Retirement Income

Stocks and Options

General Investing Philosophy

This is the first time that I have attempted to document what I think of as my investing philosophy.  I expect this page to morph over time (perhaps quickly) as I formalize, add to and/or change my thoughts on the subject.

Generally, I am looking for cash flow.

  • I favor selling puts on stocks that pay dividends in case I end up owning the stock.
  • I will sell puts on non-dividend stock that has a good premium.
  • I will occasionally buy a stock that pays a good dividend.
  • I sell out of the money calls on all of the stocks that I own.
  • I will occasionally roll out a call on a good dividend paying stock rather than have it called away.
  • I will occasionally roll out a call on a stock if I can get additional premium and  roll up to a higher strike price.
  • I favor selling puts and calls for shorter periods over longer periods.
    • Usually the closest month has the higher percentage return.
    • This allows (forces) me to evaluate the stock more often.
    • Options that are rolled out often violate this rule.