Join host Keith Matthews and co-host Marcelo Taboada as they take a fascinating deep dive into the origins and rise of index funds, inspired by the documentary “Tune out the Noise.” In this episode Keith and Marcelo explore how index and passive investing has evolved from a radical idea in the 1960s to today’s gold standard for simplified, cost-effective, and evidence-based portfolio management.

Go behind the scenes of “Tune Out the Noise” as they break down how the index fund revolution began in academia, overcame huge resistance from Wall Street, and ultimately changed the way everyday investors build wealth. Discover the pivotal roles played by innovators like David Booth, Jack Bogle, and Eugene Fama in shaping the landscape of modern investing.

Along the way, Keith and Marcelo share real-world stories from investors who changed their fates by adopting indexing, plus their own “lightbulb” moments in navigating the shift from active to passive investing.

For listeners feeling lost in the noise of investment advice, Keith and Marcelo offer clear perspective: focus on simplicity, discipline, and a long-term evidence based approach. Their message is a reminder that successful investing isn’t about chasing returns or complicated strategies, it’s about building a confident plan that empowers you to tune out the distractions and stay the course.

Key Topics:

● “Tune Out the Noise” a documentary on the dramatic rise and value of index investing (0.00)

● Why index funds have “taken over” & what sets it apart from active management (3:11)

● Real-life case studies: portfolios in 2004 vs. portfolios today (3:52)

● The shifting habits of new generations of investors (5:03)

● How and why the index fund revolution began in the 1960s–1970s (6:17)

● The “data explosion,” academic research, and the birth of efficient market theory (7:00)

● Overcoming resistance: why “settling for average” actually beats chasing returns (8:01)

● How the first institutional and retail index funds launched (9:23)

● The impact of Jack Bogle, David Booth, and other key figures (9:32)

● Academic breakthroughs: Efficient Market Hypothesis and the power of data (9:40)

● Demonstrating grit: the personal stories of index investing’s pioneers (10:28)

● Dimensional’s early culture and how “shoe-selling morals” influenced business ethics (10:36)

● Surprising backgrounds of industry icons: farming, family hardships, and more (11:34)

● From active investor to passive advocate: why even industry insiders switched sides (14:06)

● What simplicity really looks like in a successful investment portfolio (14:53)

● The importance of low fees, broad diversification, and ignoring the noise (15:47)

● Personal “aha moments”: how Keith and Marcelo embraced index investing (17:50)

● Final takeaways: markets work, costs matter, and diversification is your friend (24:00)

And much more!

Mentioned in this Episode:

● Tune Out the Noise | Documentary Film

● Canadian Wealth Management Is Changing: 4 Trends Investors Can’t Ignore

● Tulett,Matthews & Associates

Thanks for Listening!

Be sure to subscribe on Apple, Google, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Follow Tulett,Matthews & Associates on social media: LinkedIn, Facebook, and more!

Follow The Empowered Investor on Facebook,

What global trends are reshaping the way Canadians invest and plan for their financial future? How can you avoid paying unnecessary fees and take advantage of smarter ways to grow your wealth? What changes are coming in investor protection, and how will they impact your bottom line? These are the questions we answer in today’s episode.

Join Keith Matthews and co-host Marcelo Taboada as they break down the four major global trends transforming wealth management: the rise of index funds, the shift toward independent financial firms, the growing importance of retirement planning, and enhanced investor protection and transparency.

This episode is packed with practical insights for Canadians who want to take control of their investments, minimize costs, and secure a confident retirement. Tune in to get up to speed on the biggest trends, avoid costly mistakes, and make better financial decisions for your future.

Key Topics:

● Why paying attention to industry trends matters for investors (1:31)

● Trend #1: The rise of index funds and what it means for Canadians (2:08)

● Comparing index funds and active management - global stats and myths debunked (2:14)

● Why Canada lags in index fund adoption and the cost to Canadians (3:10)

● The high cost of management fees in Canada vs. the world, and why it matters (3:55)

● How index funds and transparency help you retire sooner (5:11)

● Common misperceptions about investment fees and value (5:33)

● Worldwide acceleration of index investing and growing investor awareness (6:12)

● Trend #2: The rise of independent financial firms (7:08)

● What makes independent advisors different from big bank brokerage models (7:56)

● How the U.S., U.K., and Australia are outpacing Canada in independent advice (8:00)

● CBC and OSC investigative reports shine a light on conflicts of interest at banks (9:57)

● The reality of sales culture vs. client-focused advice (11:08)

● Trend #3: Retirement planning as a growing priority for Canadians (14:46)

● Demographic shifts and the end of “one-size-fits-all” investment advice (15:03)

● Why thorough retirement planning is essential, not optional (15:39)

● Trend #4: New investor protection and transparency rules (16:18)

● What you’ll see on fee reports as CRM3 rolls out in Canada (17:56)

● How total cost reporting will empower Canadians to make smarter choices (18:05)

● The bottom-line value of understanding fees and service (19:17)

● Final advice for taking action in today’s changing landscape (19:42)

And much more!

Mentioned in this Episode:

● Sales Culture Concerns at Five of Canada’s Bank-Affiliated Dealers | OSC

● Hidden cameras reveal how big banks are upselling you (Marketplace)

● Canadian Retirement: Myths, Realities, and Smart Planning Strategies | The Empowered Investor Podcast

● Tulett,Matthews & Associates

Thanks for Listening!

Be sure to subscribe on Apple, Google, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Follow

What does a “comfortable” retirement look like today, and how much do you actually need to fund it? Are you underestimating your spending levels, or overestimating what you can count on from savings & government pensions? Why are so many Canadians feeling less optimistic about retirement than they did 20 years ago? These are the questions we answer in today’s episode.

Hosts Keith Matthews and Marcelo Taboada break down new data from Fidelity’s 2025 Retirement Report to show how retirement expectations, lifestyle costs, and income needs have shifted in the last 20 years. You’ll hear a clear, actionable framework for retirement planning, learn why old assumptions often fall short, and discover the real risks, from retirement lifestyle creep to helping adult children.

If you’re thinking about retirement, whether it’s years away or just around the corner, this episode is for you. Tune in to get actionable tips and clarity on what it takes to retire securely in Canada’s changing landscape.

Key Topics:

● The new complexity of retirement today (1:00)

● Why more people are worried, and less confident about retirement (2:07)

● How expectations for “comfortable” retirement income have changed (3:43)

● The impact of lifestyle creep and social media on retirement standards (4:28)

● How the average retirement age has shifted (5:58)

● The growing wave of retirees: one in four Canadians by 2035 (6:38)

● The disappearance of defined benefit pensions and what it means for you (8:01)

● Delaying retirement: myth or necessity? (8:21)

● Why current savings rates may not be enough (8:58)

● The rising trend of helping adult children financially and the hidden risks (9:25)

● Common extra expenses for retirees: day-to-day support, weddings, down payments (10:30)

● Liquidity traps and tough choices around housing wealth (12:05)

● The three stages of retirement expenses: Go-Go, Slow-Go, and No-Go years (13:13)

● Calculating your true “burn rate” for retirement (15:12)

● Tracking and projecting all sources of retirement income (16:53)

● Using smart, realistic assumptions in your projections (17:05)

● The power of stress testing your retirement plan (18:18)

● Why ongoing review and adjustments are essential (20:24)

● The value of advice beyond just investment returns (21:05)

● Key takeaways and real action steps to start your own plan (22:17)

And much more!

Mentioned in this Episode:

● 2025 Fidelity Retirement Report

● Retirement Financial Guide: Ages 65+

● Pre-Retirement Financial Guide: Ages 50-65

● Tulett, Matthews & Associates

Thanks for Listening!

Be sure to subscribe on Apple, Google, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Follow Tulett, Matthews & Associates on social media: LinkedIn, Facebook, and more!

Follow The Empowered Investor on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.