My name is Wendy Kirkland, and I help everyday people earn more money and achieve their own financial independence.
Are you familiar with the monetary frustration of knowing you can do better, but feel tethered to exactly where you are?
I’m sure you can relate. Many highly creative, intelligent, and productive individuals are familiar with the feeling of consistently falling short each month, which is even more frustrating because they know the lack of money is beneath their own expectations and potential.
Most people are in need of an extra paycheck. Often, we feel isolated, like we are the only ones who seem to be falling behind in our bills with never enough for the unexpected things that all too regularly strike our bank account.
Do you dread late summer because of back-to-school expenses? Does it take nine months to pay off last year’s Christmas gifts? Do you only pay the minimum requirement on your credit cards? Are you stressing about how to send your child (who has really tried hard) to college? Are you regularly funding your retirement account?
“Just like the cliché about the journey starting with a single step, options trading is learned by studying the principles and learning some basic facts about the stock market and individual stocks.”
If any of those statements apply to you, you are a member of a huge club.
Most of us hope that, if we continue to work hard throughout our lives, we will be in a financial position to enjoy the “golden years” of retirement. But, statistics tell a different story.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau (2010) published in 2014, of people age 65 and older:
- 19.6% have incomes under $25,000
- 35.1% have incomes from $25,000 to $50,000
- 19.4% have incomes from $50,000 to $75,000
- 25.9% have incomes more than $75,000
Living comfortably on $50,000 a year in retirement, which would require a $1 million-plus nest egg by the time you reach the retirement age, will depend on your expenses, investment returns, and health-care costs. This figure does not factor in other benefits, like pensions and Social Security, which can boost your retirement income but are often much less than we expect for a lifetime of work.
This said, for those of us who have lived month to month with never enough to put aside into savings, we can look forward to working as a Walmart greeter through our retirement or moving in with our kids because a $1-million retirement account is a pie-in-the-sky dream.
“Does fear keep you doing what you do, to not only earn a living but keep you from trying something new? Does it shadow your whole lifestyle and way of thinking?”
Option trading provided a path to my dream. More and more, I’ve realized that the beauty of options trading is its ability to be what people need the most. It is possible for a person to trade options to buy new furniture – or a whole new house. It works for someone who wants to work at options trading on the side or as a full-time occupation. For me, trading options has provided amazing financial possibilities for me and my family. This is what motivates me to pass on what I know and to support people who are looking for their own financial independence.
If you are thinking about, or are already actively trading options, you’ve taken the first step toward changing your financial future, putting yourself in control. No one cares more about your future than you do. No one cares more about your money than you do. Let’s set the stage for your future success in the options world.
Addressing Fear
At different times in my life, I’ve seen people aim for nothing and hit it with amazing accuracy. When you are ready to change that by taking control and tackling something new, it takes guts and time. You have to be patient with yourself as you learn the particular ways to gather information and analyze what options to buy and sell. Just like the cliché about the journey starting with a single step, options trading is learned by studying the principles and learning some basic facts about the stock market and individual stocks. It requires a commitment to learning the language of trading and for some, overcoming the fear of the stock market and investing in general. It also requires that you understand the modern world of online transactions and become familiar with online trading services and accounts.
Once you have the basics, you’ll be ready to apply what you’ve learned and practice trading options. Virtual trading is a method of investing that can be practiced online without spending a penny until you are ready. This practice is what builds confidence in what you have learned.
From there, you can focus on the specific trading strategies that fit the time you have to spend and your trading personality.
“We all deserve abundance in its many forms.”
When I first set out to learn options trading, I have to admit it was scary. There was great potential to change our lives for the good, but also potential for failure that made me afraid of any potential long-term consequences in trying something new. I realized being frozen in that fear affected my health, relationships, how I acted and reacted to difficulties, and determined my outlook on life. As I struggled on my own to understand options trading, I learned that life is always guiding and teaching us. It gives us little pokes in the back to nudge us in the needed direction. I want to help save you some of the time spent struggling that I experienced.
Consider the following questions: Does fear keep you doing what you do, to not only earn a living but keep you from trying something new? Does it shadow your whole lifestyle and way of thinking?
Fear will offer you a life of denial, sacrifice, inner turmoil, and a basket of convenient excuses. Fear will never allow you to experience true prosperity. The best you can hope for is temporary wealth, but physically, mentally, and emotionally, you will pay the price. In reality, fear is nothing more than your own thinking and beliefs about something that doesn’t exist. Don’t do that to yourself!
Living from fear does not honor you, and you are definitely worthy of honor!
We all deserve abundance in its many forms. Enthusiasm and passion are powerful. To be enthusiastic about your work, about new endeavors or courses of study, relationships, and life has its own quality of attraction. You not only attract like-minded people, but you attract solutions to problems that may occur. You draw to yourself focused, insightful answers.
Emotional Responses to Trading
I have discovered that one reason many people are afraid of financial markets and investing, in general, is the perception used to describe the mindset involved. For example, if you were to tell a friend, a neighbor, or even a relative, that you’re reading a book on trading options, you might hear comments like, “Oh, I’d stay away. That’s riskier than Black Jack,” or, “You’re kidding—you might as well use your money to light the barbeque.”
Of course, I realize you’ll also encounter others who are seasoned investors and have an understanding of the markets. These individuals may be quite interested in what you’re learning.
Because of the impact brought about by the emotional responses many individuals have toward investing and to the financial markets, it’s necessary to clarify the mindset that successful investors need. In fact, this is a vitally important topic.
Ninety percent of options trading (and other types of investing) success is determined by mental and emotional control. If you don’t understand that, you may mistakenly assume that successful traders in either stocks or options are extraordinarily brilliant, lucky, or otherwise in possession of some rare gift. That is not necessarily the truth behind trading.
“Learning how to trade options in a systematic way leads to confident investing, and confidence is a key to financial independence.”
In fact, you’ll find some traders talk smart, think smart, but act dumb. By that, I mean that they sound technically proficient and they know the lingo and may have a feel for the nuances of the market. Yet, when it comes to the bottom line in their portfolio, many do not consistently make successful trades. Many of these traders, brilliant as they may be, are not in control of their emotions.
No matter how brilliant the trader, when fear or greed show up, his thinking inevitably becomes distorted.
Gaining Trading Confidence
Learning how to trade options in a systematic way leads to confident investing, and confidence is a key to financial independence. I see people of all ages, educational backgrounds, and locales taking part in options and changing their viewpoint on trading. I also see these people come to realize and appreciate that they are part of an elite group that involves taking controlled risks.
These same people have stepped up to take charge of their financial futures.
I’m sure you would agree that deadliest catch fishermen or race-car drivers have risky occupations. But imagine a crew of these fishermen or drivers getting together. Do you think they gulp down coffee and agonize about the risks they’re taking? Not likely. These risks are no longer foremost in their minds. They have learned how to minimize those risks. These workers are much more likely to discuss a new tool that helps them perform even better, and they’re likely to hang out with those who are successful.
As you learn more and take the next step on your trading path, you will see the opportunities and advantages of seeking other options traders, either through my website, chatrooms or through face-to-face trading groups in your community.
Like the fishermen and race-car drivers, you’ll share the tools and techniques you’ve found to become a successful options trader who is building wealth.
I wish you a successful trading career and your own financial independence.
Happy trading!
Wendy