By Sunny McKinnon
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE

All it takes is a glance at the headlines to send a little chill through the pocketbook.

In a report at the beginning of 2007, the Labor Department said that U.S. consumer prices jumped at the sharpest rate in eight months during December 2006, climbing 0.5% as prices for energy products shot up after three straight months of decline.

Forecasts for food prices are not much more encouraging. According to an economic report from DowJones: “Whole food prices rose 1.7% in December, the largest gain in more than three years. Fresh fruit prices jumped 26.3%, the most in six years, while fresh vegetable prices rose 21.7%.”

How can we avoid the inevitable strain on the budget? Some increases are  within our control. We can drive less, eliminating trips to the market or visits with friends or family. We can turn the thermostat down, and, of course, we can simply buy less. Other expenses are out of our control, however, no matter how much we conserve or cut back.

A simple solution
Residents of Highland Springs — and Erickson communities throughout the United States — enjoy a lifestyle that’s free of worry about price spikes. With Erickson’s Monthly Service Package, all monthly bills, plus a world of additional amenities and services, are covered by one consistently affordable check. The list covers all the essentials: electricity, gas, water, trash pick-up, property taxes and more.

Even cable television is included. With one meal per person included every day, rising food costs are less of an issue as well. Besides eliminating the hassle of  cooking, there are two onsite dining options: the Cotton Belt Cafe, a casual, convenient restaurant, or Chisholm’s Restaurant, a seated dining experience.

Plus, Highland Springs offers free, scheduled transportation, so you can eliminate some of the stops at the service station — not to mention that shopping becomes a social occasion.