Want to learn how options trading works, or already know what you want to do and need help with the paperwork or require support?
I’m starting a free service offering educational resources and practical help with brokerage applications, account permissions and a path to better understanding risk. You choose the goal, the pace, and whether to trade.
Ask for free help by email
Or write to [email protected].
Learn on your terms
Some people choose to learn through real-money positions with carefully understood loss limits. Many are confident practitioners of fixed risk philosophy. You set your own learning budget and a point to pause and review; $0 is a valid choice for examples or simulations. Experienced people can ask directly for help with a form. With all of us, a better understanding of all our roles in determining fair prices betters our fair dealing and reduces harm.
Programmers, people between jobs, experienced traders, and curious beginners are welcome. The help is completely free.
Try a $0 simulation
Explore hypothetical option positions with the Options Industry Council’s Profit & Loss Simulator. The tool is free and requires an OIC account. It models outcomes using market data with a 20-minute delay; it does not place real trades.
What I can help with now
- Find current brokerage forms and submission instructions.
- Work through administrative questions and organize your own answers accurately.
- Find clear, sourced explanations of options and their risks.
- Navigate a request to add, reduce, or remove account permissions.
Your choices can change. You can ask a question, change direction, or pause. You review your completed applications and submit them yourself.
A clear view of risk
Before committing money, understand the possible loss for the exact position, including fees and what can happen at exercise or assignment. The full amount at risk can be lost. A purchased option can turn into a stock position when exercised, creating additional funding needs and exposure.
Useful starting points: FINRA’s options guide and the Options Industry Council’s options basics.
Start with a short message
Tell me what you would like help doing, the institution involved if you know it, and where you are stuck. Please leave account numbers, passwords, Social Security numbers, and financial documents out of this first message.
This is a new service, and I review requests personally as time allows. I’ll reply about what help is available and the next step.
Interested in contributing?
I welcome conversations with educators, lawyers, qualified counselors, financial professionals and others who want to contribute their skills. There is room to explore future services and ongoing work in fair dealing.
Started by Andrew Hogan. The initial service offers educational information and administrative assistance. You make your trading decisions. Account approval and investment results are not guaranteed.