Understand Covered Calls In The Next 10 Minutes

It is amazing to me that not many retail investors understand the concept of generating cash flow from their stock positions. When I tell people that I utilize covered calls to generate extra income, hedge my stock positions, and set strict sell disciplines they look at me like I am crazy. I was introduced to the concept from a stockbroker. The idea of writing covered calls is the only option strategy that you can employ at most of the major brokerage firms for your IRA investments. The reason is that writing covered calls is a very conservative strategy relative to other option strategies.

The strategy is very similar to selling an option on a piece of real estate. For example, I’ll give you $10,000 now, if you allow me to buy your property 6 months from now at a set price. If I choose not to exercise my option, you keep the money and we go our separate ways.

Now I will go into more detail. Do not worry, just keep re-reading this until you get it. I buy 1,000 shares of FGH at $10 and the stock goes to $11 several weeks later. I can make money right now without selling my stock by selling the option to someone to buy the stock from me six months from now at $12.50. For that option, the buyer has agreed to give me $0.50 per share or $500 right now.

The $500 is immediately deposited into my brokerage account, but an option position also shows up on my statement. I can not sell the stock prior to 6 months unless I buy back the option in the open market. The option price can fluctuate from day to day, therefore, I typically hold my stocks until expiration.

Six months from now, one of two things can happen. One, the stock rises above $12.50 and the person “calls” me out of my position which is great because remember, I bought the stock for $10. The second possibility is that the stock falls below $12.50 which makes the option worthless. Why does it expire worthless? Think about it. Why would the option holder “call” the stock away from me at $12.50 when she can just buy the stock for $11.45 on the open market?

You then start the process all over again by writing another call against your position.

Are you beginning to see how cool this strategy is? Here is what I just accomplished. First of all, I lowered my cost basis by 5% or $500. Secondly, I drew a line in the sand and said this is what I’m willing to sell the shares for, $12.50. Third, I generated instant income that I could use for Christmas or just reinvest.

This strategy has made me very happy in bear markets because most options expire worthless and I get to keep my stock and what the option buyer originally paid me for the option!

There is software available that lets you spot the best stocks to use covered call writing with and that saves you a lot of time in the way of research.

Keep in mind that you should consult with a tax professional and a financial adviser before you begin risking your money on any options strategy.

Do not buy any stock trading education materials until you see Lance Jepsen’s free stock market blog at how to invest in stock market, and learning the stock market