Getting started: A weekly options class for beginners

Virtual classroom details

This class will cover key concepts and practical application, including: what options are, common options strategies, and how to apply those strategies in your portfolio. There will be homework assigned after each session to help you apply your growing knowledge.

Each class will build on the prior week's class, so please plan on registering for and attending all 4 weeks.

These classes are designed for those investors who have an approved options agreement on file but haven't traded yet, or have traded options only once or twice.

May 2023

Session Date and time

Week 1: Introduction to options
In the first week, we will cover the basics — what are options as well as key terms and concepts you will need to know to trade options.

During this interactive session, you will be able to ask questions and we will show you the online tools to help you apply your knowledge.

Print and complete homework assignment (PDF) | Download slides (PDF)

Thursday, May 4, 2023
10:30-11:30 am. ET

Week 2: Buying options
This week will focus on option buying strategies for capitalizing on bullish and bearish outlooks as well as for hedging. We will cover the risk and reward profile of buying strategies by analyzing the potential profit and loss charts and how you can place an option order.

Print and complete homework assignment (PDF) | Download slides (PDF)

Thursday, May 11, 2023
10:30 am - 11:30 am ET

Week 3: Selling options
This session will cover the income generating strategies of selling covered calls and cash secured puts. We will review the important risk considerations of selling strategies as well as how to place these orders using Fidelity’s trading tools.

Print and complete homework assignment (PDF) | Download slides (PDF)

Thursday, May 18, 2023
10:30 am - 11:30 am ET

Week 4: Options trade management
What happens after placing your options trade? This week's class will focus on how to manage and monitor your trade. We will review different market scenarios and the importance of having an exit strategy.

Download slides (PDF)

Thursday, May 25, 2023
10:30 am - 11:30 am ET

Presenter

Matt Davison

Matt Davison began his Fidelity career in 2016. He spent time in the Service, Active Trader and Fixed Income functions prior to joining the Trading Strategy Desk®. Matt graduated from the University of Florida with a bachelor’s in Microbiology. He is currently a Registered Securities Representative (Series 7/63), and he is also a Registered Options Principal (Series 4).

June 2023

Session Date and time

Week 1: Introduction to options
In the first week, we will cover the basics — what are options as well as key terms and concepts you will need to know to trade options.

During this interactive session, you will be able to ask questions and we will show you the online tools to help you apply your knowledge.

Print and complete homework assignment (PDF) | Download slides (PDF)

Friday, June 2, 2023
12:00-1:00 pm ET

Week 2: Buying options
This week will focus on option buying strategies for capitalizing on bullish and bearish outlooks as well as for hedging. We will cover the risk and reward profile of buying strategies by analyzing the potential profit and loss charts and how you can place an option order.

Print and complete homework assignment (PDF) | Download slides (PDF)

Friday, June 9, 2023
12:00-1:00 pm ET

Week 3: Selling options
This session will cover the income generating strategies of selling covered calls and cash secured puts. We will review the important risk considerations of selling strategies as well as how to place these orders using Fidelity’s trading tools.

Print and complete homework assignment (PDF) | Download slides (PDF)

Friday, June 16, 2023
12:00-1:00 pm ET

Week 4: Options trade management
What happens after placing your options trade? This week's class will focus on how to manage and monitor your trade. We will review different market scenarios and the importance of having an exit strategy.

Download slides (PDF)

Friday, June 23, 2023
12:00-1:00 pm ET

Presenter

Troy Mahon, ChFC®

Troy Mahon joined Fidelity in 2021. He has held numerous roles in Financial Services including trading, sales, and retail banking. Prior to joining the Trading Strategy Desk®, Troy worked with the Investment Solutions team at Fidelity. He is a General Securities Registered Representative (Series 7/66) and graduated from Mount Saint Mary College with a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics. Troy also holds the Chartered Financial Consultant designation.

July 2023

Session Date and time

Week 1: Introduction to options
In the first week, we will cover the basics — what are options as well as key terms and concepts you will need to know to trade options.

During this interactive session, you will be able to ask questions and we will show you the online tools to help you apply your knowledge.

Print and complete homework assignment (PDF) | Download slides (PDF)

Wednesday, July 5, 2023
2:30-3:30 pm ET

Week 2: Buying options
This week will focus on option buying strategies for capitalizing on bullish and bearish outlooks as well as for hedging. We will cover the risk and reward profile of buying strategies by analyzing the potential profit and loss charts and how you can place an option order.

Print and complete homework assignment (PDF) | Download slides (PDF)

Wednesday, July 12, 2023
2:30-3:30 pm ET

Week 3: Selling options
This session will cover the income generating strategies of selling covered calls and cash secured puts. We will review the important risk considerations of selling strategies as well as how to place these orders using Fidelity’s trading tools.

Print and complete homework assignment (PDF) | Download slides (PDF)

Wednesday, July 19, 2023
2:30-3:30 pm ET

Week 4: Options trade management
What happens after placing your options trade? This week's class will focus on how to manage and monitor your trade. We will review different market scenarios and the importance of having an exit strategy.

Download slides (PDF)

Wednesday, July 26, 2023
2:30-3:30 pm ET

Presenter

Andrew McGowin
Began his career at Fidelity Investments in 2016. Before joining the Trading Strategy Desk®, he spent time in many different roles, most recently with the Active Trader VIP Desk. He is a Registered Securities Representative (Series 7/63), a Registered Options Principal (Series 4), and a General Securities Sales Supervisor (Series 10). Prior to joining Fidelity, Andrew graduated from the University of North Florida with bachelor’s degrees in Political Science and English. He graduated from Southern New Hampshire University with a master’s degree in Applied Economics.

Options trading entails significant risk and is not appropriate for all investors. Certain complex options strategies carry additional risk. Before trading options, please read Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options. Supporting documentation for any claims, if applicable, will be furnished upon request.

There are additional costs associated with option strategies that call for multiple purchases and sales of options, such as spreads, straddles, and collars, as compared with a single option trade.

Fidelity Brokerage Services LLC, Member NYSE, SIPC, 900 Salem Street, Smithfield, RI 02917

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