October 1974

Career education: can it help your child cope?

Even if he is only in first grade, your child may come home from school one day very soon chattering about jobs, careers, paychecks-- the world of work. If he is a high school senior bound for college, he may have to demonstrate ability to write a job résumé, or add the deductions in a paycheck, or demonstrate salable skills for a broad range of occupations, before he can receive his diploma. ...

MUTUAL FUNDS: A NEW WAY TO GET HIGHER INTEREST

Recently, the highest interest rate paid on a regular bank savings account was 5¼ percent. True, with $1,000 or more you could have obtained up to 7¼ percent annual interest from a four-year savings certificate. But to get that higher rate, your money had to be locked in for the full four years.

Credit unions: What's in them for you?

If you are looking for a sympathetic establishment where you can bank conveniently, earn a good rate of interest, and borrow easily, then a credit union may be just right for you. Not only do all credit unions offer attractive savings plans and short-term, low-cost loans; some also provide a variety of other banking services, from family financial counseling, to longer term loans to automatic bill paying.

How to care for caged pets

A small caged pet can be a very practical alternative for a family that can't fit a dog or cat in. While most of these furry little creatures won't offer the loyal companionship of a dog or cat, they will absorb all the love and attention your child is willing to give.

ELECTRICAL HOW-TO: Replacing a pull-chain with a wall switch

You can banish one of life's petty annoyances: fumbling for the pull-chain that controls the ceiling light in your closet, laundry room, attic, or wherever. All it takes is a wall switch beside the doorway. The conversion shouldn't be difficut if you follow these simple instructions. Just be sure that local codes allow you to make your own wiring alterations.

If you can build a box you've got it made

It's all your fault. Until I read your article in the April, 1973 issue of "Better Homes and Gardens," I was a reasonably happy, contented housewife. I cooked, I sewed, I took care of our two children. I thumbed my nose at news of Women's Lib-- that is until your article appeared.

What to expect from the 1975 cars

Have you been postponing that new car purchase until smog controls and good gasoline mileage become compatible? Or until you can buy a new car that won't falter every time you step on the accelerator pedal? If so, the 1975 cars merit consideration.

Three tables in one

THE BOX STORAGE FOR EVERYTHING FROM STEREO TO SOX

As a place to put things, nothing can beat the basic box. You can rack it or stack it or flip it on one side, add a door, and get a cabinet. Bolt several cabinets together and you have modules for a great built-in. Here are six boxy ideas, plain and fancy, which show just how much you can do with the simplest of shapes.

HOW TO UNBUNGLE A BUNGALOW

This one-story bungalow started out with problems. It had a drab and seldom-used veranda and a chopped-up floor plan that made for skimpy rooms and awkward circulation between rooms. A stem-to-stern remodeling changed all that.

A WORK-OF-ART CRÈCHE YOU CAN MAKE

Now's the right time to think about making a special Christmas masterpiece ... before you're caught up in the Yuletide crunch. This year we've found an exquisite scene with ten figurines and a perfectly scaled manger for you to cast in whiteware (a plaster mixing compound). You can display the crèche in a lighted picture window, on the coffee table, or on the mantel. Wherever you put it, the crèche will be the decorative highlight of this Christmas and many Christmases to come.

low-cost little bulbs to plant now

While garden giants hibernate in February and March, the pint-size bulbs pop up, often pushing their way through snow. Then their welcome flowers chase winter's dreariness with cheerful color. Grouping increases the impact, so let yourself go.

Sewing special: Party clothes for girls and boys

GOOD NEWS

With these compact speakers, you can have music almost any place in your house or around your yard. The shiny ABS plastic shells enclosing the speakers are unaffected by weather and wear, and the bright-colored foam grills lift out for easy cleaning.

GARDENING IN OCTOBER

In October, two-season thinking is in order. Revel in the richness of mums' colors, but set aside planting time for daffodils, tulips, hyacinths, and other spring-blooming favorites.

UNUSUAL WAYS WITH WALLPAPER

Wait till you see what wallpaper can do to change the look of a room! With just a roll or two of any-price paper you can reshape a room, add architectural interest where there isn't any, or treat your surroundings to a specialized touch.

How to get a new-looking kitchen without going broke

Tired of your kitchen? Transform it! It needn't cost a mint if you invest your money in color and pattern, the most important decorating tools around.

Cold facts on freezing meats

Since meat represents a sizable investment, it pays to protect it. These tips and timetables can help you get the most from the meats that you freeze.

Shopping for a used sewing machine

If your appliance budget just can't handle a brand-new sewing machine this year, you might consider buying a used or reclaimed machine.

Automatic garage door operators: are they a good investment?

If you're one of the 70 million Americans who have suffered at least one episode of severe and prolonged back pain, you might expect the answer to be a resounding yes. Actually, there are several factors to ponder before you decide to switch from a conventional door to an automatic door operator.

OVEN MEALS

HOLIDAY CRAFTS/1974

100's OF IDEAS DO-IT-YOURSELF Fall/Winter '74

How to order material from the magazine

The MEXICO most tourists miss

Welcome to provincial Mexico: more authentically Mexican than the raucous border towns, quieter than the traditional tourist circle around Taxco, Acapulco, and Mexico City-- yet overlooked by millions of American visitors who don't realize that by sticking to well-traveled paths they're missing some of Mexico's keenest delights.

Shopping editor's choice

Discover the ease and pleasure of shopping by mail. Order from the convenience of your own home with complete confidence. If not delighted, each company will happily refund your money.

The man next door

Nate Wozniak wants to know if three kids wrestling in the back seat qualify his family sedan as a recreational vehicle.