Latest Insights in Stock Market Investing
Earnings Pre-Announcements Explained and Categorized
We know to avoid earnings reports when writing covered calls or selling puts. This is easily accomplished because we have a reliable idea when those reports will become public. Premium members can access these dates directly from our weekly reports here: Those...
Why the 3% Guideline Applies to Puts but Not to Call Options
Selling options (covered call writing and selling cash-secured puts) will result in a positive outcome in the first four of the following five scenarios: Stock price moves up significantly Stock price moves up slightly Stock price remains the same Stock price moves...
Tax Implications of Writing Covered Calls against Long-Term Holdings
Covered call writing is a short-term strategy where we sell Weekly or Monthly options to generate cash flow. It is best to use this strategy in sheltered accounts to defer or eliminate tax consequences but that is not always possible. Generally, the income from...
Special 1-Time Cash Dividends for Stocks with Improving Technicals
Covered call writing and put-selling candidates must pass a series of fundamental, technical and common-sense screens in order to be considered eligible for our portfolios. In early January 2017, one of our members, Jim W, asked about using Ford Motor Corp. (F), a...
Temporary Self-Loans for the Mid-Contract Unwind Exit Strategy
The mid-contract unwind (MCU) exit strategy is a position management maneuver we use to generate a second income stream in the same month with the same cash investment. The opportunity arises when share price moves significantly higher than the short call strike in...
Managing Great Stocks After Disappointing Earnings Reports
Never sell a covered call option or cash-secured put if there is an earnings report due out prior to contract expiration. This is one of the golden rules of the BCI methodology. We know that a report that disappoints generally did not meet market consensus regarding...
Selling LEAPS and Covered Call Writing
In our BCI methodology we favor Monthly or Weekly options for our short covered call writing positions. I am frequently asked why I don't utilize LEAPS options (expire 9 - 24 months in the future) to garner a much higher premium and perhaps require less management...
Using Technical Indicators to Assist with Strike Selection
When selling covered call or put options, strike price selection is one of the three required skills. Here are the main factors we evaluate when determining which strike price to select: Overall market assessment Personal risk tolerance Return goals Technical price...
Setting Up a Covered Call Trade by First Selling an Out-Of-The-Money Put
A covered call trade can be initiated by first purchasing the underlying stock or exchange-traded fund (ETF). It can also be launched by first selling an out-of-the-money (OTM) cash-secured put and allowing exercise if the put strike is in-the-money (ITM) at...
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.