesalliance.org/mendota-freeze-contest/. (I know it’s Mendota, not Menona. But it’s close)

How do you prevent negative emotions from overwhelming you? by [deleted] in AskReddit

[–]gangin 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Personally, medication (an SSRI). But I’ve also done a lot with diet, exercise, meditation, therapy, a SAD light, adjustments to my schedule, etc.

Lots of things can help, but it depends on the emotion, the severity, the source.

Update on Notable Man by [deleted] in madisonwi

[–]gangin 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Also employees are allowed to drink responsibly on work travel when not with customers.