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

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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

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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

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Mid-Year Review 2025: Markets Weather Geopolitical Storms: In this episode, Keith Matthews and Marcelo Taboada dive into the first half of 2025, unpacking a period marked by global political turbulence, trade wars, and significant market volatility. They review how markets responded to headline-grabbing events like the U.S. and Canadian elections, dramatic tariff announcements, and ongoing geopolitical conflicts, reminding listeners that, despite the noise, portfolios have shown remarkable resilience.

As always, their advice is to stay disciplined, diversified, and focused on long-term plans, not the headlines.

Key Topics:

● 2025’s biggest events: U.S. and Canadian elections, ongoing conflicts (00:01)

● How Trump’s tariff policies triggered global market sell-offs (02:00)

● Magnitude of the April market drop - returns by region (02:49)

● The rapid market rebound: what sparked the 9% one day gain? (03:37)

● Year-to-date review: asset class performance after the volatility (04:36)

● Surprising strength: which regions and asset classes outperformed? (05:12)

● Diversification wins: why globally balanced portfolios did well (05:46)

● The forced productivity push for Canada and Europe (06:33)

● Defensive investing: military spending’s effect on European stocks (08:39)

● 10-year returns show stocks’ edge over bonds - by a wide margin (09:33)

● Why bonds lagged: rising rates, debt, and returns explained (11:23)

● Implications of higher government debt and interest rates (12:44)

● Understanding valuations: Why the U.S. is “expensive” and what this means (13:01)

● Future expected returns by region - a case for global diversification (14:16)

● The AI effect: How technology optimism is lifting markets (15:08)

● Real lessons from volatility: why patience and discipline pay off (17:56)

● Closing takeaways: tune out noise, stick to the plan, and stay diversified (18:26)

Thanks for Listening!

Be sure to subscribe on Apple, Google, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Feel free to drop us a line at lawrence@tma-invest.com or 514-695-0096 ext.112.

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Host Keith Matthews welcomes David Andrew, founder of Capital Partners in Australia, for a discussion on global trends in independent advice and wealth management. Capital Partners is a leading edge independent Australian wealth management firm under David’s stewardship, Capital Partners was named Best Professional Practice in Australia by the Financial Advice Association of Australia in 2017, 2019 and 2024; the only firm to have received this award more than once.

Together, David and Keith break down what Australian, Canadian and global investors have in common, the real-world dangers of conflicted advice, actionable ways to foster trust and transparency, and how family-focused planning creates lasting results.

This discussion highlights how similarly investors think, feel, and behave - regardless of geographic location. You’ll get a behind-the-scenes view of how leading advisory firms build portfolios, guide client decisions and help clients spend smarter - without sacrificing peace of mind.

“Across the globe, people seek the same fundamentals in wealth management: simplicity, transparency, alignment with their goals, and lasting peace of mind”.

Key Topics:

● Welcome and why independent advice matters (0:00)

● Australia vs. Canada: The rise of fee-only advisory firms (6:46)

● Breaking the commissions trap: How regulation changed everything (8:04)

● What happens when big banks lose client trust and what’s replaced them (10:06)

● Real meaning of independence: Separating advice from product sales (10:53)

● The “iceberg” of financial advice - what clients truly need vs. what’s usually sold (11:20)

● The power of long-term planning: Helping clients retire earlier and happier (14:03)

● Building trust and transparency in a modern firm (16:00)

● How Capital Partners conducts discovery and values-based planning (17:14)

● How fee-for-service models protect client interests (22:59)

● Serving families: Approaches for business owners, professionals, and women in transition (21:47)

● Exiting commissions: The step-by-step shift to true independence (22:58)

● The role of trusts, estate planning, and multi-generational wealth (23:31)

● Family meetings, stewardship, and transferring financial values (26:26)

● Preparing kids and aging parents for financial transitions (27:55)

● Investment philosophy: From failed active management to evidence-based portfolios (31:06)

● How to weather market turbulence - advisor strategies that keep clients on track (35:33)

● The logic of global diversification vs. home bias (37:08)

● Tax efficiencies in the Australian system, and why they influence portfolio design (38:08)

● Lessons learned from building a multi-decade advisory firm (42:11)

● How to vet and select a truly client-centric, independent advisor (44:06)

Mentioned in this Episode:

● Tulett, Matthews & Associates

● Capital Partners

Thanks for Listening!

Be sure to subscribe on Apple, Google, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Feel free to drop us a line at lawrence@tma-invest.com or 514-695-0096 ext.112.

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What exactly is an RESP and how can it be used to fund your child’s post-secondary education? What are the key rules around contributions, grants, and withdrawals? What should you do if your child doesn’t pursue higher education?

In today’s episode, Laurence Greenberg and Jackson Matthews break down everything Canadian parents need to know about RESPs — from contribution limits and government grants, to withdrawal strategies and tax-efficient planning. Whether you’re opening your first account or optimizing an existing one, this episode offers clear answers and practical guidance.

Don’t miss this essential overview that could help you unlock thousands in free education funding and avoid costly RESP mistakes. Tune in and feel more confident managing your child’s future education savings.

Thank you for tuning in!

● Introduction and post-tax season context (0:39)

● What is an RESP? (0:56)

● Contribution rules and lifetime limits (1:35)

● Tax treatment of contributions and growth (1:42)

● RESP grants: CESG, QESI, and CLB (2:25)

● How much you can earn in grants (3:10)

● What qualifies as post-secondary education (4:19)

● What RESP funds can be used for (4:30)

● Family plans vs. individual plans (5:11)

● RESP withdrawal rules and tax treatment (6:00)

● EAP withdrawals and tax planning strategies (6:52)

● Common RESP mistakes (8:51)

● What happens if a child doesn’t go to school (10:24)

● RRSP rollover and penalty tax explanation (11:36)

● Early lump sum contribution strategy (13:12)

● Investing RESP funds over the time horizon (14:26)

● Asset allocation by time horizon (16:15)

● Tips to optimize RESP usage (16:38)

● Importance of early planning and advisor support (17:39)

● Episode closing thoughts (18:00)

And much more!

Mentioned in this Episode:

Tulett, Matthews & Associates

Thanks for Listening!

Be sure to subscribe on Apple, Google, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Feel free to drop us a line at lawrence@tma-invest.com or 514-695-0096 ext.112.

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

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What role do expectations and consumer culture play in shaping our financial well-being? How can we make smarter, long-term decisions that align with a meaningful life rather than short-term gratification? What lessons can we draw from those who’ve found financial independence through simplicity and intentionality? These are just a few of the powerful questions explored in today’s episode.

Marcelo Taboada sits down with acclaimed La Presse journalist Nicolas Bérubé to explore the deeper intersection between money, happiness, and our daily decisions. They examine popular topics from Nicolas’ widely read weekly financial columns, challenging us to think critically about how we spend, save, and define success.

This episode offers grounded wisdom for both younger listeners and seasoned professionals, covering everything from car buying habits and Uber Eats culture to the importance of gratefulness and long-term planning.

Thank you for tuning in!

● Introduction and guest background on Nicolas Bérubé (0:00)

● Nicolas’ early journey into journalism and passion for financial writing (3:50)

● The clarity and communication style that sets Nicolas apart (7:41)

● The origins and purpose of his column “L’argent et le bonheur” (11:32)

● How Canadians are reacting economically and emotionally to the US political climate (15:23)

● Choosing Canadian goods and reflecting on local economic impacts (19:14)

● On gratitude, health, and redefining wealth (23:05)

● The paradox of modern abundance and mental health struggles (26:56)

● Uber Eats, luxury spending, and opportunity cost in everyday life (30:47)

● Personal finance through the lens of real choices and trade-offs (34:38)

● Hedonic vs. eudemonic happiness and the pull of social media (38:29)

● What today’s habits reveal about future financial independence (42:20)

● Creating a meaningful life through intentional daily actions (46:11)

● Lifestyle inflation, children’s expenses, and thoughtful consumption (50:02)

● The power of compound interest and long-term financial vision (53:53)

And much more!

Mentioned in this Episode:

• From Zero to Millionaire by Nicolas Bérubé
• Les millionnaires ne sont pas ceux que vous croyez by Nicolas Bérubé
• La Joie et le Bonheur by Nicolas Bérubé
• Podcast: Maximizing Life Satisfaction and Happiness with Author Andrew Hallam
• Millionaire Teacher by Andrew Hallam
• Tulett, Matthews & Associates

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What sparked the most dramatic stock market volatility in recent memory? Why did tariffs suddenly become the centerpiece of U.S. economic policy? How should investors respond when uncertainty hits at lightning speed? We explore all of this—and more—in today’s deep dive on market turmoil triggered by Trump’s sweeping tariff announcements.

Keith Matthews and Marcelo Taboada break down the global shockwave of “Liberation Day,” explain how markets and investors reacted, and offer critical lessons on staying invested when storms hit. From VIX surges to record—setting daily returns, they connect the dots between policy, volatility, and long-term perspective.

If you’ve ever felt anxious during a market correction - or wondered if “this time is different”—this episode will guide you through the recent market turbulence with evidence-based insight and calm.

Thank you for tuning in!

● Today's show focuses on recent market volatility and U.S. tariff policy (0:55)

● Marcelo introduces the geopolitical backdrop and tariff volatility (1:34)

● Liberation Day and Trump’s tariff announcement explained (2:56)

● Historical impact and global scale of the tariffs (3:30)

● VIX and other measures of market fear during this period (3:48)

● S&P 500 drops 10% in two days after Liberation Day (4:13)

● Market expectations before the announcement were wrong (4:59)

● Global reach and economic shock of the announced tariffs (5:20)

● Canada, EU, Japan, China: Who was affected and how (5:38)

● VIX compared to past crises like COVID and 2008 (6:06)

● How the bond market reacted and its deeper message (6:33)

● Reversal of tariffs and a 90-day pause sparks 9.5% S&P rebound (7:55)

● Lessons on timing the market and importance of staying invested (16:58)

● Performance failures of tactical asset allocation strategies (19:13)

● How markets recover after recessions and bear markets (24:03)

● Evidence-based investment philosophy and long-term planning (28:22)

And much more!

Mentioned in this Episode:

• Dimensional Report: Navigating Market Volatility
• TMA Report: Shifting Allocations is the Wrong Strategy
• Tulett, Matthews & Associates

Thanks for Listening!

Be sure to subscribe on Apple, Google, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Feel free to drop us a line at lawrence@tma-invest.com or 514-695-0096 ext.112.

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

Follow The Empowered Investor on Facebook, LinkedIn, and