August 1964

DO YOU REALLY KNOW WHERE YOU STAND WITH SOCIAL SECURITY?

How much money you eventually get back depends on how long you have worked under Social Security, how much you have earned, and your age of retirement.

IS IT WISE TO LET A BUYER TAKE OVER YOUR MORTGAGE?

No, almost never. True, letting a buyer assume your mortgage can help to sell your house and get a higher price, since it may enable the buyer to make attractive savings through lower interest payments and reduced closing costs. Another advantage for you may be that you can avoid possible pre-payment penalties.

IS THERE A "BEST WAY" TO PICK A MUTUAL FUND?

There is only one intelligent way, and that is to decide on your investment objective and then to find the fund that shows the greatest promise of helping you achieve it.

BUY A NEW CAR OR PUT MORE MONEY IN THE OLD ONE?

Have you ever faced this problem and wished that there was a "magic formula" to tell you what to do? Unfortunately there is no such formula, and the right decision will vary according to your particular car, your needs, and your circumstances. But there are several things you should consider before making a decision.

HOW ABOUT SEAT BELTS FOR THE REAR SEAT PASSENGERS?

HOW CAN YOU INSURE ARTICLES CARRIED IN YOUR CAR?

In three ways. You're probably covered by two of them right now: the homeowner's or tenant homeowner's policy and the comprehensive portion of your auto policy. The third way, insuring with a floater, is generally used only to cover unusually expensive possessions.

HOW TO ORDER PLANS FOR HOUSES AND PROJECTS

Better Homes for All America Would you like to build the home shown in "A split-level that doesn't look 'split'," page 54? You can order a complete set of plans for this house, including complete working drawings, a list of materials to help estimate what it will cost to build, an outline of specifications for workmanship and materials, and points to include in your builder-homeowner agreement. Just check the box for House Plan 3408-A on the coupon below and send $15.00 for the complete plan package.

SIT BACK AND RELAX

Relaxed living is many things: it's a carefree attitude that lets you put your feet up, even in a formal room; it's down-to-earth comfort and convenience in the furniture you buy; and it's the very individual way you exhibit your tastes and interests in furnishing your home for family living.

ROOMS TO GROW IN!

And so much fun to be in! Each of these colorful rooms soars with stimulating ideas especially for the young set. Above all, each room can be adapted to fit the needs of a growing child for years to come.

IDEAS INTERNATIONAL!

These spectacular ideas from around the world are presented exclusively in full color here. The rooms are the creation of the interior design staff of Armstrong Cork Company, and are on exhibit in New York at 60 West 49th Street, Rockefeller Center. After taking our picture tour, we're sure you'll want to make this part of your trip when you visit the World's Fair.

KITCHEN IDEAS INTERNATIONAL!

TWO OUTDOOR PROJECTS TO MAKE YOUR SUMMER MORE SUCCESSFUL

LOOK WHAT FLOWERS CAN DO FOR A ROOM!

See how they'll change the character of your home! Give distinction, stature and warmth to every corner. Carry garden color indoors, and observe the magnificent magic arrangements achieved, no matter where they're placed.

A SPLIT-LEVEL THAT DOESN'T LOOK "SPLIT"

There is none of that awkward, two-houses-pushed-together look you often see in a poorly planned split-level house. Instead, the exterior is simple, well-organized, and handsome.

KIDS' ROOM SPACE-MAKERS

AUGUST GARDENING WHERE YOU LIVE!

The hybrid delphiniums that produce such fine flowers and are so popular today are short-lived in most sections. They seldom live more than two or three years. If you grow them from seed, plant fresh seed now-- start new plants every year or two. Delphiniums prefer soil to which lime has been added --the lime also improves the structure of clay soils. Work manure into the soil since delphiniums respond to this even more than do most plants.

CAN YOU SAVE MONEY BUYING A SHELL HOME?

Yes, a shell home can save you considerable money-- 35 percent and sometimes even more off the price of a custom-built home and as much as 25 per cent off a development or tract home-- but only if you have the time and know-how to build a home from a pile of precut lumber and to install all your own wiring, plumbing, and heating equipment. In short, you could build a $20,000 house for as little as $13,000, but if you are not savvy about construction, your original savings can easily be eaten up by subcontractor bills to right the wrongs you commit.

WHEN DOES IT MAKE SENSE TO RENT A CAR?

On business trips, of course. But there are also times when it can make good sense for families. As a second car. If your family needs a second car-- or special vehicle-- on certain occasions but has little use for it the rest of the year, you may be better off renting than buying.

WILL THE TAX CUT TAX YOUR BUDGET NEXT YEAR?

SHOPPING BY MAIL WITH BETTER HOMES & GARDENS

THE MAN NEXT DOOR

The speaker at the P.T.A. said we rush around organizing our children so much they can't relax and enjoy being children. As a matter of fact, a little less frenzy in those youth activities might even give us grownups a chance to relax and enjoy being grown up.