When I first wanted to learn how to trade, I didn’t have thousands of dollars or all the answers. But I had faith. And that was enough to take the first step.
If you’ve been wondering how to start trading without risking a lot of money, this post is for you. I’ll show you how to begin trading futures with $100 or less, using the same steps that helped me and many others get started — one small, faithful step at a time.
Please note: I am not a financial advisor. Everything I share here is based on personal experience and is meant to educate and encourage you. Trading requires learning, discipline, and patience. Take your time and be consistent — that’s how growth happens.
🧪 Step 1: Chart Practice on TradingView (Free + Visual Training)
Start by learning how to recognize trade setups on TradingView — it’s a free charting platform used by traders worldwide.
Here’s how:
Create a free TradingView account
Search for ES1! (S&P 500 Futures, similar movement to MES)
Add the 9 EMA to your chart
Begin identifying Breakthrough & Retest setups at key levels like previous day highs and lows
📹 Watch the strategy breakdown video here:
👉 (Insert YouTube strategy video link)
Even though you can’t place trades on TradingView, it’s the perfect place to train your eyes and build confidence.
🎯 Step 2: Practice Trade Execution on Tradovate (Free 14-Day Trial)
Once you’re comfortable spotting entries on the chart, the next step is practicing actual trade execution.
Go to Tradovate and sign up for a free 14-day demo account, where you can:
Place simulated trades using MES contracts
Practice entering, setting stop losses, and managing risk
Get familiar with a live broker interface
This prepares you for real-time trading without risking a dollar.
💰 Step 3: Buy a $50K Apex Evaluation Account (Only ~$33 with Discount)
After practicing on demo, it’s time to take a step toward real trading — without using your own money.
With Apex Trader Funding, you can get a $50K funded evaluation account for just around $33 when it’s on 80% sale. These sales happen often.
Here’s what to do:
Purchase the $50K Apex account during a sale
Use discount code: OVERCOMER at checkout
Trade MES futures using the strategy you practiced
Once your purchase is complete, Apex will send you login details to connect with Tradovate so you can begin trading on their platform during your evaluation.
🧾 How to Pass the Apex Evaluation
To move from evaluation to funded status, you need to:
✅ Reach a profit of $3,000
✅ Not exceed a $2,500 trailing drawdown (loss limit)
✅ Follow the 30% consistency rule (don’t make more than 30% of your total profit in a single day)
When you pass these requirements, you’ll receive a Performance Account — a live account funded by Apex. From there, you can trade and keep the majority of your profits.
📈 Step 4: Trade Live on Tradovate (No Extra Data Fees)
Once your Apex account is active, you’ll begin trading live through Tradovate.
✅ You’ll receive all instructions from Apex to set up your Tradovate account
✅ No need to pay for live data — it’s included
✅ You’ll be trading MES contracts live with real-time execution — backed by Apex capital
📹 Need help with setup? Watch this Tradovate walkthrough:
👉 (Insert YouTube setup tutorial link)
🙏 You Don’t Need to Start Big. Just Start.
“If you have faith as small as a mustard seed… nothing will be impossible for you.” — Matthew 17:20
You don’t need thousands to begin. You need a strategy, a small seed of faith, and the willingness to grow through the process.
Whether you’re practicing on charts or preparing for your first evaluation, every step you take matters. Start where you are. Trust God to multiply your effort.
✅ Summary: How to Start Trading with $100 or Less
Here’s your simple roadmap:
Chart practice: Open a free TradingView account, use ES1!, and study Breakthrough & Retest
Execution practice: Get a free demo account on Tradovate for 14 days
Learn the strategy:
📹 (Insert YouTube strategy video link)
Buy Apex account: $50K evaluation for ~$33 during 80% sale
👉 Use code: OVERCOMER
Get funded: Reach $3K profit, avoid $2.5K loss, follow the 30% rule
Go live: Apex sends your login info for Tradovate (no data fees)
📹 (Insert YouTube Tradovate setup video link)
💬 Have a question? Need help getting started? Drop a comment or reach out. We’re here to support you.
Let’s grow with faith. Let’s build with wisdom. Let’s trade with purpose. 💛