Latest Insights in Stock Market Investing
Trade Management: A Real-Life Example with Brooks Automation, Inc. (NASDAQ: BRKS)
Once we enter our covered call writing trades, we immediately go into position management mode. In August, 2018, Mike generously shared with me a series of trades he executed using Brooks Automation, Inc and asked for my evaluation of his management of these trades....
Volatility Skews: Defined, Explained and Updated
Implied volatility is a key concept for covered call writers and put-sellers. It is a forecast of the underlying stock's volatility as implied by option prices in the marketplace. In 2012, I published an article relating to implied volatility where volatility skew was...
Timing Our Covered Call Trades: Joanna’s Tale of “DOH”
When entering our covered call trades with new positions, we buy the stock and immediately sell the option. This can be accomplished by legging-in or using a buy-write combination form. This is an important guideline because we will be assured of capturing our initial...
Managing News-Driven Gap-Downs: A Real-Life Example with Stamp.Com
Earnings reports represent the greatest risk for price gap-downs for our covered call writing and put-selling stocks. Problem solved...we avoid earnings reports. However, from time-to-time unexpected negative news will be reported that will cause significant price...
Converting Non-Dividend Stocks Into Dividend Stocks
Generating a consistent cash flow from stock dividends is an appealing benefit from owning shares for many investors. Stock ownership, in these scenarios, can create two income streams, one from price appreciation and the other from quarterly dividends. However, not...
Why Covered Call Writing Outperforms the Overall Market
Why should we spend the time to educate ourselves on how to implement and manage covered call writing trades? The answer is simple: Once the 3 required skills (stock selection, option selection and position management) are mastered, we will put ourselves in a position...
“Hitting a Double” Calculations with The Ellman Calculator
One of the BCI exit strategies that helps distinguish us from all other covered call writers is known as "hitting a double" We use this position management technique when share value declines such that option value drops to 20% (in the first half of a monthly...
Managing Earnings Reports on Long-Term Holdings
Never sell a covered call or put option when there is an earnings report due to be reported prior to contract expiration. I have repeated this rule so many times over the years because I want our members to avoid the losses I incurred back in the 1990s before I...
What Covered Call Writing Has Meant To Me: A Financial Advisor’s Perspective by Guest Author Kevin Crowe
In June 2018 I had the pleasure of having dinner with Kevin, a long-time BCI member and retired financial advisor. His story reminded me of how option-selling not only impacts the investor but also so many of those close to us. In Kevin's case, it touched members of...
Wartime Option StrategiesWatch BCi’s series on YouTube.
Podcast
- 126. Analyzing the Status of a Rolling-Down Trade
- 124. Dividends and After-Hours News Causing Exercise of OTM Call Strikes
- 123. Implied Volatility, IV Rank and IV Percentile Defined and Practical Applications
- BCI PODCAST 122: Should I Roll-Out My Deep In-The-Money Call Option Mid-Contract?
- BCI PODCAST 121: What is a SPAC (Special Purpose Acquisition Company)?
- 120. Using the Nasdaq-100 Volatility Index (VOLQ) in Covered Call Writing Decisions
- 119. Establishing Our Cost-Basis for Long-Term Holdings
- 118. Adjusting Our Portfolio Mix to Achieve Diversification and Cash Allocation
- 117. When a Covered Call Strike Moves $1000.00 In-The-Money
- 116. How to Execute a Covered Call Trade with a Buy/Write Combination Form
Explore Investment Topics
Covered Call Exit Strategies
Exit Strategies
Our Journey and Mission
The Blue Collar Investor was founded with a simple mission: to empower everyday individuals with the knowledge to invest wisely in the stock market. Our blog focuses on demystifying stock options, providing readers with the tools they need to succeed. We believe that anyone can learn to invest effectively, regardless of their background or experience.
Our story began when our founder Dr. Alan Ellman, realized the lack of accessible resources for average investors. Determined to bridge this gap, we created a platform that offers comprehensive guides, expert tips, and real-world strategies. Today, The Blue Collar Investor is a trusted resource for thousands of readers seeking to enhance their financial literacy and achieve their investment goals.