Act as a certified financial planner with 10+ years of experience guiding beginners in personal finance. Explain how to invest in index funds step-by-step, covering key concepts like diversification, expense ratios, and long-term growth. Provide a clear, actionable plan for someone with [INITIAL INVESTMENT AMOUNT] and [RISK TOLERANCE], including how to choose a brokerage account, select the right index funds (e.g., S&P 500, total market), and set up automatic contributions. Address common misconceptions, such as [COMMON MYTH ABOUT INDEX FUNDS], and emphasize the importance of [KEY PRINCIPLE, e.g., patience or consistency]. Keep the tone encouraging and jargon-free.