As with starting any business venture, be sure have adequate capital set behind you to keep you going for few months of living expenses. As far as trading capital, generally $20K is a good number....everyone is different...some like to put up more money. It's not like buying a franchise or anything, just enough money to where you're not overly worried about some natural swings in the account. Many new traders, especially on the West Coast, "Transition" into trading...Check "Transitioning to Full Time Trading" coming up in the December issue of Stocks and Commodities magazine. All the best, Don Don