March 1965

WHEN CAN PROFESSIONAL HELP SAVE YOU TAX MONEY?

Over the years, as your annual Federal tax return grows ever more complicated, you may begin to suspect that an outside tax expert can save you money. He may, for example, find tax benefits in your financial picture which you had no idea even existed. Such savings-- and they often turn up quite unexpectedly-- may well return far more to you than the amount of his fee.

HOW MUCH CAN YOUR CHILDREN EARN AND STILL BE EXEMPTIONS?

It is no longer necessary to limit your children's earnings to $600 each in order to retain them as exemptions. If a child is under 19-- or is a full-time student of any age-- and you contribute over half of his support, you can claim him as an exemption.

ARE LIFE INSURANCE PROCEEDS EVER TAXABLE?

Lump-sum payments. Usually no income tax is due if a lump sum death benefit is paid in cash. This method of payment is used in over 90 per cent of all policies. The Internal Revenue Code says that in these cases, there is no income tax-- neither at the high "ordinary" rate you pay on salary or wages, nor at the lower (maximum 25 per cent) capital gains rate.

HOW MUCH CAN YOU DEDUCT FOR MERCHANDISE OR STOCKS GIVEN TO CHARITY?

OFF-STREET PARKING--RIGHT IN YOUR OWN BACK YARD

Here, in the second installment of our continuing series on off-street parking, we show how to utilize your back yard for parking extra cars safely and conveniently.

BETTER HOMES & GARDENS SPECIAL EVENTS GUIDE TO THE 50 STATES & CANADA!

The Editors of Better Homes & Gardens this month announce a publishing "first" in the vacation travel field: a complete, state-by-state and province-by-province guide to festivals, pageants, rodeos, carnivals, fairs, and similar events of outstanding importance to traveling families in the United States and Canada.

TREES AND VINES FOR EVERY SETTING

Proper planting and early training are of basic importance to the health and appearance of your trees and vines. A little extra care at planting time and during the first two years of growth results in well-shaped, vigorous plants. Follow the simple directions we list below for finest specimen plantings. Be sure to read Trees and Vines for Every Setting on page 56.

PARTIES WITH PAPER

With paper place mats, a few snips of the scissors, and a bit of ingenuity, you can design novel centerpieces tailor-made for tables.

HANG A TABLE ON THE WALL!

It's the perfect solution to those familiar decorating problems: furnishing a narrow hallway-- filling an empty expanse of wall-- adding extra table or shelf space to a small room.

ANTI-SKID BRAKES--MOST PROMISING SAFETY ACCESSORY IN YEARS

You know you're supposed to pump your brakes when trying to stop on a slick surface. You know that slamming your foot down on the pedal --and holding it there-- will make your car skid hopelessly out of control. You know it, but in an emergency you'll probably slam down hard anyway. No matter what you think, no matter how good you are, the natural and first impulse in an emergency is to stop.

JUST WHAT DO AUTO INSURANCE "MEDICAL PAYMENTS" COVER?

SURE SIGNS YOU NEED NEW SHOCK ABSORBERS

Good shock absorbers are very important for maximum control of your car, riding comfort, and safety.

FIRST YOU BUILD A BOX...

This desk and storage unit is so handsome, it's hard to believe how simple it. is to build. We found it in the home of Architect J. Donald Bowman of Seattle. The Bowmans needed a place for all the family's paper work-- so they built this floor-to-ceiling unit.

WHICH POWER TOOL TO BUY?

Quality is the most important factor when you buy a major power tool. This does not necessarily mean you should buy the most expensive model offered, but you should seriously consider a top-of-the-line tool in the size or type that will best suit your needs.

GOOD NEWS FOR MEN

This new cut-off guide would be a welcome addition to any handyman's (or professional's) tool kit.

HOW TO LIVE WITH YOUR PIANO

Placing a piano requires careful thought. A piano should never be located near a heat outlet. Direct heat on the instrument can dry the wood and cause it to crack. For the same reason, avoid exposing your piano to very cold or fluctuating temperatures. A steady, moderate temperature and a humidity of 38 to 40 per cent is ideal for a piano-- and for you and your family. Wherever you place your piano, always keep it at least 3 inches from the wall.

HERE'S A COMPACT HOUSE WITH EXCEPTIONAL STYLE AND COMFORT

From its pyramid-shaped roof down to its simple, elegant entry, this house radiates distinguished, old-world charm. Adapted from the timeless proportions of the French country house, it has strong character and an appealing warmth that comes from blending the original design form with clean, contemporary lines.

TWO FAST FURNITURE ARRANGEMENTS!

With today's wonderfully flexible furniture, a room can live a double life-- and get away with it beautifully! Each of the rooms on these four pages, for example, appears to be only a living room. But a swift furniture shift transforms both into delightful dining rooms.

TODAY'S WONDERFUL, WORKABLE KITCHENS--AND HOW TO PLAN ONE INTO YOUR NEW OR PRESENT HOUSE!

On the next 12 pages, you'll find the most complete, up-to-the-minute guide to kitchen planning ever presented by Better Homes & Gardens.

STITCH A KITCHEN SAMPLER

THIS WORK CENTER WILL FIT ANY OPEN-PLAN KITCHEN

SOLUTIONS TO YOUR LAUNDRY QUANDARY

Have you given up trying to get dirty collars clean? Are you upset by minute holes that appear in your clothing and linens? Or, do you wonder why your white blouse yellowed? These and the questions below are laundry problems our readers ask most frequently.

HOW TO ORDER PLANS FOR HOUSES AND PROJECTS

BEAUTY TREATMENTS FOR BLANK WALLS

A blank wall is a challenge. It's up to you to make it interesting. And you don't stop with the last coat of paint or an expanse of wallpaper. That's just the beginning.

SPECIAL FOR BIRTHDAYS

SNUG STORAGE!

THE IDEAL SOLUTION FOR A SMALL BEDROOM

GREAT VACATIONS IN THE WEST

Second in our 1965 travel program is this collection of exciting and memorable activities in the 11 states of the Old West. Prepared by Family Features Editor Neil Kuehnl, this article takes you to the best spots along the Pacific Coast, on through the colorful desert country, up white-water rivers, and all the way to the Continental Divide. Next month: a special guide to fascinating side trips in Europe.

WHICH PAINT ROLLER?

Which roller is best for you? The three most commonly used ... are the 7-inch, 9-inch, and ... jumbo. The 7-inch is ... practical for average use. The 9-inch size is growing in ... because it speeds up ... work.

SPACE-SAVING LAMPS

THE IMPORTANCE OF SPRING PRUNING

The best time to prune woody plants is in very early spring when framework of branches is exposed for a clear picture of pruning needs. But for spring-flowering kinds, delay pruning until flowers fade. This assures a full crop of blooms.

MAKE YOUR HOUSE FREE AND EASY

DECORATIVE FENCES

SHOPPING BY MAIL

Discover the ease of shopping by mail! Order with complete confidence. Each firm will refund your money if you're not thoroughly pleased.

THE MAN NEXT DOOR

"The really well-qualified bore," remarked Bill Norman as we left our civic club meeting, "is a nonstop talker who carefully chooses each word to make no sense at all."