By Kelly A. Shue
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE

In an ever-changing economy, many Americans are left wondering if they really have any control over their financial futures. Fluctuating gasoline prices and unpredictable changes in the housing market are just two of the variables making it difficult to plan for the future with any certainty.

However, in the midst of this uncertainty, the more than 20,000 people  currently living at Erickson communities continue to enjoy full value on their retirement living investment.

Refundable entrance deposit
Over 20 years ago, founder and CEO John Erickson pioneered the concept of the 100% refundable entrance deposit. The entrance deposit was designed to cover the cost of an apartment home as well as the cost of community spaces, including on-site restaurants, classrooms, an all-season swimming pool, and the  onsite Medical Center.

The difference between 90% and 100% may not sound like much, but it can amount to $30,000 or $40,000.

“My wife and I looked at six other places before we decided on Greenspring. It was the only one we found in the region, with the exception of the other Erickson communities, that gives all your money back,”says Greenspring resident John Kurt. “That definitely helped us to decide. If we would ever want to move, we wouldn’t lose anything. And if we stay, our children will inherit the money.”

Saving real estate dollars
Not only do Erickson residents receive a 100% return on their investment, they also put their valuable real estate dollars to work.

“I feel blessed to live here,” says Connie Graham, who moved to Greenspring from her home in Rehoboth Beach, Md. “How could I not be happy? The campus is beautiful and the people are so nice. My expenses are low, and the upkeep is virtually nill; and I have access to lots of different amenities that I didn’t have in my house.”