Before financial planning evolved into a thoughtful, evidence-based discipline, investing often felt like a guessing game. It was driven by instincts, stock tips, and market chatter. Beginning in the 1960s, however, a small group of academic minds at the University of Chicago began reshaping the conversation. They asked: What if markets followed patterns we could study? What if investing could be informed by research instead of reaction?
That question became the catalyst for decades of insight. Tune Out the Noise, a documentary directed by Academy Award-winner Errol Morris, tells the story of how researchers like Eugene Fama, Robert Merton, Myron Scholes, and Merton Miller brought academic rigor into the world of investing. Their work eventually led to the founding of Dimensional Fund Advisors—a firm that has transformed how individuals and families build wealth with purpose.
At The Planning Center, Dimensional’s philosophy is a part of how we serve our clients today. Their approach, rooted in data and discipline, continues to inspire us to help clients stay focused on what they can control, rather than react to headlines or speculation.
Tune Out The Noise is much more than a story about finance. It’s a reminder of the power of staying grounded in times of uncertainty. As Dimensional’s Founder, David Booth, says, “What investing is about is dealing with uncertainty… and it’s uncertainty that really creates opportunity.”
We believe thoughtful planning begins by acknowledging that uncertainty is part of life—and that preparation, not prediction, is what empowers our clients to move forward with clarity.
We invite you to watch Tune Out the Noise and consider how this perspective might shift the way you think about your financial future. And if you’re wondering how to apply these ideas to your own plan, we’re here to help. Let’s start a conversation about building a life—and a strategy—that reflects what matters most to you.
