The Deciding Factor by Edward Jones

It’s natural to want to support aging parents financially, but what if that means hurting your own financial future? In this bonus episode of The Deciding Factor, Edward Jones Senior Strategist Katherine Tierney discusses the hidden dangers of tapping retirement savings, the career risks of stepping away from the workforce, and smarter ways to support your loved ones without shouldering the financial burden all on your own.

This content is for informational and educational purposes only. The views expressed are subject to change. Information discussed based on from sources believed to be reliable. Any discussion of investments, products, services, or strategies should not be considered legal, tax, or financial advice.

For many people it starts with a phone call. A stranger’s voice tells them their parent has fallen and is in the hospital. In an instant the roles of the parent and the child are reversed. In this episode of The Deciding Factor, Zarak sits down with Barry Jacobs, a clinical psychologist and the author of "The AARP Caregiver Answer Book," who offers practical guidance on how to navigate the difficult journey of caregiving. This is a must-watch for anyone who is currently caring for an aging loved one or who might face that responsibility in the future — and the odds are many of us will. 

And be sure to check out our upcoming bonus financial planning episode where Edward Jones Senior Strategist Katherine Tierney advises caregivers on how to help safeguard their finances while caring for their loved ones. 

This content is for informational and educational purposes only. The views expressed by guests are their own, are subject to change, and may not reflect those of Edward Jones. Information discussed is based on sources believed to be reliable. Guest participation does not constitute an endorsement by Edward Jones. Any discussion of investments, products, services, or strategies should not be considered legal, tax, or financial advice.

Starting a business can offer the freedom of being your own boss and the potential for big rewards, but it also comes with real financial risks. On this bonus episode of The Deciding Factor, Edward Jones strategist Zack Gildehaus, shares a practical checklist to help small-business owners safeguard their personal finances.

This content is for informational and educational purposes only. The views expressed are subject to change. Information discussed based on from sources believed to be reliable. Any discussion of investments, products, services, or strategies should not be considered legal, tax, or financial advice.

What drives some people to leave the safety of a steady paycheck and pursue the dream of becoming an entrepreneur? Are some people born to be founders? How do successful business owners overcome self-doubt, rejection and fear and move forward when things get tough? Behavioral scientist Zarak Khan explores these questions and more on this episode focusing on the psychology of entrepreneurship.

Zarak first sits down with Caitlin Pierce, a former podcaster and high school teacher who had no experience in manufacturing when she decided to launch Lady Chiller, a premium ice company. Zarak is then joined by Morgan DeBaun, a serial entrepreneur, small business advisor, and the founder of Blavity Inc. a leading digital media company for black culture and millennials. 

Stay tuned for our financial planning bonus episode, featuring Edward Jones strategist Zach Gildehaus, who breaks down how to protect your finances when launching a business.

This content is for informational and educational purposes only. The views expressed by guests are their own, are subject to change, and may not reflect those of Edward Jones. Information discussed is based on sources believed to be reliable. Guest participation does not constitute an endorsement by Edward Jones. Any discussion of investments, products, services, or strategies should not be considered legal, tax, or financial advice.

For many founders, up to 90% of their net worth is tied up in their company, making their exit the biggest financial decision of their lives. Given what’s at stake, you don’t want to miss this bonus episode of The Deciding Factor, where Edward Jones strategist Zach Gildehaus joins host Zarak Khan to explore what it takes to navigate a successful exit. They discuss why so many founders regret selling, how to prepare for life after running your own business, and why building a company that can prosper without you is key to creating an attractive asset.

This content is for informational and educational purposes only. The views expressed are subject to change. Information discussed based on from sources believed to be reliable. Any discussion of investments, products, services, or strategies should not be considered legal, tax, or financial advice.

Selling a business is hard enough. But when it’s a family business, letting go is a whole different story. The Deciding Factor host Zarak Khan and his guests explore how founders and their families can successfully exit a business, without letting family drama get in the way.

Zarak is first joined by Elliot and Scott Young, a father and son who built, scaled, and sold market research firm Perception Research Services. The Youngs share how they handled succession, planned their transition, and walked away without regret. Then Zarak sits down with Peter Boumgarden, Professor of Practice in Family Enterprise at Washington University in St. Louis, who offers practical strategies entrepreneurs can use to manage the complex financial and emotional dynamics of letting go of a family legacy.

Check out our bonus financial planning episode, where Edward Jones strategist Zach Gildehaus joins Zarak to discuss the financial questions founders should ask before selling their business.

This content is for informational and educational purposes only. The views expressed by guests are their own, are subject to change, and may not reflect those of Edward Jones. Information discussed is based on sources believed to be reliable. Guest participation does not constitute an endorsement by Edward Jones. Any discussion of investments, products, services, or strategies should not be considered legal, tax, or financial advice.

A sudden layoff can leave your head spinning, but this is the time you really need to make smart financial decisions. Should you touch your 401(k)? Which health insurance options make sense? In this bonus episode of The Deciding Factor, Edward Jones senior analyst Facundo Abraham joins host Zarak Khan to break down how to avoid costly financial mistakes after a job loss. From your immediate Day One checklist to smart strategies for tapping reserves, this episode offers a roadmap for protecting your money after your employer says it’s time to go.

This content is for informational and educational purposes only. The views expressed are subject to change. Information discussed based on from sources believed to be reliable. Any discussion of investments, products, services, or strategies should not be considered legal, tax, or financial advice.

How do we move forward after a layoff? It’s a question that tens of thousands of people are asking themselves every day, and the emotional pain is real.

In this debut episode of The Deciding Factor, behavioral scientist Zarak Khan explores the emotional fallout of a layoff and the seemingly endless job search that follows — and how to make good decisions when your career is thrown off track.

Guest Marion Johnson shares her candid personal story of how she rebounded after she was suddenly let go. Zarak then speaks with Steve Jaffe, author of The Layoff Journey, who offers practical guidance on processing grief, separating your identity from your job, and reframing your setback as an opportunity for something better.

Want to learn more? Check out our financial planning bonus episode, where Zarak sits down with Edward Jones senior analyst Facundo Abraham to talk about how to protect your finances following a layoff.

This content is for informational and educational purposes only. The views expressed by guests are their own, are subject to change, and may not reflect those of Edward Jones. Information discussed is based on sources believed to be reliable. Guest participation does not constitute an endorsement by Edward Jones. Any discussion of investments, products, services, or strategies should not be considered legal, tax, or financial advice.

How do we make the right decisions during the most pivotal moments of our lives? 

Behavioral Scientist Zarak Khan explores the psychology and emotions that influence the decisions we make when our lives are changing — from experiencing a layoff to facing a divorce to starting a business. Through conversations with psychologists, best-selling authors, entrepreneurs, life coaches and people who’ve lived through major life transitions, The Deciding Factor helps us navigate these moments and make better decisions when it matters most. 

Look for bonus episodes featuring Edward Jones financial experts offering practical financial planning guidance for major life transitions. 

Presented by Edward Jones. New episodes every other week.