Caution is good, but don't opt out of financial markets altogether.

That message was recently shared by our radio show guest Brian Royster, a financial adviser. Brian is a no-nonsense kind of guy, lots of fun to talk with and quick with many appropriate analogies about investing.

With the recent financial crisis, people are cautious about getting back into the market. Seniors are more aware and more closely monitoring financial news. What’s very encouraging is that the markets, and the government, have responded well to the recent events. There is now a stronger business approach, returning more to sound financial and business fundamentals.

Brian is with Edward Jones and just opened a new office at 709 W. Ellsworth Road. He talks a lot about investing to meet your goals. Have a plan and have faith that, over the long run, your objectives will be achieved.

We spoke about the recent unfortunate events in Japan and how that might affect the U.S. and world economies. Interestingly, Brian shared an analysis of the crisis periods, including Pearl Harbor, the Kennedy assassination and 9/11. After these crises, less than one year later, the return on financial investments has averaged more than 13 percent.

To listen to the 12-minute discussion click the audio link below:

If you would like to contact Brian Royster, call 734-995-3306 to go to the website edwardjones.com.

We then had the pleasure of speaking with two of our colleagues from the Senior Helpers office in Ann Arbor. Faye Molitor is the office administrator, and Rhonda Wier is the administrative coordinator. They both came to the home health care field after significant personal experiences as caregivers to loved ones.

Both Faye and Rhonda talk on the phone to lots of people about home care. The misconceptions include that it’s paid for by Medicare or by health insurance. Sadly, that’s not the case. Home care is covered by long-term care insurance, as well as some veterans’ benefits. More often, the cost is covered by the family of the person being cared for.

There is also a lack of knowledge of the services available in home. People calling Senior Helpers often express surprise that in-home care services even exist. The reality is there are about 25 agencies in Washtenaw County that provide these services.

The senior care community is very caring and is a pleasure to be a part of. Faye and Rhonda are part of that community all working to provide good quality, loving care to those that need assistance. Senior Helpers works closely with facilities, and with other local home care companies. Even though there are many competitors, it is not an aggressive competitive landscape. It is a welcoming and warm business community.

To listen to the 12-minute talk click the audio link below:

Alan Caldwell and Sheila Doeden co-host Everything Elderly every Saturday morning at 8:30 on 1290 WLBY. In their day jobs, Alan and Sheila co-own and co-manage Senior Helpers, providing in-home care services, primarily to the elderly. Both can be contacted at homecareexcellence@seniorhelpers.com, or at 734-927-3111.