Latest Insights in Stock Market Investing
How To Maximize Covered Call Writing Returns By Understanding Time Value and Theta
Mastering the concepts of the time value of our option premiums and how theta impacts our option profits will help elevate our returns to the highest possible levels. Let's first define these terms: Definitions Time value: The portion of the option premium that is...
How To Avoid Early Exercise When Dividends Are About To Be Distributed
Covered call writing is a low-risk strategy that allows us to generate monthly cash flow by selling stock options. Since we are obligated to sell our shares to the option buyer (holder), one of the understood possibilities is that we will "lose" our shares at the...
Expanded Weekly Options: When Should We Enter A Trade?
With the rising popularity of stock option strategies and covered call writing in particular, we have seen the creation of more option products like weekly stock options. Weeklys expire each Friday of the month whereas the more traditional monthlys generally expire...
Rolling Down And Stock Splits: A Real Life Example
Covered call writing positions can be altered by exit strategies or contract adjustments. Contract adjustments are alterations that are typically made to option contracts when the underlying stock undergoes a stock split, pays a special cash and/or stock dividend or...
Calculating Future Returns Using Delta
Understanding option calculations is an integral part of the BCI methodology. Using the Ellman Calculators (Basic and Elite versions) will facilitate the process but knowing the "how" and "why" of these numbers will make us all better investors. This article was...
Covered Puts Versus Covered Calls
Covered call writing is the main focus of this site and the BCI methodology. Based on member demand and similarity of strategies we have been adding information on selling cash-secured puts, the topic of my upcoming 5th book. Recently I have received inquiries on...
ETF Option Trading vs. Index Option Trading
Most options traders including covered call writers are familiar with exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and many trade options on these securities. Many have also heard of, but are not as familiar with, index options. The purpose of this article is to detail the...
Writing Covered Calls On Broad Market Exchange-Traded Funds
The initial main step for covered call writers is to select the best underlying security. This choice will vary from investor to investor based on goals and risk tolerance. Some of our members prefer exchange-traded funds (ETFs), a strategy I use in my mother's...
Calculating 2-Month Returns When Rolling Out And Up
Options calculations will give us an accurate assessment of our covered call writing profits. It's more meaningful to use percentages rather than dollar amounts when executing these calculations. For example, a $1000.00 profit on a $10,000 investment (10%) is much...
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
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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.