At JFS Wealth Advisors, we believe the most effective financial strategies are built on a foundation of discipline, education, and perspective. That philosophy is echoed in the compelling new documentary Tune Out the Noise, a film by Academy Award-winning director Errol Morris that captures a pivotal chapter in financial history.
The documentary traces the journey of a group of University of Chicago academics in the 1960s whose research disrupted Wall Street’s long-standing norms. Their work gave rise to a radically different way of thinking about investing—one grounded in evidence, not speculation. Interviews with notable economists and financial figures like Nobel laureates Eugene Fama, Robert Merton, and Myron Scholes shed light on how their theories helped transform the investment landscape.
Instead of chasing short-term returns or betting on the next market move, these researchers demonstrated that broadly diversified, rules-based strategies could offer a more reliable path forward. Their ideas ultimately led to the birth of index funds, the founding of Dimensional Fund Advisors, and a shift toward advice that puts clients—not markets—at the center of decision-making.
At JFS, we’ve seen firsthand the value of aligning portfolios with academic insights and long-term goals. Like the voices featured in Tune Out the Noise, we believe in helping clients focus on what they can control: risk exposure, costs, and their own personal timelines.
The film is not only a historical account—it’s a reminder of why tuning out market distractions and anchoring your strategy in research can be so powerful. We invite you to watch Tune Out the Noise and reflect on the ideas that continue to shape thoughtful, purpose-driven financial planning. If you’re curious how this approach can work for you, reach out to us today.
Watch Tune Out the Noise here.
