Americans agree on very little these days, but red state conservatives and blue state progressives can come together on one critical point: Wall Street can no longer be trusted. However, most of us continue to invest our money in the stocks and bonds of Fortune 500 companies, transferring our capital far from where we live and work.

But an alternative is available: you can invest in your community. Local investing expert Michael Shuman shows how you can use two well-established--but rarely used--tools to greatly expand your investment options: the self-directed IRA and solo 401. He details how to set up these accounts, identify and evaluate a whole range of local investment opportunities, and make sure you stay on the right side of the law when making investments. With Shuman's expert advice, not only will you increase your financial returns and lower your risk, but you'll be strengthening your community, your neighborhoods, and your schools instead of increasing some CEO's bonus.