November 1964

YOUR COMPLETE GUIDE TO HEALTH INSURANCE

This second article in our family insurance series discusses the broad field of sickness and accident policies, with a special section for persons in their 60s and beyond. Last month's Family Money Management dealt with homeowners insurance; the next two issues will cover automobile and life insurance.

DOES IT EVER MAKE SENSE TO RENT A HOUSE?

It usually pays to buy only if you expect to stay in a house at least three to four years. Consider the purchase of a $20,000 house with a $4,000 down payment and a 20-year, six per cent mortgage of $16,000. Closing costs come to $400, say, on top of the purchase price. Mortgage payments are $115 a month, and about $50 a month goes for property taxes and insurance, plus an estimated $30 a month for upkeep and repairs. That's $195 a month in ownership costs, or $2,340 a year.

IS JOINT OWNERSHIP ADVISABLE FOR YOUR HOME AND CAR?

HOW CAN YOU GUARD AGAINST CHECK-WRITING MISTAKES?

PROJECTS TO MAKE YOUR SHOP WORK BETTER

HOW TO GET THE MOST HEAT FOR YOUR MONEY

Before the first frigid day of winter arrives, your heating system should be in its best form. Besides giving you a more comfortable house, an efficient heating system cuts down on fuel expenses-- and on unnecessary repair calls.

GOOD NEWS FOR MEN!

A monthly report to the family man on products for the home, auto, shop, and garden.

NOW IS THE TIME TO GET YOUR CAR READY FOR WINTER

According to AAA, American motorists had bad luck 33 million times last year. They stepped on the starter-- but their cars didn't start. These car-starting difficulties occurred most frequently during the winter months. You can greatly reduce your chance of becoming a starting-failure statistic this year by having the following parts of your car properly prepared for winter-- NOW.

HOW TO KNOW WHAT THE DRIVER AHEAD WILL DO

First, assume that he will never do the right thing, or the predictable thing. Next, be aware of what he is likely to do and how it will affect you.

YOUR NEXT NEW CAR--SEDAN OR WAGON

We can't make the final decision. That's up to you. We can point out some of the things to keep in mind when faced with the prospect of buying a new car.

MORE FOR YOUR TRAVEL DOLLAR!

The travel industry is cooperating with Better Homes & Gardens to supply you with free literature on trips or areas highlighted below. Mark the coupon, paste it on a post card or slip it into an envelope and mail to Better Homes & Gardens, Travel Bureau N, Des Moines, Iowa 50303.

DRAMATIC DECORATING--YOU CAN MAKE IT HAPPEN TO ANY ROOM!

What's dramatic decorating? It's the opposite of humdrum, ho-hum decorating. It's brave color combinations ... original wall treatments ... unexpected furniture arrangements. Read on-- and see how easy it is to make any room in your home come alive-- dramatically!

HERE'S A HOUSE THAT'S PRACTICALLY MAINTENANCE-FREE!

You and your family could move into this house today-- and not need to invest one Saturday in upkeep for years to come! Here is compelling proof that an investment in good-quality products inside and outside a home will pay dividends in reduced maintenance care-- and costs.

OFF-STREET PARKING

With the two- and three-car family becoming common, getting cars off the street poses a serious problem. Many families are forced to go through the antics of a parking lot attendant forever rearranging cars on the driveway and in the garage. The editors of Better Homes and Gardens are dismayed by the lack of planning that has been put into this important area of daily life.

THIS TWO-LEVEL CAN TAKE IT!

If you're hunting big-family space built to stand up to heavy wear and tear, you won't find a sounder solution than this two-level, 2,800-square-foot house.

CREATE A PLACE FOR FAMILY BUSINESS

Every family needs a home office, both for the administration of family business and for the paper work that Dad brings home from the office. We've received many requests for us to meet this need, so we're presenting here three fine examples of what every home office should be. Each one is a practical solution to the problem, but the wide range of styling gives you a wonderful choice of possibilities.

CHRISTMAS CRAFT: PLASTIC DECORATIONS YOU CAN MAKE IN YOUR OVEN

Be creative for Christmas! "Cook" up a houseful of ornaments from brilliant plastic pellets. You can form your own molds of heavy aluminum foil or use flat cooky sheets, muffin tins, or salad molds.

A PARENT'S THOUGHTS ON GOOD MANNERS

About a year ago, a quiet revolution took place at our house. It began at suppertime. At first it seemed just an ordinary family meal, but suddenly I knew something was wrong. There was a dissonance somewhere, an undercurrent of irritability around the table.

COOKING UP A MEMORY

It's a strange thing but memories are usually made of common stuff. And so often, I've noticed, they are tied up with food. A mother never really knows which happy moment a child will tuck away in his heart forever.

NATURE CRAFT

Just look at what you and Mother Nature can turn out together. And children go for these crafts in a big way!

HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR SCHOOL'S CURRICULUM

This is the last of three consecutive articles on how direct action by you can significantly improve your schools. Previous issues provided suggestions for launching a new school building program and for getting the best teachers for your schools.

WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING A TRANSISTOR RADIO

Cost. In transistor radios, as in most other things, you get what you pay for! There are great variations in quality at any price level and the consumer should try to compare tone excellence of different radios before making a decision. Price is difficult to determine, but in general, you should be wary of quality if the cost is under ten dollars.

SERVING SPACE WHERE YOU NEED IT

NOVEMBER GARDENING WHERE YOU LIVE!

Can I qrind up eggshells and use them as a source of lime for my bulbs and perennials? Eggshells contain a good deal of calcium, one of the chem icals found in lime.

WANT GLOXINIAS LIKE THOSE ON OUR COVER?

All you need are bulbs-- and know-how! For the latter, just follow the instructions below for culture and propagation. Bulbs are available right now-- so get started!

HOW TO STORE MEAT THE RIGHT WAY

To enjoy the quality you pay for, it's smart to store meat properly. Refrigerate it promptly after purchase. The meat has been kept under refrigeration constantly at the market to preserve its goodness, so give it the same kind of treatment in your home.

A NEW GUIDE TO OLD MEXICO

In this article, Family Features Editor Neil Kuehnl takes you exploring, by automobile, down through our nearest Latin neighbor nation. Here, the culture, language, and social customs are foreign-- and entirely delightful-- to American visitors. Then add palm-fringed beaches, towering volcanoes, primitive villages, and a magnificent international capital-city. ...

HOW TO KEEP THE HOME FIRE BURNING

It's time to lay the groundwork for winter evenings you plan to spend dreaming beside a bright, cheerful fireplace. To make sure your reveries aren't disturbed by constant trips to the wood pile, battles with smoke-filled rooms, or stamping out smoldering sparks on the rug, look over the tips below. ...

WHEN YOU CHOOSE A CAT ...

It's safest, of course, to buy your cat from an established pet shop or breeder. Also, free cats are always available from the local humane society, or a friend or neighbor. But remember that a bargain cat can become expensive if he's sick.

HOW TO ORDER PLANS FOR HOUSES AND PROJECTS

GIFT SHOPPING BY MAIL

Holiday shoppers discover the ease of shopping by mail! Look through these exciting offers, order now!

THE MAN NEXT DOOR

"It's obvious that some of our politicians have been taking speech lessons," says Dr. Bob Hannelly. "They're still not saying much, but they're saying it much better."