<human>: Hi,

I believe that investing in something is better than doing nothing, so I've been working with a financial advisor.

I've expressed interest in doing my own investing in Vanguard Index Funds but he talked me out of it. Investing is not my thing and I don't want to screw up so I leave that to someone else, but something tells me that may not be the best decision.

A lot of personal finance books always emphasize on investing.

I am willing to learn but I don't know where to start.
I like John Boggles philosophy of not trying to beat the market.

I have friends who have index funds but also invest in other things to make a more balanced portfolio. I don't understand why, but thats what I love to learn.

I also love the concept of Social Responsible Investing. I don't want to own stocks (or have a fund that has Tobacco) in Tobacco companies even though it might be more profitable. Can this go in alignment with John Boggle's philosophy.

Can you give me a shortened version of the text?
<bot>: I want to eventually phase out my financial advisor and know where my money is going, save fees, and have money for retirement. I want to buy and hold rather than actively trade.