August 1965

SHOULD YOUR WIFE HAVE HER OWN SOCIAL SECURITY ACCOUNT?

Almost always. Under your coverage, she'll receive only up to one half of your benefits-- with a maximum of $63.50 a month at current rates-- when you retire. But if she has her own account, she will probably be entitled to more, and may also be able to start collecting it sooner. Of course, she'll have to go back to work, at least part time, after your children are grown.

WHAT'S THE BEST WAY TO RENT YOUR HOME?

Put it in the hands of a good Realtor. You'll have to pay him between 50 and 60 per cent of the first month's rent-- or 5 to 7 per cent of the monthly income in case of a long-term lease --but it's usually worth it. He has the means to check out a prospective tenant's financial responsibility and is experienced in detecting personal qualities that could make him undesirable.

HOW GOOD IS GROUP LIFE INSURANCE PROTECTION?

It can provide good low-cost protection for your family, but it's just that-- financial protection in case of death-- and nothing more.

IS THERE A PAINLESS WAY TO MOVE LONG-DISTANCE?

About 8 million Americans will be involved in a long-distance (interstate) move during 1965. For many it will be a happy occasion, connected with a new job, a job promotion, or long-awaited retirement. But for others, the happiness of the occasion will be dampened by problems connected with the move itself-- problems not normal to daily living.

CAN TWO CHECKWRITERS LIVE AS CHEAPLY AS ONE?

SHOULD YOU LET A TEEN-AGER TRAVEL ALONE?

You should certainly look with jaundiced eye upon between-school-session "bashes," such as occur in Florida and Nassau each spring. But for a sensible teen-ager real travel by himself, in the U.S.A. and abroad, can be a rewarding and important experience-- if you help him plan his trip properly.

HOW TO PLAN FOR THE CARS AT YOUR HOUSE

If you're looking for convenience instead of car-shuffling-- or if you'd like to end the worry of backing out of your driveway into a busy street, work out a plan to accommodate the cars at your house.

HAVE YOU OVERLOOKED THESE 10 WAYS TO SAVE MONEY ON YOUR CAR INSURANCE?

More accidents, higher repair costs, more people making claims against insurance companies, and larger awards for personal injuries resulting from negligent driving have pushed automobile insurance rates up about 15 per cent in the past five years. And rates will continue upward, at least during the next few years.

WHAT CAN AN "INTERCOM" SYSTEM DO FOR YOU?

Chances are, there are times when you wish you could be several places at the same time. An intercom-- electronic intercommunication system-- can help you do just that. In more and more homes, the intercom is proving its worth as a step-saver and time-saver-- even a lifesaver in an emergency-- not to mention its side benefits as a source of family fun and entertainment.

GOOD NEWS FOR MEN!

Sub-surface root irrigation helps plants and trees get maximum benefit from watering.

PATTERN PLUS!

Today's patterns are exciting and bold. Here's how to add them to any room-- and add them-- and add them.

HOW TO LIVE OUTDOORS--AND ENJOY IT

You can put away your fly swatter and insect repellent, and just concentrate on the great outdoors when you have a screen-enclosed garden retreat like one of these. Each is designed to give you indoor comfort outside. Here you can turn your back on day-to-day affairs-- and just relax. Whether it's large or small, a screened area will give you and your family many of your most pleasant summer hours.

WHAT ARE YOU DOING WITH THE CARS AT YOUR HOUSE?

Let's face it-- automobiles are a fact of life. The crush of traffic on streets and highways is matched by the squeeze of undersized off-street parking areas at home. We know that more and more Better Homes & Gardens families have two or more cars; yet this convenience is not complete if driving away in one car means moving another one first.

HOW TO MAKE ROOM FOR A GUEST WHEN YOU DON'T HAVE A GUEST ROOM

Here are six exciting rooms that show you how to solve the problem of "overnight guests and no guest room."

COULD THIS BE YOUR BACKYARD?

A LOT OF HOUSE ON A SMALL LOT

A big family needs a big house-- and the problem of building the right one is often compounded because a big house can mean a big, more expensive lot.

WHAT WALLPAPER CAN DO FOR A ROOM

It's possible to stretch a small room or a narrow hallway, raise or lower ceilings, or even create an exciting new atmosphere in a room in little time and at small cost. The secret-- wallpaper! And here are some of the ways it can work wonders in your home.

HOW TO ORDER PLANS FOR HOUSES AND PROJECTS

HOW TO GET READY FOR A PLANE TRIP

Making reservations. You can make flight reservations directly with the air line or through a travel agent; your ticket costs the same either way. If you prefer to do it yourself but don't know which air line flies where you're going, call any local air-line office.

DON'T LET YOUR WIFE SEE THESE!

WEATHERVANES

For all of their neglect by encylcopedias and historical books, weathervanes have afforded both pleasure and enlightenment to many Americans since at least the dawn of the eighteenth century. Forerunners of our weathervanes were in use abroad a long time before that. Today they may come back into popularity, but for purposes other than that for which they were originally intended, as we shall see.

A DOZEN EASY-DO FRESH FRUIT DESSERTS

What a happy "wonderment"... how those luscious, flavor-packed midsummer fruits can at the same time be so good for you!

A REAL COOK'S KITCHEN!

AUGUST GARDENING WHERE YOU LIVE!

What causes a dry rot to develop on the bottoms of ripening tomatoes? Can this be prevented?

FLOORS WITH FLAIR!

Floors deserve just as much attention as you devote to furniture, walls, and window treatments, because they're a major area of total room decoration.

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

Peg Bayless found some eye-catching old portraits in an antique shop, and now has them hanging in her living room. "Frankly," she says, "I like these strangers. My own ancestors never seemed quite my type."