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BCI PODCAST 168: Collar Trades, the rationale for maximum gains and losses

BCI PODCAST 168: Collar Trades, the rationale for maximum gains and losses

Mar 19, 2026 | Podcasts

Collar trades are covered call writing + protective puts. There is a floor and a ceiling on each position. The option side should result in a net credit when structuring our trades. The stock side will result in a gain, loss or breakeven. This podcast will show...
Selecting the Best Put Strike Based on Overall Market Assessment

Selecting the Best Put Strike Based on Overall Market Assessment

Sep 16, 2017 | Investment Basics, Option Trading Basics, Options Calculations, Put-selling

Selling cash-secured puts requires us to master the three required skills: stock (or ETF) selection, option selection and position management. This article will highlight how to select a put strike based on our overall market assessment.   Market assessment data...
Comparing Similar Covered Call Writing and Put-Selling Positions

Comparing Similar Covered Call Writing and Put-Selling Positions

Apr 16, 2016 | Investment Basics, Option Trading Basics, Options Calculations, Put-selling

Covered call writing and selling cash-secured puts are similar strategies that do have certain differences. In my book, Selling Cash-Secured Puts, Figure 68 on page 214 highlights the similarities and differences between these two strategies. In this article, I will...
Ellman Calculator: Enhancements Made In The 2014 Version

Ellman Calculator: Enhancements Made In The 2014 Version

Jun 28, 2014 | Option Trading Basics, Options Calculations, Stock Option Strategies

Options calculations are an integral part of our BCI methodology both in guiding us in making the best investment decisions and also in determining our trading success. To assist in achieving these goals I developed the Ellman Calculator six years ago and with the...
Deep In-The-Money Strikes: A Can’t Lose Strategy?

Deep In-The-Money Strikes: A Can’t Lose Strategy?

May 24, 2014 | Investment Basics, Option Trading Basics, Options Calculations, Stock Option Strategies

Covered call writing is a strategy we use to generate consistent monthly cash flow, re-invest profits and ultimately to become financially independent. We strive to beat the market by using sound fundamental, technical and common sense principles. But why are we...
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  • 120. Using the Nasdaq-100 Volatility Index (VOLQ) in Covered Call Writing Decisions
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  • 117. When a Covered Call Strike Moves $1000.00 In-The-Money
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Recent Posts

  • Ask Alan #241: To close or not to close, that is the question April 15, 2026
  • Setting Up a $50k Covered Call Writing ETF Portfolio April 11, 2026
  • BCI PODCAST 169: Exit Strategy Considerations When a Call Strike Moves Deep ITM Early in a Contract April 9, 2026
  • Using 2 Standard Deviations to Determine the Risk of Exercise of a High Implied Volatility Stock When Covered Call Writing April 4, 2026

How Alan Got Started with Stock Options.

https://youtu.be/ZGutJdMO-9I

Why Covered Call Options May Be Your Best Investing Strategy

https://youtu.be/MINxukE9SzA

Nasdaq Interviews Alan Ellman

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BN9ywexV2Po

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