The Deciding Factor by Edward Jones

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. 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. 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. 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. 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.