investing
When to Use Options
Conventional wisdom tells us to place our money on an investment vehicle we are most familiar with and on investment vehicle we can benefit most. Since understanding the rise and fall of stocks is much easier than knowing the basics of options trading, it is a more popular choice for the many. But the fact is options trading provide several advantages than any other investment vehicles, including the stock market or even the Forex. Let us look at some:
Leverage
Buying a call option gives the investor a good option position that is similar to stock position. For example, if an investor would by 300 stocks selling at $50 per share, he would have to pay $15,000. But if he would choose to purchase three $20 calls (each contract representing 100 lots or shares), he will only have to pay $6,000 (3 contracts X 100 shares/contract X $20 market price). The investor would then have an extra $9,000 to spend or invest on his or her discretion. The process is obviously not as simple as that. The investor would have to know which call to buy to have a good option position, similar to stock position. However, if you are looking for a good investment without risking large sum of money at once, option trading is the better choice.
Limited Risk
Investment is said to be for the risk takers. This is good if your risk automatically yields to profit. But that is not always the case. In options trading, however, you can have unlimited profit potential and at the same time have limited risk. This is because options trading only give you the right to buy or sell underlying asset, and not the obligation. Meaning, if the price is not right at the end of the contract, you can just ignore and let the contract expire. If, however, you can profit for the change in shares prices, you can assert your right and pursue the contract.
For example, you buy a certain call option for $20 (strike price) that will end on the third Friday of March. On the expiry date, shares you bought are trading at $25. Definitely, you can instantly earn $5 per share and would have to pursue with the contract.
What if the at the expiry date is lower than the strike price?
Let us imagine that the shares you have bought went down to $15 or even $5 at the end of the contract, do you have to pursue the contract? No!
You just have to let the contract expire.
What have you lost then?
The option premium you paid the seller. Nothing more.
Unlimited Profit Potential
Say a certain call option you have bought is now trading at $38 per share. You can exercise your right to buy it for the strike price of $20 and earn $18 minus the Option Premium you have paid. This is just an example. The price of shares can go higher than that. And if you have carefully chosen your call, you can get the best profit without breaking your bank. Note: if you are planning to pursue the contract and buy the shares, remember that you have to pay the full amount. So at the expiry date, make sure that you have you the cash.
Be Smart When Planning Your Retirement
Retirement may be a long way off for you ñ or it might be right around the corner. No matter how near or far it is, youíve absolutely got to start saving for it now. However, saving for retirement isnít what it used to be with the increase in cost of living and the instability of social security. You have to invest for your retirement, as opposed to saving for it!
Letís start by taking a look at the retirement plan offered by your company. Once upon a time, these plans were quite sound. However, after the Enron upset and all that followed, people arenít as secure in their company retirement plans anymore. If you choose not to invest in your companyís retirement plan, you do have other options.
First, you can invest in stocks, bonds, mutual funds, certificates of deposit, and money market accounts. You do not have to state to anybody that the returns on these investments are to be used for retirement. Just simply let your money grow overtime, and when certain investments reach their maturity, reinvest them and continue to let your money grow.
You can also open an Individual Retirement Account (IRA). IRAís are quite popular because the money is not taxed until you withdraw the funds. You may also be able to deduct your IRA contributions from the taxes that you owe. An IRA can be opened at most banks. A ROTH IRA is a newer type of retirement account. With a Roth, you pay taxes on the money that you are investing in your account, but when you cash out, no federal taxes are owed. Roth IRAís can also be opened at a financial institution.
Another popular type of retirement account is the 401(k). 401(kís) are typically offered through employers, but you may be able to open a 401(k) on your own. You should speak with a financial planner or accountant to help you with this. The Keogh plan is another type of IRA that is suitable for self employed people. Self-employed small business owners may also be interested in Simplified Employee Pension Plans (SEP). This is another type of Keogh plan that people typically find easier to administer than a regular Keogh plan.
Whichever retirement investment you choose, just make sure you choose one! Again, do not depend on social security, company retirement plans, or even an inheritance that may or may not come through! Take care of your financial future by investing in it today.
Be Sharp Like A Hawk and Establish Your Investment Goals
When it comes to investing, many first time investors want to jump right in with both feet. Unfortunately, very few of those investors are successful. Investing in anything requires some degree of skill. It is important to remember that few investments are a sure thing ñ there is the risk of losing your money!
Before you jump right in, it is better to not only find out more about investing and how it all works, but also to determine what your goals are. What do you hope to achieve with your investments? Will you be funding a college education? Buying a home? Retiring? Before you invest a single penny, really think about what you hope to achieve with that investment. Knowing what your goal is will help you make smarter investment decisions along the way!
Too often, people invest money with dreams of becoming rich overnight. This is possible ñ but it is also rare. It is usually a very bad idea to start investing with hopes of becoming rich overnight. It is safer to invest your money in such a way that it will grow slowly over time, and be used for retirement or a childís education. However, if your investment goal is to get rich quick, you should learn as much about high-yield, short term investing as you possibly can before you invest.
You should strongly consider talking to a financial planner before making any investments. Your financial planner can help you determine what type of investing you must do to reach the financial goals that you have set. He or she can give you realistic information as to what kind of returns you can expect and how long it will take to reach your specific goals.
Again, remember that investing requires more than calling a broker and telling them that you want to buy stocks or bonds. It takes a certain amount of research and knowledge about the market if you hope to invest successfully.