I doubt most traders have the amount of money (using a ratio to their income needs) you initially estimated as being required. That amount of money sounded more like investing and living off the investments where the money just sits earning money verses actively buying and selling to make money on the ups and downs of the market. Another thing to consider is taxes. If you are buying and selling on a regular basis (meaning you are not holding the stocks for at least a year) your taxes on gains will be higher then if you held the stocks for at least a year, which would then allow you to use capital gains tax rates.