My usual suspects :NVDA and/or AMD and GOOGL ( earnings this week!)
AAPL calls – earnings Thursday
Maybe BE – earnings Tuesday
IBIT calls if BTC keeps going up , puts if it drops ..MARA calls if it really heats up .
This is not financial advice ..Play at your own risk ! Earnings is extremely risky. Beware of IV crush and poor guidance !
Nap Time Trades: How I Manage Day Trading with a Toddler
When I first started trading, my baby was barely 6 months old.
Let me tell you — I lost $2,000 changing a diaper and $1,500 making my husband coffee.
Yes, you read that right.
Nothing humbles you faster than missing a stop-loss because you were elbow-deep in baby wipes.
But I kept going.
Because the beauty of trading from home is that you can build it around your family — even if your “office” looks like a playroom exploded.
Fast-forward to now: my son’s almost 4, a full-on climber, and I sometimes make trades with him on my shoulders or literally trying to scale my head like I’m a jungle gym.
It doesn’t even faze me anymore.
This is just my version of a trading floor.
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🍼 Survival Kit for Trading with a Baby
Here’s what kept me sane (and mostly profitable) in those early days:
Diapers & wipes within arm’s reach – I wasn’t running to grab them mid-trade.
Breakfast, juice boxes & snacks prepped early – the fewer interruptions, the better.
My Starbucks in hand by 9:30am ET – because I refuse to start trading without caffeine.
Multiple mini-activities set up – tummy time mat, play gym, bouncer seat. One activity never lasted long enough, so I had backups.
Pro tip: set everything up before the market opens so you aren’t scrambling once things get moving.
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👶 Toddler Trading Strategies (a.k.a. Chaos Control)
Trading with a toddler is a whole new level — they have opinions, questions, and the ability to climb.
Here’s what helps me now:
Independent Play Stations:
Rotating bins with toys he hasn’t seen in a while. Keeps him busy long enough for me to catch a setup.
Safe Climbing Options:
I gave him a foam climbing set so he can do his best Spider-Man can do his thing somewhere safe while I watch my charts.
Visual Timer:
Toddlers don’t get “five minutes.”
But they do understand watching a timer count down. I use a visual timer for “Mommy’s chart time.”
Music or Story Time:
Spotify playlists or an audiobook he likes = quiet trading session for me.
Snacks (Again):
A toddler with snacks is a toddler not hanging off my head — enough said.
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💡 Bonus: Naps = Power Hours
Nap time is GOLDEN. If your kid still naps, that’s when you can:
Do a deeper market review
Journal trades
Plan the next day
Breathe
Once my son dropped his nap, I started waking up earlier to get my pre-market prep done in peace.
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🧘 The Mindset Shift
The biggest change wasn’t just logistics — it was mindset.
Instead of getting frustrated that trading felt “distracted,” I reframed it:
This is why I trade — to be home with my son, to be here for the chaos, to sip Starbucks while watching him grow up.
So yes, sometimes a winning trade takes longer to catch because I had to change a diaper or rescue someone from climbing the bookshelf — but that’s okay.
Because I didn’t choose trading to escape my life.
I chose trading to live my life — with him right here.
—
Your turn:
Moms, what’s the craziest thing you’ve done while trying to trade?
(If you’ve ever placed an order with a toddler on your head, we should start a club. 😂)
Okay, so you’ve finally decided to peek into this whole “trading” thing — but the minute you open a chart or watch a video, you’re hit with words like VWAP, strike price, support, resistance, theta decay… and suddenly it feels like you’re back in math class wishing you had paid more attention.
Don’t worry. I got you.
Let’s break this down like we’re texting on a lazy Sunday morning — coffee in one hand, phone in the other.
Think of VWAP (Volume Weighted Average Price) as the popular table in the cafeteria.
It’s where the average price is — weighted by how many shares actually traded there.
Traders love VWAP because it shows where “fair value” is for the day. It’s literally the market saying:
“This is where we’ve been hanging out most of the day — are you joining us, or nah?”
Support = the floor where price tends to stop falling.
Resistance = the ceiling where price tends to stop rising.
Imagine price as a bouncy ball:
The fun part? Once price finally breaks through support or resistance, those levels can flip.
It’s like kicking a hole in the ceiling — now it’s the new floor.
Options traders, this one’s for you.
The strike price is basically the price your ticket says you can buy or sell the stock at.
Think of it like buying concert tickets:
Theta = time decay.
If you’ve ever left an avocado out too long, you get it.
Options lose value as time passes — even if the stock price doesn’t move.
That’s why I say, “Your options are like avocados — use them while they’re fresh.”
Trading isn’t just numbers and charts — it’s language.
And once you understand the lingo, you stop feeling like an outsider and start seeing the story the market is telling you.
You don’t need to memorize every single term on day one — just start with a few and practice spotting them in real time. Before you know it, you’ll be throwing around words like VWAP and support levels like you’ve been doing it for years.
Your turn:
What trading term totally confused you when you first started? Drop it in the comments — I might just turn it into the next “Trading Like You’re Texting Your BFF” post.
Just a quick disclaimer, if you’re new to my blog … I am not a licensed financial advisor and any investment carries risk , so always do your own due diligence before investing. I have been a full time day trader for two years and the information I am providing is based on my opinions and research but it in no way is intended as financial advice . I try to focus on strategy more than specific plays for this reason ..I hope to educate you and you can make decisions based on what you’ve learned here.
That being said … I absolutely love earnings season and this one in particular has some set ups that are looking like a few easier slam dunks than the last few earnings.
TSLA reporting January 29th
Deliveries were down, they have a Morningstar rating of one star which means they’re significantly overvalued, Wall Street analysts have an average price target of $336.96 which is about an 18% drop. On the surface, it sounds like it will be a miss and puts would be the way to go . However, if they’re guidance rocks ( robotics, cheaper cars, etc) .. they could miss earnings and the stock could go through the roof. If I play this, I’ll be getting a very expensive straddle ( a put and a call) .
META reporting January 29th
Meta is expected to beat expectations. They’ve increased ad revenue using generative AI, they’ve reduced costs, and already addressed their 2025 capex of $60- $65 billion for advancements in AI and state of the art data centers . It looks positive but anything AI related might continue to get hammered until the Deep Seek price tag is determined to be a lie.
Public service announcement:
With Mag 7 stocks during earnings, there is very high volatility and high volume . The safest way to play earnings is right up until the bell and close out and then start up again in the morning when you know what direction the wind is blowing. If you can’t afford to or you neglect to buy a put AND a call , you’re not daytrading… You’re gambling. Earnings is as high risk as it gets and there is no way to know you’re right if you only do one or the other.
AAPL reporting January 30th
Disappointing innovation, lower demand particularly in China, expectations on this one are a little bleak with an expected 15.5% downside .
Finding entry and exit points is crucial for maximizing profitability and managing risk. Several methods and strategies can help with this, depending on your trading style, risk tolerance, and the market conditions. Below are some of the best ways to identify entry and exit points:
1. **Technical Analysis**:
– **Support and Resistance Levels**: These are price levels where the asset tends to stop and reverse direction. Buying near support and selling near resistance is a common strategy.
– **Trendlines**: Drawing trendlines to identify the direction of the market can help traders identify entry points when the price pulls back in the direction of the trend.
– **Chart Patterns**: Recognizing patterns such as triangles, flags, or head and shoulders can give traders an idea of the future direction of the market.
– **Candlestick Patterns**: Patterns like engulfing, doji, or hammer can signal reversals, providing entry and exit signals.
– **Moving Averages**: Use of moving averages (e.g., 50-period or 200-period MA) can help identify trends. Crossovers (when a short-term MA crosses over a long-term MA) are often used as entry signals.
. **Indicators and Oscillators**:
– **Relative Strength Index (RSI)**: RSI is useful for identifying overbought or oversold conditions. A value above 70 suggests overbought, while below 30 suggests oversold.
– **Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD)**: MACD crossovers and divergence with price action are popular for identifying trends and reversals.
– **Bollinger Bands**: When the price moves outside the bands, it can signal overbought or oversold conditions, providing possible entry or exit points.
– **Volume**: Volume is critical. High volume during price moves often validates the strength of a trend. Low volume can signal weak price movements.
3. **Price Action**:
– **Breakouts**: Watching for price breaks above resistance or below support can offer strong entry points. A breakout is often followed by a strong price move.
– **Pullbacks**: If you’ve identified a strong trend, waiting for a pullback to a key support or resistance level can offer a favorable entry point in the direction of the trend.
– **Reversals**: When a price reversal pattern forms (such as a double top, double bottom, or head and shoulders), it can be an opportunity to enter or exit a trade.
. **Time of Day**:
– **Market Open/Close**: The first and last hour of trading can offer more volatile price action. Traders often find good opportunities during these periods as markets are more liquid and active.
– **Midday Lull**: Markets tend to slow down around midday, so you may want to avoid entering trades unless there’s a clear setup, as the probability of success can be lower.
5. **Risk Management**:
– **Stop Loss and Take Profit**: Always have predefined stop loss and take profit levels. This helps in minimizing risk and locking in profits. The risk/reward ratio should typically be at least 1:2.
– **Position Sizing**: Properly managing the amount you risk per trade based on your overall account size is critical. Never risk too much on a single trade.
6. **News and Market Sentiment**:
– **Economic Events**: Pay attention to major economic news releases (e.g., interest rate decisions, GDP reports) that can impact volatility. Sudden news events can trigger significant price movements.
– **Sentiment Analysis**: Be aware of general market sentiment, including social media trends or financial reports that may affect the market’s direction.
. **Backtesting and Practice**:
– **Backtesting**: Use historical data to test your strategies before using them in live trading. Backtesting can help you refine entry and exit strategies based on past performance.
– **Paper Trading**: Practice in a simulated environment to build confidence and experience with your chosen strategies.
. **Automated Tools and Algorithms**:
– **Trading Bots**: Many day traders use automated bots that follow specific technical indicators or patterns to enter and exit trades, ensuring trades are executed at optimal times without emotion.
– **Algorithmic Trading**: If you are advanced, you may use custom algorithms that analyze vast amounts of data to spot entry and exit points quickly.
The best way to find entry and exit points depends on your trading strategy, risk tolerance, and experience level. Combining several methods, such as using technical analysis, indicators, price action, and strong risk management practices, will help you make better decisions when day trading. It’s important to stay disciplined, test your strategies, and continually adapt to changing market conditions.
The Ichimoku chart is a comprehensive technical analysis tool that provides information on support and resistance levels, trend direction, and momentum. It’s particularly useful for day traders as it offers a holistic view of market dynamics.
Key Components of the Ichimoku Chart:
Tenkan-sen (Conversion Line): This is a short-term moving average that represents the midpoint of the highest and lowest prices over the last 9 periods. It’s a quick indicator of market momentum.
Kijun-sen (Base Line): This is a longer-term moving average calculated over the last 26 periods. It provides a more moderate view of the market’s momentum.
Senkou Span A (Leading Span A): The average of the Tenkan-sen and Kijun-sen, plotted 26 periods ahead, forming one edge of the “cloud.”
Senkou Span B (Leading Span B): Calculated as the average of the highest and lowest prices over the last 52 periods, also plotted 26 periods ahead, forming the other edge of the “cloud.”
Chikou Span (Lagging Span): This is a simple moving average that plots the current price 26 periods in the past. It provides a visual representation of the current trend and can be used to identify potential reversals.
How Day Traders Use Ichimoku:
Identifying Trend Direction: When the price is above the cloud, it signals an uptrend, and when it’s below the cloud, it indicates a downtrend.
Spotting Potential Reversals: Crossovers between the Tenkan-sen and Kijun-sen can signal potential trend changes. A bullish crossover (Tenkan-sen crosses above Kijun-sen) suggests a potential uptrend, while a bearish crossover (Tenkan-sen crosses below Kijun-sen) suggests a potential downtrend.
Identifying Support and Resistance Levels: The cloud itself acts as a dynamic support and resistance level. The thickness of the cloud can also indicate the strength of the support or resistance.
Confirming Trend Strength: The Chikou Span can be used to confirm the strength of the trend. If the Chikou Span is above the price, it suggests a strong uptrend, and if it’s below the price, it suggests a strong downtrend.
Remember:
The Ichimoku chart is a powerful tool, but it’s not foolproof. It’s important to use it in conjunction with other technical analysis tools and indicators.
Day trading can be risky, so it’s crucial to have a solid understanding of the market and risk management strategies.
Always use stop-loss orders to limit potential losses and practice with a demo account before risking real money.
By mastering the Ichimoku chart and combining it with other techniques, you can gain a valuable edge in the market.
Understanding various technical analysis tools is crucial for making informed decisions in the financial markets. Two important indicators that help with momentum and overbought/oversold analysis are the Williams Percent Range and the Stochastic Momentum Index (SMI). Here’s an explanation of each chart and how to use them:
The Williams Percent Range, or %R, is a momentum oscillator that measures overbought and oversold conditions in a market. It was developed by Larry Williams and is similar to the Stochastic Oscillator, but it is presented as a percentage rather than a ratio.
The Stochastic Momentum Index (SMI) is a more advanced version of the traditional stochastic oscillator. It was designed to address some of the limitations of the original stochastic by providing smoother signals and a better indication of the strength of price momentum.
Both charts are useful tools for momentum trading, allowing traders to gauge the likelihood of price reversals or continuations in different market conditions. Each has its strengths: Williams %R is better suited for shorter-term trades or mean reversion strategies, while the SMI provides more reliable confirmation for momentum traders in trending markets.
*Practical Application**:
1. **For Williams %R**:
– Traders can use it to spot overbought or oversold conditions. In a sideways or range-bound market, it helps find potential reversal points.
– It can also be combined with other indicators like the Relative Strength Index (RSI) or moving averages for additional confirmation.
2. **For SMI**:
– The SMI is used in trending markets, as it helps identify whether the momentum is likely to continue.
– It can be combined with price action or other indicators like the Average True Range (ATR) to judge market volatility and potential breakouts.
Both charts are useful tools for momentum trading, allowing traders to gauge the likelihood of price reversals or continuations in different market conditions. Each has its strengths: Williams %R is better suited for shorter-term trades or mean reversion strategies, while the SMI provides more reliable confirmation for momentum traders in trending markets.
Volatility and volume are key factors that can make options trading more profitable because they directly influence the potential for price movements and the liquidity of the options market. Here’s why they are important:
Volatility refers to the degree of variation in the price of an underlying asset over time. It plays a crucial role in options pricing and profitability in the following ways:
Volume refers to the number of contracts traded in the options market over a given period. Higher volume improves the profitability of options in the following ways:
Together, these factors create an environment where options traders can capitalize on larger price swings with lower transaction costs, ultimately increasing the potential for profitability.
Understanding the nuances between an options straddle nd a strangle is essential for choosing the right strategy based on market conditions and your risk appetite. Both are volatility-based strategies, but they differ in structure and risk profiles. Here’s an explanation of each, followed by guidance on how to determine which one might be better for a particular situation.
Straddle:
Strategy Overview: A straddle involves buying both a call and a put option on the same underlying asset with the same strike price and same expiration date. This strategy profits when the underlying asset experiences significant price movement, regardless of direction. It’s ideal for situations where you expect high volatility but are uncertain about whether the price will go up or down.
For example, if you buy a call and a put option on a stock that’s currently trading at $100, both options would have a strike price of $100. You would profit if the stock moves significantly in either direction, e.g., to $120 or $80, as long as the movement is large enough to offset the cost of both premiums.
Advantages:
– Unlimited profit potential if the stock moves significantly in either direction.
– Suitable when you expect a big price move but are unsure about the direction (e.g., after earnings reports or major news announcements).
Disadvantages:
– Requires a large price move to become profitable, as you must cover the costs of both the call and the put options.
– Higher premiums because both options are bought at-the-money.
Strangle
Strategy Overview: A strangle is similar to a straddle but with different strike prices for the call and put options. Typically, a strangle involves buying an out-of-the-money call and an out-of-the-money put with the same expiration date. Like the straddle, the goal is to profit from significant price movement in either direction, but it requires a bigger move due to the out-of-the-money nature of the options.
For example, if the stock is trading at $100, you might buy a $105 call option and a $95 put option. You would profit if the stock price moves significantly above $105 or below $95.
Advantages:
– Lower premiums than a straddle because both options are out-of-the-money.
– Still offers the potential for unlimited profit if the stock moves substantially in either direction.
Disadvantages:
– The stock has to move even further than with a straddle to become profitable, due to the out-of-the-money nature of the options.
– Requires a larger price move to cover the cost of both options, especially when the stock is near the middle of the two strike prices.
Key Differences:
– Strike Prices:
– Straddle: Both the call and put options have the same strike price
– Strangle The call and put options have different strike prices (out-of-the-money).
-Cost:
Straddle: More expensive because both the call and put are bought at-the-money.
Strangle: Less expensive because both the call and put are bought out-of-the-money.
Profit Potential:
Straddle: Profitable with any significant price movement in either direction, but the move must cover the higher premiums.
– Strangle: Requires a larger price movement than a straddle to become profitable, but it’s cheaper to enter.
So, which is better?
To determine which strategy is better, consider the following factors:
1. Volatility Expectations
– Straddle :Best for situations where you expect
massive volatility and believe that the price will make a significant move but are uncertain of the direction. For example, if there’s an earnings announcement or a major geopolitical event that could cause a big price swing.
– Strangle:: Ideal when you expect moderate to high volatility, but are not as confident in the magnitude of the price move. The stock price must move a significant distance from the current level, but it is a cheaper strategy to set up.
2. Risk Tolerance
– Straddle : More expensive and requires a smaller move to break even, so it’s better suited for traders who are comfortable with higher costs but want to capture a larger profit if the stock moves.
– Strangle :More cost-efficient, but requires a more significant move to break even. It’s suited for those looking for cheaper exposure to volatility and willing to accept the risk that the stock may not move enough to cover the cost.
3. Market Conditions
– Straddle: Choose when you believe the market will experience a huge move in a short time, such as around an earnings release, FDA decision, or a major economic report.
– Strangle: Better in environments where you expect volatility but are less certain about the extent of the move. It’s also useful in markets that are choppy but not trending strongly in one direction.
– Choose a straddle if you expect high volatility with the potential for a large price movement, and you’re willing to pay a higher premium for the chance to profit from smaller price swings.
– Choose a strangle*if you believe the market will be volatile, but you’re looking for a more cost-effective way to profit from larger price movements in either direction.
By carefully considering the level of volatility, the expected price movement, and your cost tolerance, you can determine which strategy aligns best with your market outlook.
The key to effective options trading lies in employing strategies that match your risk tolerance and market outlook. Here are three of the best options trading strategies for income generation from premiums and lower risk than an uncovered call, along with guidance on how to determine the best entry and exit points for a position:
1. Covered Call
– **Strategy Overview**: A covered call involves holding a long position in a stock and selling a call option on the same stock. This strategy generates income through the premium received from selling the call, while the stock provides potential for capital appreciation.
– **Entry Point**: This strategy is most effective when the underlying stock is expected to show mild to neutral price movement. Enter when the stock is trading at a price you are comfortable holding, and sell an out-of-the-money call with a premium that provides sufficient income.
– **Exit Point**: Exit the position if the stock price rises significantly above the strike price of the call option, as the upside potential is limited. Alternatively, you can buy back the call option if it loses value and the stock price moves in your favor.
2. Protective Put
– **Strategy Overview**: A protective put involves buying a put option on a stock you own to limit downside risk. This strategy acts like an insurance policy for your stock holdings, providing protection if the stock declines in value.
– **Entry Point**: This strategy is ideal when you want to protect gains or reduce the risk of holding a stock in volatile or uncertain market conditions. Enter by purchasing a put option that corresponds to the price range you want to protect.
– **Exit Point**: Exit when the stock price increases significantly, as the protective put may become unnecessary. Alternatively, you can sell the put option if its value rises due to market volatility.
3. Iron Condor
– **Strategy Overview**: An iron condor is a neutral strategy that involves selling an out-of-the-money call and put, while simultaneously buying further out-of-the-money call and put options to limit risk. This strategy profits from low volatility in the underlying asset, with the goal of all options expiring worthless.
– **Entry Point**: This strategy works best when you expect low volatility in the stock or index. Enter when the underlying asset is trading within a range, and you believe it will stay within that range through the expiration of the options.
– **Exit Point**: Exit if the stock price moves significantly outside the range set by your sold options. If the options are nearing expiration and the price is still within the desired range, you can close the position early to lock in profits or minimize losses.
Determining the Best Entry and Exit Points:
– **Technical Analysis**: Use charts, support and resistance levels, moving averages, and indicators like the Relative Strength Index (RSI) and Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) to identify trends and overbought/oversold conditions.
– **Implied Volatility**: For options strategies like covered calls and protective puts, monitor implied volatility, as higher volatility typically increases option premiums, making it a good time to sell options. For an iron condor, lower volatility is ideal.
– **Market Sentiment**: Understand the broader market context—if the market is bullish, a covered call may be more appropriate, while a protective put is better suited in a bearish or uncertain environment. For an iron condor, neutral sentiment works best.
By combining a solid understanding of each strategy with technical analysis and market sentiment, you can determine the best times to enter and exit trades.
Gigify 