How one person shifted investing from Wall Street to Main Street

Here’s the story of how I began to invest in my local community.  I considered myself financially savvy and have operated my own marketing communications agency since 1986, providing writing, consulting, communications planning, and implementation of strategic, integrated marketing programs. My clients include primarily computer software/hardware companies, where I use my skills to help emerging technology companies develop marketing fundamentals and thought leadership. I also work with more established technology companies that are ready to take off in terms of market growth and shareholder value.

My current investments include a SEP-IRA (previously 401-K accounts) that encompass a mix of managed mutual funds, annuities, as well as a whole life insurance policy. I currently do all my banking through a local credit union including interest paying checking, money market savings, mortgage, auto loan, credit cards, etc.

In early 2011 I attended a www.FamilyFarmed.org expo in Chicago with the purpose of finding a way to invest in my local sustainable food chain. One of the outcomes from the expo was reconnecting with David Miller who heads up a company called Working Farms Capital.  Illinois-based Working Farms Capital facilitates private equity and debt alternative investments on certified or transitional organic farms under lease to legacy farmers. I was referred to Entrust IRA Administration as a way to facilitate my investment through a self-directed IRA.

I was not familiar with the self-directed IRA which is probably not surprising since my “financial advisors” in the past were focused on equity and bond markets. I was glad to see that I could have greater control and involvement over my IRA investments through self-directing.  The entire process was relatively easy with some paperwork to fill out and the fees seemed very reasonable to me considering actively managed mutual fund managers often charge one percent.

My dream for retirement is to be financially secure with a mix of investments that become more weighted towards local Main Street rather than Wall Street. I’m expecting the Self-Directing IRA to be one of my primary vehicles for rolling over actively managed mutual funds into local investments that may include real estate or even local, sustainable businesses that keep my retirement savings working in and for the local economy.

I also want to participate directly in the local economy by working with green/sustainable startup businesses, lending my marketing expertise to help them grow and prosper.  So, I won’t really be retiring but rather pursuing my passion for improving the quality of life in my local community.