I Lost Nearly My Whole Account In One Day

By Morris Puma

Today, I had an interesting conversation with an option trader who is still searching for the magic formula to making consistent returns with option trading. He said many things which were so familiar to me.

One thing that stood out was when he said "Non-directional option trading doesn't mean we can make money in any direction. It means that we make money if the underlying doesn't move in any direction. In other words, it's still a directional trade, sideways." This is correct, and most people advertise that it's easy to make money with options because we can make money on any direction. This is true in some respects and not true in others.

Those of you trading Iron Condors know what I am talking about; especially if you are trading the Condors that most courses and books teach. If you are trading this strategy in 2009, you probably aren't making anything. The reason being that the Iron Condor is just as directional as most option trades only that its direction is sideways. For some, it's just as hard to predict a sideways move as it is up or down.

So many option traders have called me recently to tell me the same thing. "I was doing great with Condors and Credit spreads for a few months, but then last month I lost nearly my whole trading account." This is so common amongst option traders in today's market.

This is the reason why I don't push the popular Iron Condors, Bear Calls or Bull Puts. If you are a couple days from expiration, and the RUT is really near the sold strike, then at that moment you are in a very risky position. I'll remind you that this is the same risky method that many other investors are using to manage this option spread. Shortly all of your friends will be hearing the same story, but you won't be sharing this news with your wife! You smile at the moment, but you won't be if it happens to your trading portfolio. Another sad thing about this investng style is that the fear level is so astronomical that it really hurts your personal life. It makes it tough to sleep or even just relax each day.

Well, San Jose Options Mentoring has really changed the Condor and Credit Spreads that the usual investor is attempting to trade today. While others come into expiration sweating it out, worrying about the market moving past their short strike, we are relaxed, sleeping at night, and trading options in a much safer environment.

Constructing safe trades to begin with is a priority and will improve anyone's trading skills and returns, but another strategy that we've been working hard on lately is locking in profits. We have techniques to lock in profits on nearly all the trades that we do. It's one of the best things you can possibly learn as an investor.

Also, when we do have a trade go against us, well, we have ways to get a free trade from it. This is another important technique that we teach to our students. While many traders exit with a loss or never exit and sustain a huge loss, we exit and get a free bonus trade that can always lead to returns at a later date.

So there you have it! Whether it's a winning trade or a loser, we have really developed some nice trading tactics that can improve your personal trading immensely. - 23305

About the Author:

Want to learn how to lock in your profits?? Improve your Option Trading now by visiting San Jose Options Mentoring online at www.sjoptions.com. Visit today and get a Free Video on Option Greeks, a $200 value absolutely free!

Insider Short Sales Information

By Arnulfo Snider

When the value of your home is less than the amount that you owe on your loan, you should consider a short sale. For the sake of argument we'll say that your home is worth 350,000 and you owe 360,000 then a short sale would be a good option to pursue. However, if you don't have to immediately sell your home then you could always wait and see what happens in the real estate market.

If this is not the case then you have 3 options to choose from. One, is to bring money to the table. Say you sell your home for a $10,000 deficit, you would have to come up with that money immediately for the bank. The second choice is to let you property go into foreclosure. Your bank will foreclose on your home and evict you from the premises. They will sell your home to highest bidder at a foreclosure or Trustee's auction. Your third choice is to pursue a short sale. A short sale involves contacting a specialist who will negotiate with the lender on your behalf. The specialist will explain your situation and ask the bank to take less than the value of your home for payment.

For example, you are have a buyer at 340,000 and your loan is for 350,000, then you would have to explain to the bank that there aren't any buyers interested in paying a higher price for your home. You can pursue a short sale only when the bank agrees to take the lesser amount for your home.In some instances banks will accept a short sale even before someone has made an offer on your house. You can then advertise your property at the lesser amount to make it easier to find a buyer.

One of the great things about a short sale is that they are not complicated, but there is some effort involved on behalf of you and your short sales specialist.

You have to find the exact value you property is worth in this market. Market analysis is key to finding out what your property is going to sell for. Your real estate agent, or short sale specialist will complete this on your behalf. You can also use the Internet to help you in this process, there are many real estate sites that you can compare listings to help you determine the value of your home. Keep in mind that the market is fluid, meaning that it constantly adjusts based on many factors. The price you can advertise for today may be different in a month for now.

Figuring out the closing costs is also important. Items such as a title report, escrow, appraisal, attorney fees, agent commissions, unpaid property taxes etc. may add up to a substantial amount of money.

You have to find out the exact amount of money you owe on your home, include all loans you may have taken out on the property.

Calculate your equity. In a regular case your closing costs and loan should be less than the total value your property is worth. When the opposite is true you can then pursue a short sale.

Be sure you talk to someone who has the authority to make the required decisions. Loss mitigation department at your bank is usually the first step. Lenders do not have to accept your short sale, but most of the time they do because it is in their best interest. Some banks will not take a short sale unless you are behind on your monthly installments. Your lender may not accept short sales so contact them a soon as possible to find out.

Understand where you stand with taxes. Do not underestimate this! Many times there can be a substantial tax obligation after a short sale has occurred. Make sure you talk to your accountant or short sales specialist to calculate your tax before going with a short sale. - 23305

About the Author:

You'll never have to worry about avoiding foreclosure with a short sale again! Visit us on the web at short sales wildwood nj to learn more.

The Forex Trading Market Is Making The Average Investor Extremely Wealthy!

By Howard G. Platt 111

Forex Trading is fast becoming the new choice for a home based business opportunity. If you have never heard of Forex Trading before it is the act of trading currency in a global market. The Forex market is similar to the New York Stock Exchange or NASDAQ.

The Forex market is extremely fasted paced as it reacts to currents events around the world at a moments notice. The Forex market differs from the NYSE and NASDAQ in that is runs continually 24 hours a day 5 days a week whereas the closing bell for the NYSE is 4PM EST.

As an investor trading in the Forex requires excellent timing skills as the main objective is to profit through the trading of the many currencies based upon the constant movements in the market. Forex trading is always done in pairs and the investors profit is dependent upon the increase or decrease in value of the two currencies involved. Say an investor purchased 100 Euros and the rate at the time of purchase was 1.075, the investor would pay $107.50 US but then two hours later some bad economic news hit the European market causing the devalue of the Euro thus changing the rate to .75 the investors investment value has now dropped from $107.50 US to $75 US. In Forex Trading the "rate" is short for the "Forex Rate" and this rate is calculated between which ever two currencies are being traded.

What makes the foreign exchange market so attractive to investors is the ability to achieve tremendous profits regardless of what is happening with the local economy. There are times when the markets become extremely volatile and this offers great opportunities for large profits. Another major draw for investors is it's non-stop trading which expands their opportunities and this is further enhanced by the low margin requirements allowing for highly leveraged trades. With short term Forex Trading investors have a number of options for zero commission trading. Furthermore, there are a number of resources available which can really lower or rather help to control the risk factors.

Forex Trading is a unique type of investing. If you were to look at a real estate investor you have someone who is investing in something tangible, they are investing with the intention of owning an asset. Trading Forex is based more on speculation, there is no real intention of taking possession of the foreign currency. The Forex trader is purchasing for the sole purpose of selling.

Entire businesses are built around the concept of being able to analyze the market and predict future movements. There are well known expert traders that have a huge following of traders that trust in them and these individuals make millions by analyzing the markets and sending out recommendations.

The two popular methods for analyzing the Forex are the fundamental method and the technical method. The two methods take very different approaches in their attempts to predict the markets future movements. Those who take the fundamental approach actually study and follow current events that take place around the world. This is opposed to the technical method with bases its predictions on the history of the markets, studying graphs and charts to help determine a pattern in the movements within the Forex Trading market.

The number of investors that are now trading in the Forex has grown dramatically. This growth has mirrored the advancements in technology which has brought to the market the technologically advanced Forex Trading Robots. Traditionally trading in the Forex was predominately left to the advanced and extremely knowledgeable traders. Now due to the ease of use and the high percentage of accuracy Forex Trading Robots have opened the doors for the small time investor to now enjoy the huge profits being earned through Forex Trading. - 23305

About the Author:

The new Forex Trading Robots will have you earning $1000 to $5000/day Visit Forex Trading Robot Reviews. Just Beginning? Download a FREE eBook that explains an effective system for earning $200/day or more at Make Money Online Eazy!

Online Currency Trading A Must Read Article

By Chris Green

Many times when new to online currency trading, a new trader may find it a bit difficult to consistently make successful trades. This may sound like yourself, well you aren't alone since there are many people with this problem. Every trader has their good and bad days, sometimes it can help to leave it and clear your mind.

It isn't hard to get distracted with online currency trading with so much at your fingertips. It is an important factor to keep yourself focused and not allow things to easily distract you and your decision making on trades. Keeping yourself focused can make the difference between a profitable trade and a loss trade, so don't let yourself get distracted.

When it comes to online currency trading, you may have heard of the 20/80 rule. This rule can be applied to many markets and is pretty straight forward. This simple is suggesting that 20 percent of the traders will make 80 percent of the overall profits. One of many reasons behind this is that most traders are typically not dedicated or focused enough.

There are many "systems" when it comes to online currency trading, and I am sure you have seen them come and go, promising the best success and easy steady trades. The traders that are making the most profits are not just relying on one system. This is where many traders fail to see the big picture; it is not about knowing one system, but many. Like the age old expression "Don't put all your eggs in one basket". There is a reason for this saying; it is because it can be applied to so many things.

When reaching for success in online currency trading, don't rely on one system as it has been said. Incorporate many systems that can work together, it may enable you to use them to your advantage. One of the time consuming processes is finding out the systems that work with you. It is best to test out your new systematic approach for a few weeks to ensure you have consistent results. Don't allow yourself to drop stick in the 20/80 rule as the 80 percent making 20 percent of the profit. Take your trading seriously, and prove that you can make your own success. - 23305

About the Author:

If you want to get out of the rut and make cash, check out the "Big Wigs" Online Currency Trading. If your fed up with the searching, and you want to make real profits for your self, stop letting the "Big Wigs" spoon feed you information, discover the secrets in Online Currency Trading.

Is A Bank Short Sale My Only Choice?

By Anthony Mauwer

A bank short sale is not the only way to get out of foreclosure - but it might be the best way. If you're already in this situation, you're already straining under intense financial pressure. Much of this anxiety should be alleviated if approved for a short sale, because you'll be in the best position possible to purchase another home.

It is extremely difficult for us as homeowners to accept the fact that our home may be lost, but if it's going to happen, avoiding foreclosure is the highest priority. It's important for us to understand clearly that a short sale is not the"only" way out, but it may be the "best" way out. If we foreclose, the lender can sue us, garnish our wages, put a lien on other property, and hound us for years. All this in addition to the destruction of our credit rating. With a bank short sale - if handled correctly, we're making an agreement with our lenders up front to settle most of these issues now.

A bank short sale can cause high levels of stress and anxiety. It's easy to feel overpowered by all of the accountants, tax issues, lawyers, forms, legal jargon, and phone calls. This is not even considering the financial difficulties we're experiencing in other areas. It is in this situation that we must not forget that all parties involved in our short sale are trying to get as much money as they can. They may make surprise requests in the final weeks/days. Prepare yourself for this possibility - don't be bullied.

We can avoid these last second surprises by having expert advice from the beginning. Do not try to complete a bank short sale without expert advice. You'll experience many aspects of law relating to your property taxes, your loan, and your property. You'll need an expert in "each" of these disciplines. If you look you'll be able to find local services that offer the expert help of lawyers, CPA's, and real estate agents - who'll be reimbursed by the lenders. There are good ones and bad ones out there - so be careful.

A bank is obviously not going to be happy about a short sale. They'll be happy about avoiding a foreclosure, but enthusiastic is not the word I would use to describe them. They're out after their money and at times they may be quite difficult to deal with. It is for this reason that some phases of the bank short sale that should move quickly - will not. Stay patient and keep your cool. Working with a bank during a short sale is quite similar to working with the government.

The entire short sale process is strenuous and all parties may not agree on every issue - but if we can tough it out, we'll be the winners in the end. We'll be successful if we avoid foreclosure and bankruptcy, get our debt forgiven, and come out without any unpaid property taxes. This is why a bank short sale is such a sweet deal. It won't be perfect, but at least we'll be in a position to buy another home. Completing a short sale puts us in the best position for the future. No, a bank short sale may not be the only way out, but it is one of the better options! - 23305

About the Author:

Anthony Mauwer's short sale advice has helped many distressed homeowners successfully complete a bank short sale. Be sure to check out his short sale blog for tips, advice, and information on how the bank short sale can work for you.