Episode #91: Reg-T Margin vs. Portfolio Margin Russ discusses the types of accounts margin is used for, the pros and cons of each and the differences between Regulation-T margin and Portfolio Margin. The origins of Portfolio Margin are covered and the types of strategies to use this type of leverage on. Remember margin, of all types, is a loan from…

Episode #90: Mega ROTH Ira vs. The Backdoor ROTH IRA Russ discusses the differences between the Mega ROTH IRA and the Backdoor IRA. Overfunding your workplace retirement plan and funding your Traditional IRA conversion to a backdoor ROTH IRA. Why you would want to do this and the mechanisms how to do so. The income limitations for Contribution limi…

In the US, the government passed Secure Act 2.0 on December 29th, 2022. It was the most important and expansive piece of legislation affecting retirement savings since ERISA in the 1970’s. In this episode, Russ unpacks the key questions he gets from clients and others about: the age increases, contribution limits, RMD changes, 529 (college savings …

To accumulate wealth, you must learn more than "Buy and Hold." In the is episode of the Modern Stock & Options Trading Show, host Russ Mathews, goes through some key ideas for generating cash flow and how to keep more of what you generate. He covers: the types of tax preferred accounts to trade in, how to use the leverage of options, concepts of ma…

In this episode of the Modern Stock & Option Trading Show, Russ lays out the 8 trends / themes that he is currently focused on. He covers where we have been and where we are going into 2024. Context is key to investment performance as we have seen volatility since the summer. Don’t forget to subscribe to the show!…

Episode #86 – Can You Predict Earnings Season Ahead of Time In this episode of the Modern Stock & Option Trading Show, Russ lays out the 3 Step process to get a read on whether Earnings Season will be good, bad, or neutral ahead of time. Q4, 2023 earnings season is about to start (Oct. 18th – Nov. 8th), and many investors are wondering will earning…

EBITDA is one on the most used measures of earnings for stocks. In this episode, Russ covers what EBITDA is, how it is calculated, why investors care and the pros and cons of this earnings measurement. Don’t forget to subscribe to the show!By Russ Mathews

In this episode, Russ explores the standard portfolio construction / asset allocation structure of 60% stocks / 40% bonds. This portfolio structure has been around for 50+ years and is a standard for investing. A series of 'bear markets' since the year 2000 and changing interest rates has pressured this ‘standard’ structure. Russ explores what thsi…

In this episode, Russ explores the 7 largest mistakes investors & traders make. From taking too much risk to trading without a written plan with an edge, each risk is discussed and how to overcome each one. Helping traders to avoid these mistakes is key to long term success in investing. Don’t forget to subscribe to the show!…

In this episode, Russ explores how your investment timeframe determines many other investment decisions. Investment timeframes are described, and then the decisions that are influenced. From asset class selected, to the amount of reliance on technical vs. fundamental analysis, chart timeframes, news, macroeconomics, etc. He also discusses how inves…

In this episode, Russ explores the multidirectional & murky investment environment now. From what is happening with inflation, to the FED pausing interest rate hikes, to unemployment to real estate to cash and cash alternatives. The economy is difficult to get a read on right now. How do you invest in this multidirectional, confusing environment? R…

In this episode, Russ explores the definitions and pros and cons of stock buybacks vs. dividends. There is some debate about what the best way is to return capital to shareholders. Russ explores the definitions, the pros and cons of each way to return capital and provides his perspective on which is best in which type of account. Don’t forget to su…

We are in the heart of earnings season. What are the different ways to play earnings? Russ goes through the different option strategy choices and then focuses on one of his favorite ways to play earnings. He covers the Iron Condor with the short strike prices outside the expected price move. The example he goes through from this week is on Amazon. …

In this episode, Russ discusses several scenarios for waiting to add the protection leg to your trading strategy. In other words, when you have strong directional conviction in how an underlying stock or ETF will move, Russ shows how you can wait (delay) legging into the trading strategy. You can wait to add the second leg (or protection leg) to th…

A listener asked – is Direct Indexing a good idea? This is a topic that many people have been getting pitched by many Wall Street Firms. Is this a good strategy? In this episode, Russ covers: What is direct Indexing; the Pros and Cons of Direct Indexing, where Direct Indexing fits in the portfolio. Plus he shares his views on the regional banking c…

There are several ways a company can access the public markets to raise capital. Russ covers the pros and cons of each – the Initial Public Offering (IPO), the Special Purpose Acquisition Company (SPAC’s), Regulation CF, etc. In addition, he presents his 5-point checklist for when investing in these companies is a YES and when it is a NO. Don’t for…

The hottest new technology causing discussion and a global shock is Chat GPT (& its competitors) and how such conversational AI (artificial intelligence) is changing the game for many industries. Russ explores his thoughts on how AI will affect the world of investing and trading. What it is good at and what its limitations are. He provides a framew…

In this episode of the Modern Stock & Options Trading Show, Russ takes a view on how to measure the risk of a stock. While Russ concedes that there are many ways to measure the risk of an investment – he covers the top 5 ways he uses – BETA, ALPHA, The P/E RATIO, STANDARD DEVIATION & R-SQUARED and how he uses each. Don’t forget to subscribe to the …

In this episode of the Modern Stock & Option Trading Show, Russ covers alternatives to holding cash in the bank (from least risky to most risky). From money market funds and high-yielding money markets to preferred stock ETF’s, many of the alternative choices are covered based on Russ’s recommendations and experience. The trade-offs and decisions b…

In this episode of the Modern Stock & Option Trading Show, Russ covers how to put a bear marker year (like 2022) into context and offset taxes through a concept called Tax Loss Harvesting. The Wash Sale rule is also covered. In addition, Russ lays out the consensus view for 2023 and covers timing strategies for how to position your portfolio if you…

In this episode of the Modern Stock & Option Trading Show, Russ lays out the 9 points to the bullish / more constructive case for stocks today. As everyone seems to bearish. Virtually all analysts, hedge fund managers and Wall Street firms are tripping over themselves to lay out the ‘bearish’ case. Russ presents the other side, not to indicate that…

In this episode of the Modern Stock & Option Trading Show, Russ delves into why the macroeconomic picture matters and how it affects you. In other words, why should you care about terms such as CPI, PCE, Unemployment levels, Inflation, etc. Russ breaks down the areas of impact to you when these macro-economic areas change. Don’t forget to subscribe…

In this episode of the Modern Stock & Option Trading Show, Russ describes the strategy to best recover one’s portfolio. If you have ever wondered, is there a way to possibly recover your next egg from down 30%-40% fairly quickly while further defining the downside risk, Russ describes how others do that. Most importantly, you can define any further…

In this episode of the Modern Stock & Option Trading Show, Russ lays out the bad news and good news elements going on today. This episode addresses the anxiety about the current 'bear' market and worries about the deterioration of wealth. In addition, Russ covers what to do about it; specific action steps are illustrated. Don't forget to subscribe …

In this episode of the Modern Stock & Options Trading Show, Russ takes a look at efficient market theory today. He explores the three forms of efficient market theory (the Strong, Semi Strong & Weak forms) and covers the implications for tactical stock & options trading. Don’t forget to subscribe to the show!…

In this episode of the Modern Stock & Options Trading Show, Russ takes a macro perspective. He covers how to make your money work harder for you. Both for the rest of 2022 & in future years. Four key steps are covered. 1.) Use the right strategies. 2.) Have a risk management process. 3.) Do equal size trades. 4.) Scale into positions and scale out.…

In this episode of the Modern Stock & Options Trading Show, Russ discusses how inflation expectations seem to have peaked with the August CPI Report and how inflation expectations seem to be driving stock markets, bond markets and other assets. Russ Discusses what it means for stock markets and whether he thinks the bottom is in for markets for the…

In this episode of the Modern Stock & Options Trading Show, Russ recaps one of the most misunderstood and reliable sentiment indicators – the Put / Call Ratio. He discusses how this is a ‘contrarian’ market sentiment indicator, how to use it, how it is calculated and where it is found. Don’t forget to subscribe to the show!…

In this episode of the Modern Stock & Options Trading Show, Russ recaps the first half of 2022 in the stock market. He then asks the question, should we invest in stocks & options in the second half of 2022 at all? Four reasons are given why investing and staying in are the best alternative vs. hiding out in cash. Don’t forget to subscribe to the s…

In this episode of the Modern Stock & Options Trading Show, you will learn about a trading strategy that is very popular on social media in 2022. It is a variation on one of host Russ Mathews favorite trading strategies – and it called the 1:1:1 Trade. Russ’ teaches a variation of the trade (called the put ratio spread). Russ will teach you what th…

In this episode of the Modern Stock & Options Trading Show, you will learn about a variation on one of host Russ Mathews favorite trading strategies - the Poor Man’s Covered Call Trade. Russ will teach you what it is, why it is so powerful and how the mechanics differ from the traditional covered call. The covered call is one of the bread-and-butte…

In this episode of the Modern Stock & Options Trading Show, Russ teaches the definition of ‘capitulation,’ and provides two ways to measure capitulation and tell if the equity markets are at or near a bottom. In addition, Russ provides the macro-economic landscape and where we can potentially go from here. Don’t forget to subscribe to the show!…

In this episode of the Modern Stock & Options Trading Show, Russ teaches on how to think about quarterly earnings announcements. He teaches his favorite trading strategies for playing quarterly earnings – whether you are ‘bullish,’ ‘bearish,’…. or even what to do when there is a large, bifurcated outcome coming of which you are unsure. Russ covers …

In this episode of the Modern Stock & Options Trading Show, Russ reflects on the past two years in the markets. 40%-42% of traders started in the past 2 years. A lot has changed. Trading mechanics have become deceptively easy. But it has forced many to skip the ‘homework.’ Russ goes through the 5 steps to what doing the homework means. This is how …

In this episode of the Modern Stock & Options Trading Show, Russ revisits the outlook for the markets and the upcoming Federal Reserve pivot from QE (Quantitative Easing) to QT (Quantitative Tightening). Russ introduces a new trading strategy – the Put Ratio Backspread and when and how to use it. He provides context and perspective on how to use th…

In this episode of the Modern Stock & Options Trading Show, Russ looks at the current volatility in the markets and provides his view. From Russia invading Ukraine to the Federal Reserve pivot from QE to QT, to the 10-year Treasury Note hitting a 2% yield. Russ provides context and perspective on it all. In addition, he provides his view on how to …

In this episode of the Modern Stock & Options Trading Show, Russ looks at a topic skipped by most traders – practice. In trading this means simulated trading or paper trading. Stories from Michael Jordan, Jerry Rice, & Bruce Lee are shared. In addition, the top 5 things to look for in a good simulated trading broker-dealer platform are shared. Don’…

In this episode of the Modern Stock & Options Trading Show, Russ looks at the January market pullback – and provides perspective from both a logical and emotional point of view. He also covers the 3 key risks to the market and provides his view on where to focus. The game plan of buying the dip’ but scaling in is shared. Don’t forget to subscribe t…

In this episode of the Modern Stock & Options Trading Show, Russ looks into the crystal ball and shares his outlook for 2022. He covers the key macro factors and what it can mean for stocks, fixed income, crypto’s etc. He also then shares a game plan and action steps for how to position portfolios for 2022. Don’t forget to subscribe to the show!…

In this episode of the Modern Stock & Options Trading Show, you will learn the ‘how-to’ practical steps to make trade adjustments to loosing options trades. Russ shares his philosophy and rules for making trade adjustments by strategy. Examples are given to bring the rules to life. Don’t forget to subscribe to the show!…

In this episode of the Modern Stock & Options Trading Show, you will learn the psychology and key rules for determining ‘if and when’ to make trade adjustments to loosing options trades. Russ shares his rules for determining if a trade is worth adjusting. Two examples are given to bring the rules to life. Don’t forget to subscribe to the show!…

In this episode of the Modern Stock & Options Trading Show, you will learn how Russ uses strategic overwriting on expiring covered calls (when the stock will not get called away from you) to capture the extra profits from time decay on expiration weekend. He will show you the mechanics of how to do the overwriting and how doing so can add 1%-3% to …

In this episode of the Modern Stock & Options Trading Show, you will learn how Russ uses long and short Straddles and Strangle trades. You will learn the differences between straddles and strangles and when to use each strategically. 4 examples are given. In addition, some macroeconomic commentary is provided. Don’t forget to subscribe to the show!…

In this episode of the Modern Stock & Options Trading Show, you will learn Russ’s trading ‘commandments’ that he has developed over his 25-year investing career. It is a list of rules, key insights and reminders as you trade. Each trade should develop their own list, print it out and place it next to the trading workstation. Don’t forget to subscri…

In this episode of the Modern Stock & Options Trading Show, you will learn the three ways to properly protect an overall bullish portfolio and bullish individual securities from a market pullback. Host, Russ Mathews covers buying put options, buying protective puts and bearish call spreads. He also compares buying puts with stop loss odes. With Sep…

This is the first episode of Season #3 of The Modern Stock & Options Trading Show. In this episode, host Russ Mathews will discuss why actively managed mutual funds are such a raw deal for investors and why ETF’s and active strategies using individual stocks and conservative options strategies can provide a greater impact. Don’t forget to subscribe…

In this last episode of Season #2 of The Modern Stock & Options Trading Show, host Russ Mathews discusses his outlook for the stock market (in the USA) for the rest of 2021 - August through December. In addition, he gives his read on the key macroeconomic indicators discussed on the last episode as well as some additional items affecting the market…

In this episode of The Modern Stock & Options Trading Show, host Russ Mathews will discuss the key macroeconomic indicators that help him get a feel for where the market is heading. He will also describe both leading and lagging indicators and where he thinks we are on each indicator. The key learning is to see how key data shapes his top down macr…

In this episode of the Modern Stock & Options Trading Show, you will be introduced to a key mindset shift to be made in your trading. Host Russ Mathews’ discusses how to take what the market gives you…using the analogy of repeating ocean waves. Consistent trading often means hitting many singles vs. swinging for the fences and trying to hit homerun…

In this episode of The Modern Stock & Options Trading Show, host Russ Mathews will break down the cryptocurrency space today and he will compare and contrast cryptocurrencies with stocks and options. He will break down the blockchain vs. the token (the coin). A discussion of the inevitability of this emerging ‘asset’ class vs. how to play the theme…