cies
each company writes. Even if the policy is small, it is at least a back
log if tragedy comes; furthermore, meeting the insurance premiums is a
fine first step toward regular saving.

Marrying when either is in debt is to be avoided; such a weight hanging
over two young married people all too frequently mars the chances of
happiness. And if it is humanly possible, no man should marry while
others are dependent upon him.

One comment to engaged students: Unless the circumstances are
exceptional, do not marry until your professional training is done. If
the girl has her own income or an assured job, perhaps so; if parents
will help if an emergency arises, perhaps so; otherwise wait until you
are through professional school. Hospitals dislike to appoint married
men as internes; they are required to live in the hospital, which means
no home life. Law school and marriage do not usually mix well--nor
engineering school, nor any other form of post-graduate training. The
engaged man who is preparing for college teaching is usually wise if he
asks the girl to wait. Many of us know of graduate students who married
with only a fellowship or the wages of a wife as income, whose marriages
have been almost wrecked by sudden illness or a baby, with resulting
financial worries which have aged both the man and woman prematurely.
Late marriage for professionally trained men is, apparently, one of the
unfortunate results of the long period of preparation for a calling.

* * * * *

The case for postponement is just as strong when one or both are
under-graduates in college, with no professional training planned.
College marriages are not so wise as marriage after college work is
finished. There are exceptions, however; one knows of cases where
marriage and return to college to finish was wise. It is unfortunate
that some colleges have rules debarring students who marry during the
course; secret marriages often result--and these are always to be
deplored.

Sometimes parental opposition, or other factors, seem to the young
couple to be sufficient justification for a secret marriage. The
circumstances which can make this a wise decision are very, very rare.
Marriage is a public matter; it should not be hidden. The couple may
feel that only their own lives are involved, but they are all too often
wrong. Even the best methods of birth control are far from 100 percent
dependable; if a baby is coming, the c