If you're looking to buy a home that you can live in forever, you should consider future-proofing. Future-proofing aptly describes the process of buying a home with an eye to the future.

It's about where you are in your life and where you're going.

Are you a twosome thinking about becoming parents? Are you a family with kids who will soon leave the nest? Or are you a savvy buyer looking for location? In all cases, future-proofing is the way to go.

First, check for amenities that suit your current and future lifestyles. If you're family-conscious, that means more than establishing whether there's a school nearby. It means ensuring that there are lots of young families in the neighborhood, as evidenced by parked bikes, swing sets and toys. You'll want to make certain there are parks nearby, as well as libraries, recreation centers and cultural activities. A daytime scouting trip should give you a feel for this, but as important is an evening drive. Those charming bars and cafes that lend sophistication to a neighborhood in daytime may become sources of noise and mischief at night.

Safety should be a key concern. Can the kids safely walk to school? Are there bike lanes or a block parent program? There should be sidewalks on at least one side of the road, maybe traffic calming devices and, of course, good street lighting. Does the neighborhood feel safe? While you might be happy that there are stores and restaurants in your new area, if you're planning to be there for the long term, be sure to check with the city planning department to ensure that there are no upcoming unpleasant surprises, such as a new highway two blocks over. Your real estate agent can help with this.

Think sustainability. A neighborhood that preserves its natural assets and prizes green space will be a good place to live for a long time. Old shade trees, big yards and gardens, and walking trails are not only environmentally sensible, but make the neighborhood a prettier place to live, now and in the future.

Tommy Bowden grew up in college football learning the game from his father, legendary coach Bobby Bowden. Not only did he grasp the X's and O's, but also gained insight into the demands of a coach and how to handle the pressures that are part of the sport. When the inevitable issue would surface, he knew where to turn and face it with wisdom.

Learning what to eat is just as important as learning what to avoid. Eat the wrong foods and chances are you will undermine all attempts to control your appetite. Eat the right foods and you might be surprised at how easy it is to give up even the worst habits.

Following are the leading culinary culprits that leave you wanting more, as well as some easy replacements sure to satisfy:

High sodium intake not only increases blood pressure, but it leaves you wanting more. Substitute salt with fresh herbs to enjoy the flavor without the craving.

Sugar: Satisfy a sweet tooth by using natural alternatives like stevia instead of sugar. Not only will eliminating sugar also control cravings associated with fluctuating glucose levels, but eliminating sugar is a great way to lose weight and reduce the risk of late-onset type 2 diabetes.

Fat: Fat comes in all shapes and sizes, but butter and oils are often the most frequently encountered in the modern diet. Replace fats with slow-burning carbohydrates or proteins to obtain the same fullness and fuel your body.

Most foods combine two or more of the above ingredients to create an even more powerful sensation designed to increase cravings.

Limit the ingredient list to only one of each item to minimize the impact. Better yet, replace them with an easy-to-use alternative.

Within weeks you will feel satisfied without the constant cravings.

Moving Expenses: Truck rentals, time off of work and, of course, - gasoline ... moving takes money whether you do it yourself or pay others to do it for you so plan accordingly.

Maintenance: From lawn care to fixing a door knob, owning your own home involves maintenance. Don't be caught by surprise because this is one area where expenses can add up fast. Set aside funds for a lawn service and pool maintenance, or plan to purchase the tools required to do it yourself, including lawnmowers, garden and hand tools plus other general maintenance items.

Utilities & Communication: New home buyers are frequently surprised by the cost of utilities since many apartments include basics like cable, trash, or water.  Set aside enough funds for deposits and the first payment for utilities, phone, cable and other necessities.

Online learning promises to bring education to anyone with an internet connection. At the same time, the adoption of automation and artificial-intelligence (AI) technologies will transform work as people increasingly interact with ever-smarter machines. The skills students learn today may not be useful in the workplace of the future. In an era where students learn through their devices, what role do schools play?

How will education need to change to keep up with the new demands of work? McKinsey spoke with Sal Khan, founder of Khan Academy, to hear how education is shifting toward a dynamic new model. View Original Article

Fortunately, with a bit of planning and preparation it's possible to make your next trip nearly painless - if not downright pleasant.

1. Allow Yourself to Lounge:A one-day lounge pass is one of the best-kept secrets among those in the know. Frequent flyers are not the only ones who are able to enjoy the benefits of the VIP lounge. With a one-day lounge pass even occasional travelers can enjoy the benefits of service, comfortable seats and knowledgeable staff.

2. Ship Your Stuff: This is such a simple but effective idea that you might wonder why it's not more popular. Instead of paying premium prices to check your baggage only to encounter minimal reimbursement in the event of damage or loss, simply ship your bags ahead of time. Not only is it convenient and cost-effective, but the insurance is substantially better in the event of a claim.

3. Learn What to Ignore: Air travel involves a lot of distractions, so learning what to ignore not only makes time on the flight go by faster, but it reduces tension and fatigue associated with travel. A good set of earplugs goes a long way toward minimizing the sound of everything from crying babies to the engine. Likewise, skip the free food and focus on relaxing instead. It's a great way to arrive at your destination rested and ready to enjoy the remainder of the trip.

You may have asked them for testimonials or photos of previous work. But did you ask if they had their own insurance?

According to experts, it's essential that hired contractors and subcontractors are adequately insured. (Some experts suggest they should carry $1 million liability at minimum.) If they're not insured, the work they do for you comes at a high price. If they are injured, or if there is damage to your property because of their actions, you could be the one to take the financial hit. Your homeowners insurance may have to pay if the contractor doesn't have a liability policy.

To avoid liability, it's always wise to vet contractors at the beginning. Ask friends and neighbors for recommendations, and check out the candidates through your local Better Business Bureau. If you're unsure about what credentials your contractor should have, contact the national contractors association.

Ask what insurance the contractor has before you hire. Then ask to see the insurance certificate as proof that the contractor's policy is in place. There have been incidences of forged certificates, so be wary. Also, check the date to ensure it will remain valid throughout the entire period he or she will be working on your project.

Finally, be sure you can work with the contractor. Whatever the project, you must have a high level of confidence in your contractor; inevitably, things will go wrong on the job, and you need to be able to work closely with him or her to help solve problems.

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