on their children that
they lose the invaluable habit of running off to play together. Wherever
you cut expenses, do not neglect to go off together frequently as you
did when you were engaged. No money is better spent than the small fee
for hiring a person to look after the children while husband and wife
take a picnic lunch together, a long walk, or do whatever it is they
most enjoy.

Too common today are people like Mary and Jim, who, in their eagerness
to do all that books and lectures recommend for little Peter, got so
involved in his welfare that they lost all their sense of fun. They are
today thoroughly dull people, no longer interesting socially. Jim has
failed to rise in his business, for he mislaid the spark of enthusiasm
which made him an asset to his employer. Most unhappy is poor Peter, who
has become a genuine problem child.

Entertaining may seem important to you, but young couples are not
expected to engage in any sort of formal social activity. Avoid
expensive dinner parties and substitute informal gatherings where both
the preparation and the cost of food will be slight. If you are original
and vivacious hosts, your guests will have a jolly time.

Your budget should provide something for medical service. Remember that
the largest dental bill comes after a period of neglect. You should not
have to spend much in fees for the family doctor. Select one with care
and talk over your circumstances with him in a friendly way. Don't be
afraid to ask him what his fee will be. It is a false kind of pride that
leads one to hesitate in discussing professional fees frankly and fully.
Investigate the three-cents-a-day hospital plan in your community.

No more serious question of expense will confront you than the cost of
children. The direct expense for hospital and medical care incidental to
the arrival of a baby varies in different parts of the country, but it
is safe to say that in cities it will be somewhere between $100 and $200
as a minimum.

However, you need not expect to enjoy the frills of a private room and
special nurses and think the doctor will take care of you for a nominal
fee; there is no reason why he should. Having a baby is not a disease,
and you will not need to have fussy care.

You should, however, put something aside for those extra expenses which
are almost certain to occur. During the baby's first year, regular
medical care should be provided. Your doctor may suggest a contract
under