Just to re-iterate, if you have <$25k after September you have the following options:
1) Trade options unshackled of any Stalinist regulations
2) Trade futures on indices unshackled of any Stalinist regulations
3) Trade futures on stocks (to be introduced in December)
3) Join a professional firm if you want to trade stocks(you'll at least need a series 7, often other exams too)
4) Very selectively swing trade stocks through a broker... this is virtually impossible though ... if you are stopped out 3 times in any 5 day period, you will be designated as a 'pattern day trader' ... then you won't be able to trade for the next 90 days, unless you have more than $25k in your account
5) Swing trade stocks at will (without being subject to US regulations) by joining an overseas spreadbetting organisation (these are similar to the bucket shops that Jesse Livermore started his illustrious trading life in). A good one I have heard decent reports about is located at
http://www.igindex.co.uk, but please look into this independently ... I am not quite sure what our tax status in trading through these spread betters is? The IRS may not regard the gains as tax free, even though the English tax authorities (amazingly) do.