a
division of a family income which every girl should study and try to
understand: Food; clothes; rent or housing; light, heat and wages
(operating expenses for the house); miscellaneous, including books,
education, church, charity, savings, life insurance, doctor, dentist,
travel and pleasure. Various divisions by percentages have been made of
the family income. The one chosen by Mrs. Richards is based on an income
of $1,000 a year. The percentages are 30 per cent. for food; 20 per cent.
for rent; 15 per cent. for clothing; 10 per cent. for operating expenses;
and 25 per cent. for miscellaneous.

It will be seen that there is a great deal for a girl to learn about the
spending of money. She will readily understand that it is impossible for
her to use her wages or income to the best advantage unless she knows what
she is spending it for, and in what proportions. Every girl should make
a division of income fitted to her own needs.

It is not always possible to follow the percentages which Mrs. Richards
recommends, but it is possible and wise for every girl to know what are
regarded as proper divisions for a family income, and to plan her own
expenditures with such percentages as a guide.

Sometimes girls are called "fortunate" or "lucky" because their affairs
seem to turn out well. In reality, these girls have planned carefully and
have carried out their plans faithfully. A well managed life is not an
accident, or a piece of luck; it is the result of careful planning, and
persistent application.

The girl who saves has a freedom of action unknown to the girl who has
never had a bank account. We all find a compelling necessity to spend
money for food, shelter, clothing, carfare and other incidentals. But when
these wants are satisfied, the wise girl puts by a certain part of her
income. Then she can begin to exercise a power of choice. She may take
some training which will help her to get a better position, she may learn
a new occupation, or she may study music or designing. Possibly she needs
a rest and change; if she has money saved, she may rest for a few weeks.
If she has spent all her money, she must continue at work. Then, too, she
should guard herself by the possession of a bank account against sickness,
and being out of work. Even a small sum saved every week enables a girl to
feel strong and self-reliant. The habit of saving calls for self-control,
far-sightedness and imagination.

Girls invest their saving