Choose the right broker, understand your account options, practice without risk, and assemble the tools and data sources that professional traders rely on every day.
Module 1 taught you how markets work. Module 2 is about getting you operational. By the end of this module, you'll have a clear picture of which broker fits your needs, which account type matches your situation, how to build skill without risking capital, and which tools deserve a spot on your screen. This is the practical foundation everything else is built on.
Commissions, execution quality, platform features, margin rates, and customer service. Mobile vs. desktop limitations, the ACATS transfer process, and a framework for matching broker to trading style.
Cash vs. margin vs. IRA vs. taxable — and the trading implications of each. How account structure affects your buying power, tax treatment, PDT exposure, and long-term wealth building.
Building skill without risk. Market replay tools for accelerated practice, realistic performance benchmarks (win rate, expectancy), a structured first-week exercise, and the four-phase plan for transitioning to live trading.
Screeners, charting platforms, news feeds, economic calendars, and SEC filings. Plus: how to build your first watchlist, set up price and filing alerts, and avoid the delayed-data trap.