Free Online Resources for Learning About Options - A Comprehensive Guide

Welcome to Your Ultimate Guide for Learning Options Online

Interested in learning about options trading? While there are certification courses available, not all learning resources are free. However, there are numerous free online resources that can help you get started and build a strong foundation in options trading. Let's explore these resources and see which might be most beneficial for you.

Why Choose Free Online Resources?

While it might be tempting to spend money on learning options, many people find that they can get a good grasp of the basics and even some intermediate concepts through free online resources. This is especially true if you are just starting out. We recommend utilizing a combination of free and paid resources to gain a comprehensive understanding of options trading.

Using Free Resources Effectively

To learn about options through free online resources, you should follow a structured approach:

Start with Basic Concepts: Before delving into more complex strategies, it's important to understand the basic principles of options trading. Pick Up Key Books: There are many free online resources, but you can enhance your learning with books. Consider obtaining a copy of The Complete Option Guide by Richard B. Metz. You can often find a used third edition for less than $10. Explore Professional Platforms: Access training and information from reputable sources like Tastytrade and CBOE. Both Tastytrade and CBOE provide comprehensive educational materials for free. Google for Further Information: Use search engines to find detailed explanations of specific terms and concepts related to options trading.

Relevant Free Online Resources

Here are some of the best free online resources for learning about options trading:

CBOE and Tastytrade

The Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) is the primary options market in the United States. They offer a wide range of educational materials that are free to access on their website. These resources can be incredibly useful for beginners and those looking to deepen their knowledge.

Tastytrade is another excellent platform. Founded by the creator of the Thinkorswim options trading platform, Tastytrade provides comprehensive training for both beginners and advanced traders. The website features a wealth of free content, including training videos, webinars, and articles.

Books and Additional Reading

Complementing online resources, books can be highly beneficial. We recommend starting with the The Complete Option Guide by Richard B. Metz. This book is widely regarded as an excellent introduction to the topic. After you have a solid understanding of the basics, consider other books like /options trading by John C. Hull, Options, Futures, and Other Derivatives by John Hull, and Dynamic Hedging by Nassim Nicholas Taleb.

Once you have read and understood these books, you can assess other options trading books to find the one that best suits your needs.

Conclusion

While there is no substitute for hands-on experience and practice, free online resources can be a valuable starting point for anyone interested in learning about options trading. By utilizing a combination of free and paid resources, you can build a solid foundation and advance your understanding of this complex and rewarding investment tool.