[Bfbusa]

Hello Werdgr,

Hmm....thats a tough one. I don't recommend trading futures or stocks in the after hours. Extremely risky. The best advice I can offer is what I would do if I were in your shoes.

First. Learn to swing trade stocks. Thats taking a position for a few days to a week or two. or FOREX. The Foreign exchange.

If you get a day off from work, then you could e-mini futures or stocks.

One more thing. You say $20,000? OK, take just half of that and put in a brokerage account. Keep the rest in a safe place, money market etc.
This way it will force you to trade small at first until you discover your edge and learn proper risk management. Always remember, if you learn to control your loses, your profits will tend to them selves. Always use stops and stick to your trading plan.

Hope this helps, good luck.