Go to the library and find a local club. Better yet, get a copy of the Beardstown Ladies Common Sense Investment Guide and start your own. These clubs are gaining in popularity all over the country. Members pool small amounts of money and make joint decisions on investments. Local investment advisors come and give free talks.
Research is usually divided among participants.
There is a lot of information on the Internet that is available for free. Morningstar is a well known mutual fund research company that gives limited mutual fund data on their site and on AOL for free. When reviewing financial sites, look for information that you can understand. There are many levels of sophistication in cyberspace. Keep looking until you find something with which you are comfortable.