there is really no need to get a series 7 to trade equities. with 50k you can go retail at assent,be covered by sipc and get leverage and good comissions. my advice would be to take 5k and go to a prop/llc and get 100k in buying power with great commissions. keep in mind your 5k will not be covered under sipc but a reputable firm would be safe as far as your initial deposit is concerned. i know a few guys that have barely 5k in an account and have 250k to play with.