following the crowd is easy Hey Good Kids, $Maxwell here, and I’m about to drop some truth bombs. Buckle up, because this might sting a little. You see me posting about the stock market, sharing videos , and showing my trades in Discord . Maybe you’re thinking, “That’s great for him, but I’m different. The market is just too darn hard.” I get it. You’ve tried your hand at day trading, chasing the latest “can’t-lose” indicators, or signing up for funded accounts. You’ve probably even tried to 10x your portfolio in a month. And what happened? You got burned. You didn’t get the results you expected—or worse, the ones you were promised. Now, you’re stuck thinking $Maxwell and GKT are just more of the same. Let’s dig into this mindset. The Hedonic Treadmill: Why It’s Holding You Back Right now, you’re stuck. Stuck in the rat race. Grinding away at your W2 job, collecting a paycheck, and spending it on gadgets or experiences that promise happiness but never deliver for more than a quick dopamine hit. You know the drill: you buy the shiny new toy, use it for a week, and then it ends up in a drawer. A short burst of excitement, a couple of social media posts, and then... back to the grind. The next thing comes along, and the cycle starts all over again. That, my friends, is the hedonic treadmill  in action. And here’s the kicker—it’s robbing you of the capital and energy you could use to build a life of freedom. Doesn’t that sound harder than making a few long-term decisions that could change your life forever? The Stock Market and Life: They’re More Alike Than You Think Here’s the thing: the stock market is a lot like life. Predicting where a stock will be tomorrow or next Friday? That’s a coin toss. But knowing where a quality company might be in a year—or five years? That’s a different story. Think about your career. If you want to be a brain surgeon, you don’t just wake up one day and start operating. There was that old Holiday Inn Express commercial that joked about this idea. But in the stock market, too many people actually believe it’s possible. They think, “If I just find the right strategy, I’ll be rich overnight.” Newsflash: that’s not how it works. The stock market becomes easier when you shift your perspective. Financial freedom becomes achievable when you stop chasing instant gratification. It’s about recognizing that the latest gadget or toy is stealing from your future and deciding to prioritize your long-term goals. Trade the Good Kids Way: Small, Mechanical, and Often Let me share an example. Putting money in quality stocks pays off over time. I know $5,000 is a lot of money, but even $500, or $200 would be an AMAZING WIN! Does wealth happen overnight? Of course not. But over time, it added up. That’s the power of simple, consistent investing in quality companies. And Nvidia is just one example. This approach—trading small, trading mechanical, trading often—is the heart of the Good Kids way. It’s not flashy. It’s not complicated. But it works. Stop Believing the Lie You’ve heard the saying, “If it was easy, everyone would do it.”  But that’s a lie. It’s a misleading belief that keeps you trapped. The truth is, most people don’t do it because they’re stuck in the wrong mindset. Being stuck in the corporate grind, feeling like you have no time or no money—that’s what’s truly hard. All of that can change if you escape the comparison trap, ignore the marketers selling you things you don’t need, and start focusing on your future by saving and investing. Take Action: Build Your Life of Freedom This week, I want you to ask yourself: How can you start saving more? How can you use the strategies I share—for free—to build significant wealth? The insights I offer aren’t complicated. You’ve just been programmed to think they are. But they’re not. You can do this. I’m not special. If you haven’t started my free mini-course on selling puts, what are you waiting for? If you’re not in the Discord yet, why not? If you need more help, why haven't you reached out to me. This is your time 2025 is the year of action. Stop worrying about what others think or chasing the next dopamine hit. Start building the life of freedom you deserve. That’s the Mr. Money Maxwell way. Happy Trading Good Kids, -$Maxwell

What’s up, traders? I’m really excited this week because it kicks off one of my favorite times as an options seller: EARNINGS! Sure, we had Delta last week as an outlier, but look at this earnings calendar, and you’ll see that the banks lead us off on a busy couple of months. This is just January! I know the bears are getting louder. It's starting to make sense that we should have a pullback in the market, but the truth is no one really knows when or by how much. What I do know is that on Wednesday, JPM, WFC, GS, and BLK kick off one of the most consistent opportunities I’ve had for selling puts. As companies talk about guidance or report numbers the street wasn’t expecting, it presents us with a great opportunity to sell fear. 87% of the time, from 2016-2021, implied volatility was overstated! When you combine expected ranges, standard deviations, and some technical analysis like moving averages and weekly support, we take math-based trading and improve the confidence of our trading strategy. If you haven't already, you should sign up for my mini-course on put selling. It’s totally free, and there won’t be any upsells or gimmicks to get my best information. I’m giving you all this information over four weeks. You can start anytime! By the way, if you'd like even more in-depth weekly videos, be sure to check out my Mr. Money Maxwell Inner Circle ! One more thought on earnings season: I prefer to wait for opportunities post-earnings . Many Good Kids, myself included, have tried strategies for pre-earnings trades, trying to take advantage of the increased volatility. It's simply too hard. So, wait for the trades to come to you. There's no reason to force it. Let's wait for opportunities where we have an edge and then take them. In terms of the overall market conditions, inflation is proving to be more sticky than some anticipated. The Jobs report on Friday showed a much stronger job market, and bonds are being beat up badly. Yields on bonds are causing major headwinds on dividends. You all know I love dividend stocks, but I also understand and know better than to try to catch a falling knife. I’m stressing small trades and some patience as we work through the transition of a new president on the 20th. I look forward to 2025’s earning season kicking off Wednesday with JPM! Of course, I will be collaring the shares of JPM and BAC that I bought in last year’s banking crisis. There is no reason to make bets on FRC or SVB when you can buy quality banks at discounts. So that’s what I’m going to urge all of you to think about: What stocks, companies, and sectors are you interested in owning at lower levels, with the understanding you might need to hold these stocks for a little while? Have a great week! I hope to see you in our free Discord , but I’ll be back right here next week. Happy Trading, Good Kids! $Maxwell P.S. If you want more of my personal story, you should check out the podcast I did with Jeremy Hritz.

Capital Efficiency of Shares vs Options Buying 100 shares of stocks with market or limit orders? There’s a better way to profit and control your risk—it’s called selling puts. You get paid now to agree to buy a stock later at a price you like. Let’s break it down in today's blog! Buying 100 Shares: The Old, Expensive Way You want 100 shares of XYZ at $100 per share. It costs $10,000. Now you wait. Stock goes up?  Great, you make money. Stock goes down?  Ouch, you lose money. Meanwhile, your capital is stuck.  You can’t use it for anything else. Selling Puts: The Smarter, Cheaper Way Instead of buying outright, sell a put option. It’s a promise to buy 100 shares at a lower price (the "strike price"). Let’s say $95. Here’s the kicker: You get paid a premium for making that promise—let’s say $200. What Can Happen? Stock stays above $95: You keep the $200. You don’t buy the shares. Do it again. And again. Stock drops below $95: You buy the shares at $95. But you already collected $200 in premium. Your real cost? $93 per share. That beats $100! Why Selling Puts Is Great: Instant cash:  The premium is yours right now. Less money at risk:  Instead of tying up $10,000, your broker typically requires only ~20% of the potential cost. In this example, it’s ~$1,900 to sell the put versus $10,000 to buy the stock. You pick the price:  You decide the strike price. Win-Win:  Either you get paid, or you buy the stock at a discount. Time is on your side:  Options lose value over time. This is called "theta decay," and you profit from it. Let’s Compare Scenario Sell 1 Put ($95) Buy 100 Shares ($100) Capital Used ~$1,900 $10,000 Premium (Income) $200 $0 Break-Even $93 $100 Stock Up? Keep $200 Make $500 Stock Down? Buy at $93 Lose $500 Dividends None Eligible Selling puts offers immediate income, lower capital requirements, and more control over your entry price. When to Just Buy Shares There are times when owning shares outright makes sense: Dividends:  You need to own shares to collect them. Big Upside:  If you think a stock will skyrocket, buying shares gives you unlimited upside. No Assignments:  Selling puts means you might have to buy the stock. Want to Learn More? Join My FREE Mini-Course! This Friday, 1/10/2025, I’m launching a FREE mini-course  all about making your first options trade. I’ll break down strategies like selling puts step-by-step, show you how to pick the right trades, and teach you how to maximize your buying power. It's FREE and I'll cover all my best information: sign up now!  Don’t miss your chance to start trading smarter and take control of your financial future. Click here to sign up! Ready to Trade Smarter? You have the knowledge—now take the first step. Join my free course , and I’ll help you unlock the potential of options trading. Happy trading good kids! -$Maxwell

Is this your trading strategy? Looking for insights on this week’s market? Join my Inner Circle  for just $99 a year you get weekly updates. It cost less than a cup of coffee a week this week's video includes: Update on the market, look at interest rates and bonds. My 2025 plan (6 stocks and ETFs I’m watching). 5 upcoming ex-dividends and 1 earnings trade I’m tracking this week. It’s a bargain, and it helps keep the lights on at Good Kids Trading. Sigup up here ------------------------------------ Now, let’s jump into one of the biggest mistakes many traders make: Buying short-term options. Stock options are powerful tools. They let you limit losses, protect profits, and control large stock positions for a fraction of the cost. But… They can also blow up your account faster than any stock trade if used recklessly. So, why do new traders love short-term options? Because they’re cheap. They’re tempting. And when you win, you feel like a genius. But here’s the reality: Most short-term options expire worthless. That “cheap” $100 option? It’s playing right into the market makers’ hands. They’re betting against you with probabilities and time on their side. Here’s the problem: You need the stock to move a lot. And it needs to move quickly. Time decay, also known as theta decay , is relentless. It eats away at the value of your options every second. Even if you win occasionally, the losses from all your other trades often wipe out those gains. And when you finally hit a big winner? Fear and greed kick in. You sell too early—or hold too long. Emotional trading is a lot like gambling. So, do I buy options? Rarely. Instead, I prefer to sell them. Selling puts, for example, flips the odds in your favor. Time decay works for you—not against you. Selling puts puts time decay on your side. I’m hosting a mini-course on January 10, 2025, to walk you through how I sell puts. This strategy is simple and effective. And it’s how I built the foundation of my trading success. Here's a quick video explaining the mini course: Ready to start trading the right way? Join the Mini-Course  and take the first step toward confident, math-based trading. We're getting started on January 10th! Happy trading Good Kids, -$Maxwell

New Year's resolutions are pointless. You’ve seen it happen year after year—people start strong, but by January 4th, they’ve already slipped back into old habits. Studies show 92% don't follow through on their resolutions. Why? Because simply resolving to make changes doesn't work. If it was that easy you would have started already. Resolutions rely on motivation. And motivation fades fast. 2025 is the year to try something different. This year, let's build a real plan in 4 simple steps.  Let me (and the GKT community) help you! I'm talking about trading but this applies to life too.. Step 1: Know Your Why Before you do anything, figure out your “why.” Why do you want passive income? Why do you want to trade? It’s not about the money. Money is just a tool. What matters is what you’ll do with it. Spend more time with your family? Quit the job you hate? Travel the world? When it gets hard—and it will—that “why” will keep you going. Step 2: Face the Truth Take an honest look at your current situation. Where are you financially? Where can you cut back? How much can you save so you can trade and invest? This part isn’t fun, but it’s necessary. You can’t fix what you don’t face. Step 3: Start Small You don’t need to change your life overnight. Focus on one small, repeatable action. I admit I have a hard time with this one. This graphic always helped me. Instead of thinking about the profits from your trading, focus on the very next small step. Break it down into tiny rungs on a ladder! If you’ve been curious about trading, start with selling a put. It’s simple, beginner-friendly, and a great way to dip your toes into the market. Step 4: Commit to Action Forget motivation. Build a system. Create a mechanical, consistent plan that removes emotions and excuses. Systems are needed in all areas of our life. Think of the checklist and airline pilot uses.  Stop overthinking. Start moving. Every step no matter how small gets you closer to the life you want. Stop thinking and start doing. That's the beauty of our free community.  Say it with me: 2025 Is the Year of Action!  No more resolutions. No more analysis paralysis. This is the year you break out of your comfort zone, build a plan, and take action. http://mrmoneymaxwell.com/action That’s why I’m hosting a 4-week mini-course starting January 10th . If you’re ready to learn the strategies, techniques, and mindset to start your first options trade, this course is for you. 2025 is your year. Let’s make it count. Ready to start? Have a happy, healthy and profitable new year and as always happy trading good kids! -$Maxwell

Options trading gets a bad rap. Gambling. Quick wins. Losing it all. Taking huge risks. But you and I know the Good Kids Trading  way is nothing like that. Let me prove it to you in 4 weeks! I’m excited to announce something special.I’m hosting a 4-week mini-course  to show you how to make your first options trade —the $Maxwell way. Did I mention it's free? Subscribe here: Read more about the course here: http://mrmoneymaxwell.com/action The Strategy That Changed My Life Put Sales are my most profitable strategy. I get notifications daily that a put sale has closed, even while I'm chilling in the Bahamas: I'm starting with the bread and butter of many successful traders: selling a naked put .For the more experienced Good Kids you're already familiar with this is a simple, high-probability trade. But if you’re new to options, it can feel complicated—or even scary. That’s where I come in. I’ll break it down for you: What’s the risk? What does selling a put actually obligate you to do? What happens if the trade moves against you? For the experienced option's traders, don’t worry—I’ll go deeper.I’ll explain how I choose my strike prices, what factors I look at (from the Greeks to technical analysis), and how I set myself up for success. No Fluff, No Sales Pitches Here’s the deal:This course is completely free .No $2,999 follow-up pitch.No endless upsell rabbit hole. Just me teaching the strategy that helped me retire early and build passive cash flow . A Quick Note on the Markets It’s the week between Christmas and New Year’s—a perfect time to relax, enjoy family, and recharge. I’ll be doing the same. Inside weeks on SPY and QQQ, Volitity sold off, TLT is trying to go to zero :) My inner circle will still get 5 key points  and a few trade ideas for next week, but otherwise, I’m keeping it low-key.Let’s hope the Santa Claus rally keeps rolling, and we all end 2024 with strong portfolios . If you aren't a member, you can join here . It's $99 A YEAR... That's a bargain! Join Me in the New Year The mini-course kicks off on January 10th .Make 2025 the year you take control and make your first trade—on your terms. Click here to sign up! Until then, enjoy the holidays, recharge, and get ready for what’s next. Happy trading good kids! – $Maxwell

Everyone loves presents on Christmas Day. As a kid, I remember the excitement of running to the den on Christmas to see what Santa brought. What did he leave under the tree? Did he remember the LEGO set I asked for at the last minute? (Sorry, Mom and Dad—maybe taking me to see Santa right before Christmas wasn’t the best idea!) That pure excitement as a child is something special. But what if you could channel that same joy and anticipation into your life through the stock market? You see, for me the stock market is very similar to opening presents on Christmas day, even the trades that don't go as I planned. In the spirit of Christmas (this was posted on Christmas Eve) I want to open up this mindset to all of you as well. The stock market is an incredible vehicle to build wealth. And when you follow the Good Kids Trading way , the profits (or presents , if you will) can bring the same joy and freedom. Building simple and passive strategies are the real presents in this journey called life. When you start making money in the market while you are focused on the other things in life you too will find the Santa Claus mindset. The excitement and relief of when your money starts working for you! Creating this mindset really isn't hard from a logical standpoint, but it does require us to rewire our brains and our habits which isn't always easy. Sort of like staying on the nice side of the naughty or nice list as a child. Patience : Going to fast, trading too much risk, and pushing your expectations are common temptations that lead to bad results. Time, small steps, and practice builds confidence and results. You don't expect a child to go straight to riding a bike without training wheels! Stop trying to trade and invest like you are a BMX stunt rider when you haven't been on a bike in 15 years. Preparation : Just like Santa checks his list twice, traders need to stick to their plan. Whether it’s rolling options or collecting dividends, strategy beats impulse every time. When you let emotions take over, you've turned trading into gambling. Discipline : Freedom comes to those who stay the course, even when the market tests their resolve. Staying disciplined isn't always easy, but if you build a strong enough why for what you want to do with the money you are making in the market your WHY becomes strong enough to help you in harder times. Shiny object Syndrome : Every year some random toy becomes all the rage. And everyone has to have it, but in truth that shiny object is nothing more than you falling into the comparison trap. Same thing with the market... High-yield dividends and “hot stocks” are the Stanly cup of trading. EVERYONE wants one, but as soon as it comes time to clean that thing... All of a sudden you start regretting ever buying it. Decisions out of Fear : Don’t trade out of fear. Have you seen the videos of the Grinch stealing all the presents? The sheer panic on the children's faces? You might think it's silly as an adult, but then you panic sell a stock that has bad news, or you panic and close covered calls for big losses instead of following your plan. Don't let the grinch (or emotions) steal your Santa mindset. Presents you don't want: We all have gotten that candle for Christmas, no doubt a regift. Sometimes trades don't work out, sorta like a present none of us want. Dealing with losing positions aren’t always lumps of coal—they are part of the process. At GKT we like dividend stocks, and we like selling premium because they help us when we think we're about to unwrap a nice watch and instead we end up with an electronic thesaurus. Here’s how to reframe bad trades: Dividends as Stocking Stuffers Each payout is a gift, reinvesting itself into a brighter future. Don’t ignore their quiet power. Rolling for Hope (Opportunity) Like regifting, rolling options takes something stagnant and gives it new life. Collect credits, extend time, and position yourself for success. The Magic of Time Just as Santa works year-round for one night, the market works its magic over time. Belief isn’t just for kids—it’s for traders who know that patience builds wealth. The True Gift of Trading As adults, Christmas isn’t just about the presents—it’s about the joy and freedom of giving and enjoying watching others excitement. The stock market offers the same: a chance to unwrap freedom, to turn money into a tool instead of a goal, and the most passive way to make income. This holiday season, ask yourself: Do I have a mindset to set me up for success? Are my trades setting me up for longer-term joy? The Good Kids Trading way isn’t just about profits; it’s about building a life you don’t need a vacation from. That's my Christmas wish for all of you! Merry Christmas and Happy Trading Good Kids, -$Maxwell

Will Santa fix the sleigh for the rally? Let’s talk about what happened this week. After riding a wave of new all time highs, steady gains and low volatility, the market finally took a breather this week. SPY ended the week down right over 2% QQQ - tech ended a little closer down 3% on the week The Fed cut rates by 0.25%—no big surprise—and Chair Powell hinted that we might not see more cuts until 2025. Everyone kind of expected this. The 'dreaded' dot plot from the meeting: We also had the looming threat of a government shutdown. But here’s the thing: none of this was really “new” info. So why the sudden drop? In my recent posts, I’ve been pointing out the euphoria, the FOMO, and how the market kept drifting higher with barely any pullbacks. Meanwhile, I sat tight, keeping trades small because we were extended so far above key averages. In other words, I was just waiting for volatility to come back. Look at how Volatility spiked on Thursday and how much it faded (pulled back on Friday) Here’s my take: people who chase stocks higher on emotion tend to panic-sell just as fast. After a long, mostly one-way ride up, even a hint of uncertainty can trigger profit-taking. This isn’t weird; it’s just human nature at play in the market. As soon as we got a reason—however thin—people started selling, and that selling snowballed. Look at the Fear & Greed Index: it swung from “Greed” at the end of November to “Neutral” by December 10th, and then all the way to “Extreme Fear” by December 19th. That’s exactly when I started stepping in. This is the heart of the Good Kids Trading (GKT) approach. We don’t need to understand every headline’s deeper meaning. We just know that high fear usually means better pricing for option sellers. When volatility’s low, I hold back. When volatility spikes, I lean in. This change in conditions last week finally opened the door to new trades. On Friday morning, I started selling premium—just enough to take advantage of the moment. Some trades closed profitably by lunchtime. Others I rolled and they’re now in better shape than before the pullback. If you missed this opportunity? Don’t sweat it. You'll have enough chance. Markets are like a roller coaster; there will be more dips and rises ahead. The point today isn't to brag about how well we did. It's to help you be ready for the next time when fear is high and prices are better. Sure, the market could’ve kept falling on Friday, or might still go lower on Monday. But I’m okay with that. I focus on strategies like selling puts on stocks I don’t mind owning, or setting up put ratio spreads and 1-1-1 trades. When the market gives you a shot, you take it. That’s the GKT way. Next week is Christmas, and volume might be lower. That doesn’t mean nothing will happen—it just means liquidity will be thinner and we should stay alert. Keep that in mind if you’re trading around the holidays. To everyone in this community, I appreciate your participation. I know this season can be joyful for many and difficult for some. Please remember that you’re never truly alone here. We’ve built a supportive network, and I’m grateful for each and every one of you. Enjoy the holidays, and let’s look forward to more learning and opportunity in the new year. growing together. Reach out if you need anything, and let’s look forward to what’s next. Merry Christmas, and here’s hoping Santa’s good to all of us! Happy Trading Good Kids, -$Maxwell

The market has been on fire this year. Many stocks are soaring, and maybe (hopefully) your portfolio is looking pretty solid. But what about the losers? Come on, I know you have a couple in there. I have a few positions that are just dogs this year. Should you sell your losers? Instead of looking at these loser with a degree of hate and dread, which is part of my normal routine if i'm being honest.... What if we can get rid of them and reduce our taxes. Doesn't that sound nice? We wont have to look at this loser and we can pay less taxes. The end of the year is the perfect time to think about tax loss harvesting. This is a good way to trim losing positions and reduce your taxes. First, if you aren’t aware: What Is Tax Loss Harvesting? I am not an accountant or a CPA. I’m not licensed, nor am I claiming this is financial advice. That said, I’ve been using tax loss harvesting for years, just as a guy who’s been in the stock market for decades. Tax loss harvesting means selling a stock or investment that’s at a loss to offset gains in other parts of your portfolio or to reduce your taxable income. Think of it as reducing some of your profits by getting rid of a stock that’s stinking up your portfolio. When you sell at a loss, you can: Offset capital gains from your winning trades. Deduct up to $3,000 from your income (if you have no gains). Carry over excess losses into future years. Here’s how I think about it and why it matters right now: The market has been strong. Your winners may have triggered gains. Year-end is the deadline for claiming losses this tax year. If you don’t act, you’ll miss out on the chance to save—and that might be okay. Maybe you shouldn’t cut a position. It’s up to you. Here's My Process for Deciding: Review My Portfolio:  I look for any positions that are significantly down. This is easy since I see them regularly. Ask the Big Question:  Do I still believe in this stock or ETF? Can I write a paragraph explaining why I think this position will be higher in 2025? I’m serious here—actually write it out. Then give it the sniff test. Sometimes we’re just fooling ourselves, holding onto a stock because we don’t want to admit we’re wrong. Consider the Wash Sale Rule:  I’m not a CPA, so check with yours. Generally, if you buy the same or a “substantially identical” stock within 30 days, you can’t claim the loss. In my case, these losers have usually been around a while, and I’m not planning to buy them back soon anyway. Common Mistakes to Avoid: Bias and Emotional Attachment:  Wanting to be right and refusing to admit you’re wrong can trick you into holding onto losing positions. Don’t marry your stocks. You are not the stock, and a stock moving in the wrong direction is not a personal attack. Recognize when you’re clinging to a loser simply because it’s “yours” rather than because it makes sense to keep holding. Ignoring the Wash Sale Rule:  If you buy the same or a similar stock within 30 days, you can’t claim the loss. Ignoring Tax Brackets:  If you’re in a lower tax bracket, the benefit might not be huge, but every bit helps. Why It’s About Freedom This strategy isn’t just about saving money; it’s about giving yourself more freedom. Freedom to make smart, math-based decisions without getting stuck in emotional trades. Take a look at your portfolio. If you’ve got some losers, ask yourself: Does this position still make sense for me? Could selling now help my bigger financial goals? Let's end the year strong! And as always: Happy Trading Good Kids -$Maxwell

Feeling the Market’s Heat? You’re Not Alone. SPY is up almost 30% for 2024 and has climbed another 6% since November. The buzz is everywhere—friends who never cared about stocks are suddenly asking me what they should buy. When people who once hated the idea of trading start feeling excited, that’s often a sign to tap the brakes, not stomp on the gas. Where do you think we are on this chart: Why This Isn’t the Best Time to Sell Premium Take a look at where we are. The major indexes are flirting with all-time highs, VIX (a measure of market volatility and fear) is near lows. Selling options premium in these conditions isn’t attractive. You simply don’t get paid enough to justify the risk. I’ve been telling my inner circle this for weeks: when the environment isn’t favorable, we step back rather than force trades. I wrote about this in the blog below, did you read it? I’m Not Bearish, Just Careful Don’t get me wrong—I’m not rooting for a market crash. In fact, I’m hoping we’ll see a nice “Santa Claus rally” at the end of December and into the first couple of weeks in January. But that doesn’t mean I’m ready to pour all my capital into these lofty prices. I’d rather wait for better opportunities. Buying high and hoping to sell higher is not my favorite recipe for long-term success. It’s Not Rocket Science: A Real-Time Example This week GOOGL announced a new chip and the stock took off. Good Kids have been in Google since November. I posted this all free in our discord, you can see when we got in! We sold covered calls this week and then bought them back for a win. There was no panic, no confusion—just a simple, mechanics-driven process. When you learn to think this way, trading becomes less about luck and more about skill. And that’s exactly what I share inside my inner circle. It’s not about copying my moves; it’s about understanding why I make them, so you can apply the logic to your own trading. Emotions: The Real Battlefield If you catch yourself rushing into trades because everyone else is, you’re trading on emotion, not strategy. That’s when fear and excitement replace logic. The best traders know how to handle these emotions. They watch, wait, and plan rather than chase. Remember, success comes more from managing yourself than finding a “perfect” strategy. Use the Holidays to Reflect We’re heading into the holidays, a time when many traders step back. This is a great chance for you to reflect on what’s holding you back. Is it fear? Analysis paralysis? Uncertainty about where to start? Now’s the time to think it through—before you throw money into a market that’s already had a huge run. Join the Conversation Over Virtual Coffee If you’d like to talk more about all this or anything, I’m hosting a Virtual Coffee Hour on Wednesday, December 18th at the market open.  It’s a relaxed setting where we can chat about the market, and how to move forward confidently. Click here to add it to your calendar ! Discover the Inner Circle Mr Money Maxwell inner circle isn’t a “follow my picks” club. It’s a place where I share what I’m thinking, what my coaching students ask, and how I navigate all sorts of market conditions. It’s about giving you the insight to make your own informed decisions. Your Next Step Think carefully before jumping in at these high levels. Consider joining me for virtual coffee and, if you’re ready, step into the inner circle . Learn how to manage your emotions, develop solid plans, and trade with confidence—even in tricky markets.

When the VIX is low, patience isn’t just a virtue—it’s a survival strategy let me explain this a different way this week so I can help you know why I keep saying it’s time to ligten up on premium selling. Last week on the cruise, I watched an incredible water show where a performer walked a tightrope high above the crowd. One wrong move, and she’d have gone tumbling. This is exactly what selling premium in low IVR feels like. The margin for error shrinks, every step feels risky. I’ll explain why selling premium in low IVR isn’t just tough—it’s a game with much higher stakes than you think. Quick Recap on IVR: Let’s keep it simple. IVR (Implied Volatility Rank) is a way to measure how “amped up” the underlying (stock) is. High IVR means options are pricey, premiums are fat, and you’ve got a more wiggle room. Low IVR? That’s the market equivalent of the morning after Thanksgiving dinner—nobody’s moving much, and it’s hard to get a good deal. When IVR is low, premiums shrink, and suddenly the trades you were crushing in high IVR don’t look so hot. Why? Because to make the same money, you’ve got to creep closer to the fire. And if you’ve been around long enough, you know what happens when you play too close to the fire—you get burned.   How Low IVR Makes Strike Selection Weird: This visual should help explain a little differently: In a high-IVR environment, if you want to sell a 20 or 30 delta option it will be more strikes away from at the money! This gives you a little more room if the market moves. Look at Delta Airlines (I grabbed this screenshot this morning.) The stock is $63 a share, the IVR is 67.8 (fairly high) we are in a low IV environment but this will illustrate my point. See how there is an extra strike on each side of the 30 delta options?   Now lets look at RBLX, IVR is 12. Do you see how in low IVR to sell the same delta options, you are right ATM? See how the 30 delta options are right at the money? That’s way closer that I want to be. Do you see how the margin for error is much less between DAL and RBLX? The higher the IVR, the more strikes you have between yourself and the less likely you are to have your option go ITM or risk assignment.   Less Room to Be Wrong = More Stress Here’s the thing: the closer you are to the ATM price, the easier it is for the market to run you over. Remember, I think of Delta like MPH. So when we sell premium ATM the options can move FAST. When IVR is high, you’ve got plenty of room to be wrong. Low IVR? Your margin for error shrinks, and every little move feels like a sucker punch.    The Data Doesn’t Lie If you are thinking Justin, are you sure, Let's refer to some tasty research.  Historically, selling premium in high-IVR environments isn’t just more fun—it’s more profitable. When IVR is high, options are overpriced, and you’re betting on that mean-reversion magic where volatility cools off. Low IVR? You’re scraping for crumbs, and the odds aren’t in your favor.   Some Quick Stats: - When IVR is above 50%, premium sellers win about 85% of the time (thanks, tastytrade, for crunching those numbers).  - Drop below 20% IVR, and the win rate falls below 70%. That’s a big shift, especially when you factor in the bigger losses that tend to show up when trades go wrong.   So yeah, selling premium in low IVR is like running uphill in flip-flops. Sure, you can do it, but why would you?   Patience > FOMO Here’s the part where I remind you (and myself) to stick to the mechanics. Yes I’m talking about FOMO again…  I get it—low IVR is boring. You’re sitting on cash, the market feels calm, and you’re tempted to throw on a trade just to do something. But here’s the deal: chasing trades in low IVR is a one-way ticket to regret-town.   Instead, here’s what I do: 1. Wait It Out: No trades are better than bad trades. High IVR will come back eventually. It always does.  2. Don’t Chase Premiums: If you’re moving your strikes closer to the ATM just to make the math work, you’re doing it wrong.  3. Keep an Eye on the Big Picture: Selling premium is about probabilities, not action. You’re in this game for the long haul.   Think of Low IVR as Your Off-Season Not every day is a trading day. Low IVR is a great time to: - Brush up on your strategies. - Explore other setups (maybe even long-volatility plays, if you’re feeling spicy).  - Keep your powder dry for when the VIX wakes up.   Low IVR tests your discipline. It’s tempting to “just put on a trade,” but every time I’ve forced it in these environments, I’ve regretted it. So now I remind myself: low IVR is like preseason training. It’s not where you win championships, but it’s where you set yourself up for success.     Respect the Market, Respect Yourself The market doesn’t care about your feelings. When IVR is low, the edge just isn’t there for premium sellers. That’s not a failure—it’s just the game. So stick to other strategies, follow the mechanics, wait for high IVR to sell puts. Don’t let low premiums tempt you into bad decisions.   And if all else fails? Close your trading platform, grab a coffee, and remember: the market will still be here tomorrow.   Speaking of coffee I hope to see you (virtually) for GKT’s virtual coffee hour on Dec 18th 9am. Normally this is only for M$M inner circle members but I want to open it up for all the good kids. I know it’s the holidays and everyone is busy, but if you have a second drop in and say hi!.   Until this weekends blog, Happy Trading Good Kids! -$Maxwell

You know I love trading, many of you also know about my ongoing journey with running. It’s funny—I never thought I’d get into running. Every time I tried it in the past, I hated it. Watching runners pounding the pavement, I’d think, That’s not for me. Wait is this guy talking about running again, while he's on another cruise... Yes and yes, but stick with me. I'm writing this from a cruise ship because I know I can help you! See life has a way of surprising us. Saying yes to almost everything I learn more about experiences I don't know if I'd like. A couple of friends asked me to run the Las Vegas Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon last year. My gut reaction was to say no—running a single mile felt impossible, let alone 13! But, like I always tell my coaching students, sometimes you just have to say yes and figure it out later. I was terrified. I had no clue how I’d manage to run that far. Yet, I agreed. That’s when I discovered something that changed my perspective—not just on running, but on trading and life. Running Is Just Like Trading Here’s the thing about running: it’s a lot like trading (and, honestly, any discipline that requires consistency). You won't always be in the mood. You don’t need perfect conditions. You just need to put in the reps. Show up, even when you don’t feel like it. Especially when you don't feel like it. In typing this on the last day of the cruise. It's a sea day. I committed to my accountability group that I’d get in three 30-minute runs. This is how the track looked the first couple of runs... This is how the track looked the very last day.. it's similar to how the gym fills up the first week of January... The last day I was weaving through crowds (sorry its blurry I was legit running). What Does This Have to Do with Trading? Right now, Bitcoin has broken $100,000, and the FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) is off the charts. Look at the purple line I drew last month! This is when I told my inner circle I was getting into bitcoin... Crypto groups are buzzing again. My phone is lighting up with texts from people who used to laugh at me for being a full-time trader. Suddenly, they want to know how to buy crypto. They’re telling me Robinhood is going to double in the next year. Let me be clear: I’ve been trading Robinhood (HOOD) all year. I’ve been posting my trades for free in real time. We’ve made money on HOOD since it was $12. But here’s the kicker: I’m not piling in now. Here are the real time posts I made to discord... Why am I going slow now? Because the principle that works for running, trading, and life is the same: Show up consistently, but don’t let emotions dictate your decisions. Buy Low, Sell High—Not the Other Way Around If you love Bitcoin at $100k, why didn’t you love it at $50k back in August? $ Maxwell’s timeless rule for making money is buy low, sell high. So, while others are scrambling to buy Bitcoin at $100k, I’m selling small amounts to people caught in the FOMO wave. This approach has worked for me time and again. It’s why I’ve run multiple half marathons, including one in NYC. It’s why I lace up my shoes every Sunday for a long run, even when I’d rather stay in bed. The lesson is simple: Discipline and consistency are what set you apart—whether you’re running when the world’s asleep or trading when the market is manic. Trading on a Cruise This week, I’m soaking up the sun on a cruise in Mexico. But I’m still trading. I got this notification our CROX trade hit target sitting on a beach in the Bahamas. I opened and closed a Robinhood trade right from the ship and posted it for our wonderful community. Because trading, like running, becomes second nature when you’ve put in the work. You show up, you follow your plan, and you stay consistent—even when life’s distractions come calling. I know this post was a bit different from the usual. But the principles that fuel success in running and trading are the same. Next week, I’ll be back with a more traditional post. Until then, Happy trading, good kids—Don’t forget to show up for yourself, even when it’s hard. Hope to see you at the virtual coffee zoom Dec 18th at 9 am at market open: