What happens when an option expires depends on one thing: in the money or out. Here’s the mechanics, plus a real $18,700 auto-exercise surprise.

How much money do you need to start trading options? Brokers allow under $100. Doing it right without gambling takes closer to $2,000-$3,000.

Covered calls explained with real numbers: cap your upside for guaranteed cash now. The exact math on a trade that got called away, and one that didn’t.

Options Greeks explained the way I wish someone had explained them to me: Delta, Theta, and Gamma as numbers you check before entering, not textbook theory.

0DTE options expire the same day you trade them, so there’s no time cushion left. Here’s what that actually costs, with a real losing trade and the numbers.

How long should you hold an options trade? Long enough to hit target, short enough decay hasn’t eaten it. Real numbers from a trade held too long.

A wide bid-ask spread can turn a correct trade into a loser twice over. Real fill numbers show how spread and slippage quietly drain small accounts.