Since late 2018 I started using 2 accounts, Think or Swim being my main broker and added Trade Zero to the mix.
Cannot begin to explain how much this has helped me as a wet behind the ears trader due to making the needed mistakes to learn and move forward. Had this all been done in my main account then I probably would not learn the lessons but probably become more scared to take trades as you do not want to risk a day trade on a speculative play. On the other hand as Tim teaches you'll only take specific trades on what you have learnt and be more disciplined which in this game is crucial.
First of all my TOS account is under PDT so you need to be very specific about the trades you make otherwise you sit without day trades and when the opportunity does come around if you've just waisted them on speculation then you don't have any plays available.
So how does this work for me? Simple. Since finding my preferred pattern I only use my TOS account for my preferred pattern which is First Green Days and if you haven't found your pattern yet I suggest doing a thesis on a pattern that fits your time and schedule (let the market work around you).
Then for all other plays and more specifically NASDAQ plays I use my Trade Zero account with only $500 in it and it fluctuates but at the same time you learn position size, stock movement and controlling your emotion with actual skin in the game while testing out what other strategies work for you. Of course you still have to follow rule number 1 and cut losses quickly or if you prefer intelligently but hey whatever works for you but just follow the rules.
It also removes the FOMO we experience as you start to realise what is good to play and what is a waist of time. Honestly if you open an additional account to just take anything then you asking to blow up fast.
Anyways just something I wanted to share that has given me a better perspective on my own trading.
Wayne, I'm happy you shared how much you have in your Trade Zero Account! I was going to start with the same in my E Trade account to really practice discipline and paper trading has helped me see how much I'll need to focus on which stocks work for me and where to enter/exit. Thanks for sharing!
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