Ever feel like you're drowning in information? Not sure how to make money in the market? Oftentimes, traders think they need to master every strategy, pattern, and tool in the stock market to succeed. But the truth is, it's easy to get caught in a whirlwind of data and overcomplicate the journey. I'm with you, I understand how we want fast results and think more leverage equals more profit. What if I told you the opposite is true? Alex Hormozi said it takes 10,000 hours to become an expert, and while that may seem daunting, there’s a way to simplify it. The secret lies in focusing on one strategy and mastering it. Trying to do too much too fast is like learning how to assemble IKEA furniture with a power drill before you’ve ever learned how to use a manual screwdriver. Your portfolio is going to end up getting destroyed like the particleboard of that living room table you saw in the showroom if you aren't careful with the assembly! My Journey to Becoming a Runner We all know I'm not normal, but I see relations to trading almost everywhere and in most everything I do. I was thinking about this over the weekend while I was running... I never thought I would be a runner, yet here I am about to go for a run at 5:30 am. Over the last two years, I've been running consistently, and just now, I’m starting to see real progress. I’m not an elite runner by any means, but I can see the changes—mile by mile, step by step—because I showed up every single morning, no matter what. Running has reminded me that progress often takes time to become visible, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t happening. It went from being hard and something I didn't think was possible to something I now need for my health and mind. We all want to be the fastest runner, but rushing can lead to injury, just like rushing in trading can lead to big losses. Over-leveraging is a sure way to blow up your trading account, just like that time I tried to run a marathon without enough water... You will NEVER forget when you push too hard too fast. Self-discipline is the most important part of both running and trading. Trading is awesome because it is you against the market. You have no boss, no accountability (unless you want it), and make all the decisions. Trading is also incredibly hard because you have no boss, no accountability, and you make all the decisions! No one knows if you add more risk than you should to a trade, just like no one knows if you only run five miles instead of the ten you planned. But ultimately, it’s about being accountable to yourself. If you have a good plan that follows our "trade small, trade often, and trade mechanical" approach, you make discipline and accountability easier to obtain. When you are on mile 5 of the 10-mile run, you know why you are doing it. You are more likely to keep trading (or running) when a trade goes against you or you are having a rough time when you have a strong why and have built up the knowledge and discipline with regular frequency. Why Focus on One Tool? When you start anything, you don’t need a thousand tools. You just need to learn how to use one effectively. Think about it—if you’ve never built furniture before, would you start with a complex tool like a power drill? Probably not. You’d grab a screwdriver (or use the one IKEA gives you in the box) and work your way up. It’s the same with trading. In the stock market, there’s no shortage of strategies: naked puts, iron condors, momentum trading, dividend investing, options buying. But jumping around and trying everything at once can do more harm than good, just like stripping the screw with a drill when you don’t know how to handle it properly. The screwdriver—slow and steady—gets the job done without ruining the materials. The Illusion of Fast Gains and More Power One of the biggest misconceptions is that the more you know, the faster you’ll be successful. I wish this applied to running; I could just read my way to the Boston Marathon! This mindset in trading is dangerous. The sooner you realize the market is a dynamic place with really smart people and machines, the sooner you understand you shouldn't take on unnecessary risks by using too much leverage and expecting overnight results. This is where traders often blow up their accounts—they’re using a power drill on delicate screws, thinking more speed and power will make them profitable faster. The analogy is picking up pennies in front of a steamroller. You might pick up 100 pennies in a row before the steamroller catches you. But most of the time, the steamroller's damage is far greater than the 100 pennies you picked up. It's just not sustainable to keep yourself overleveraged mentally, physically, or financially. In reality, consistency and confidence in one strategy are where the magic happens. Trying to be an expert in everything right away can lead to over-leveraging, bad trades, and an emotional rollercoaster. Instead, what you need is patience. Focus on one strategy, master it, and slowly expand. It’s not glamorous, but it’s how you build true, long-term success in trading. Trading the Good Kids Trading Way Just like my journey to becoming a runner, trading is about consistency and showing up every day, regardless of who is watching. No one knows whether you stick to your trading plan except you. No one is grading you or keeping score. But that’s precisely why it’s so important to stay committed—because you’re doing this for yourself. It’s natural to want fast results, but the greatest traders didn’t rush their learning. Just like running, trading requires discipline and consistency—even when no one is watching. They focused on being great at one thing before adding more strategies to their playbook. Your goal shouldn’t be to "get rich quick" but to "get skilled steadily." The profits will come as a byproduct of consistent and focused learning. It’s important to remember that this journey should be fun. You should enjoy this process, whether it's trading or running. You should enjoy the process of learning and growing. That doesn’t mean every day will be great, but over the long term, this kind of commitment leads to success—both in trading and in life. So ask yourself: what’s the one strategy you want to focus on for the next six months? I understand many traders aren't sure where to start. That's why I built a guide for Mr. Money Maxwell Inner Circle Members called: Passive Trading with MrMoneyMaxwell.com - Grow Your Portfolio with Stocks Under $100 I share with you a watchlist of my favorite names under $100 a share! I give you my strategies for knowing where to buy and where to sell these stocks I walk you through all of the most important information I wish I knew starting out. I will start selling this individually on Gumroad, but for $99.99 a year, you can get this guide RIGHT NOW as an inner circle member, as well as weekly updates from me. For less than $2 a week, this is a bargain to help get you motivated and educated on your trading journey! Join now , before I raise prices. Remember, the journey to trading success isn’t about mastering every tool from day one. It’s about finding that one strategy that is simple and easy for you to follow so it works for you. So after a year, you don't even recognize that person you were before. You become an expert at it, and then slowly expand your strategies from there. The market isn’t going anywhere, and neither should your patience. If you want help figuring out which "screwdriver" to pick first, reach out. Let’s simplify the process and build a strategy that works for you. I'll see you sunday right here! Much sooner in our free discord ! Happy trading, good kids! $Maxwell P.S. Want to dive deeper into strategies that build long-term wealth? Join Mr. Money Maxwell’s inner circle Every week, I share insights from over 20 years of experience to help you master the market, one step at a time. Sign up today and get started on your journey to financial freedom.

10/20/24 As markets approach new highs, it’s a perfect moment to remind ourselves: trading is not just about growing numbers on a screen—it's about turning those profits into real value. Whether it’s paying bills, building wealth, or treating yourself to something special, taking profits matters. For a long time, I was too focused on making more to ever take anything out. I thought keeping every dollar in the market was the way to win. But that mindset kept me from experiencing the rewards I was working so hard for. Let me share a story that really drove this home for me. It was four years ago, right when Airbnb went public. I had a great run with some trades on Airbnb, and I found myself with a sizable profit. But instead of just letting it sit there in my trading account like I usually did, I decided to do something different. I took a chunk of those profits and booked a week-long trip to St. Thomas, USVI. Now, I’d been trading for a long time, but I was always in this habit of reinvesting, always chasing the next gain. Taking money out felt like I was breaking some unspoken rule of trading. But that trip to St. Thomas was a turning point for me—it wasn’t just about a vacation, it was about making trading real. I used those profits to pay for an Airbnb, a rental car, plane tickets, and all the little experiences that made that week unforgettable. For the first time, I saw the true value of what I was doing. Trading wasn’t just a video game with numbers going up and down. It was a tool—a way to create experiences and improve my life in a tangible way. That’s the lesson I want to share: taking profits, even just a small amount, can change the way you view trading. If you have a small account, maybe this means buying yourself a nice coffee with your gains once in a while. If your account is bigger, maybe it’s treating yourself to a trip like I did. The point is, the habit of taking profits, no matter the size, can make a huge difference in your mindset. It reminds you that trading is a tool for enhancing your life, not just accumulating numbers. If you’ve had a good 2024, I urge you to take some money out of your trading account and do something worthwhile. Bonus points if you use those profits to purchase another appreciating asset—build freedom with each step you take. Eguide for Inner Circle Members For those looking to take their trading to the next level, Mr. Money Maxwell Inner Circle members are getting exclusive access to the Passive Trading with MrMoneyMaxwell.com - Grow Your Portfolio with Stocks Under $100 edguide.  This guide is designed to help you grow your portfolio with high-potential, affordable stocks. If you're not already a member, now is a great time to subscribe and get access to this valuable resource. Subscribe to Mr. Money Maxwell Inner Circle today! Weekly Market Recap Now, let’s dive into this week’s market action. With the U.S. presidential election less than three weeks away, I expected more market jitters, but instead, SPY closed at a new all-time high this week! Seems like a wave 5 to me QQQ: Tech is pushing towards new highs as well. Will previous resistance continue, or can tech breakthrough 500? IWM: As we anticipated, IWM is showing bullish action after the first rate cut. Hope all you good kids are in with me on this one. GLD: new all time highs! GLD, TLT, and VIX: Gold is hitting new highs, signaling a search for safety. It’s interesting to see both stocks rising nearly every day and VIX staying elevated—definitely a sign of mixed emotions in the market. VIX elevated despite market strength. Although a little pullback this week. The Greed and Fear Index keeps toggling between greed and extreme greed. It’s natural to feel some FOMO if you're not long right now, and I hate to say it, but you kind of are. However, as smart traders we aren't adding a ton of risk until this turns back to fear. TLT's pullback to the mean suggests the market is unsure about next month’s rate cut. Meanwhile, gold’s strength hints that investors are preparing for turbulence. If we make it through the election without much of a pullback, the market could continue climbing through year-end. It’s important to keep some bullish trades on—bulls love climbing a wall of worry. For my Mr. Money Maxwell Inner Circle members , I’m sharing specific trade ideas to navigate this environment. If you aren’t a member, you might want to consider joining. And remember, I’m also posting almost all of my trades in GKT’s Discord, so come follow along there. As this bull market continues, I’m also staying mindful of the "wall of worry." I’m not outright hedging but I am taking profits on some trades and putting the cash in SGOV to lock in "risk-free" yields while they last. You don’t want to go completely risk-off—bull markets can keep running longer than it seems they should. Let’s stay on the lookout for opportunities, especially with earnings season heating up next week. This week was a great one for trading gap downs in earnings—classic bull market behavior. Buyers are stepping in at every dip. Let’s see what next week has in store! That's all for this week. I'll see you right here next week. Much sooner in discord ! Happy Trading, Good Kids! -$Maxwell

For years, I thought there had to be a perfect strategy to make money in the stock market. I spent so much time searching for that magic formula, certain there was some secret I hadn’t yet uncovered. Maybe it was all about selling premium. Or perhaps long-term shares were the key. I didn’t know—but I was determined to find out. The truth? There isn’t a single "perfect" strategy. The market moves in cycles, and it took me a while to realize that one approach isn’t enough. Selling premium can generate consistent income, but without long-term stock ownership, you’re missing out on the real wealth-building potential of share appreciation. Why Long-Term Shares Matter In today’s fast-paced trading environment, it’s easy to get caught up in the short-term mindset of selling premium. But here’s the thing—if you’re not holding long-term shares, you’re leaving a lot of money on the table. According to J.P. Morgan Asset Management, between 1980 and 2020, 29% of all days in the stock market resulted in all-time highs . This shows that staying invested for the long haul is key to capitalizing on the market’s upward trends. Just selling premium or staying delta-neutral won’t allow you to ride the waves of appreciation the market offers. Historically, the S&P 500 has averaged around 10% annual returns , and much of that comes from share appreciation over time. Like Warren Buffett says, “Our favorite holding period is forever.” When you own shares in quality companies, you not only benefit from their growth but also from dividends, compounding returns, and the potential for significant appreciation over the years. The Limitations of Only Selling Premium Now, don’t get me wrong—selling premium is a great strategy, and I do it myself. But it has its limitations. A study by CBOE shows that options-based strategies can outperform stocks under certain market conditions, but here’s the catch: options don’t appreciate  like shares do when the market trends higher. Take last year’s bull market as an example. Traders who held long-term bullish positions saw far better results than those who stayed neutral or focused solely on selling premium. Why? Because shares appreciate , and if you're not holding them, you're missing out on that growth. A Balanced Approach: Diversify for Long-Term Success Even seasoned traders like Tom Sosnoff focus on staying delta-neutral, constantly adjusting positions to manage risk. But here’s the thing—unless you’re working with a massive account size, this strategy alone won’t build wealth in the long run. The key is to diversify  your approach by combining premium selling with long-term share ownership. This way, you’re smoothing out returns while still capturing the long-term appreciation of stocks. Here’s what I recommend: divide your account into two sections—one for generating income through premium selling, and another for holding long-term shares in high-quality companies. For example, companies like Apple and Microsoft have grown massively in value and provided reliable dividends, further adding to your overall returns. In fact, dividends have contributed to over 40% of the stock market’s total return since 1930 , according to a study by Hartford Funds. Don’t Leave Wealth on the Table If you’re only selling premium and never holding shares, you’re missing out on long-term gains. The market moves in cycles, and the best strategy is one that balances short-term income with long-term growth. Take advantage of both. Build a portfolio that grows steadily over time and in the short term, too. Now’s the time to reassess your strategy— don’t miss out  on the wealth-building power of long-term shares. Trust me, it’s a game-changer. Happy Trading, Good Kids! -$Maxwell PS if you haven't joined MrMoneyMaxwell.com you are missing out on more great content just like this. Be sure to join our free discord for real time updates!

11/13/2024 Hey everyone, I'm back from my cruise, feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the last quarter of 2024. As we head into Q4, it's a great time to take a step back and think about where you are in your financial life—not just your trading account, but the whole picture. Have you maxed out your retirement accounts yet? Roth IRAs and 401(k)s are awesome tools. They let your money compound over time without Uncle Sam dipping into your gains every year. Plus, in a pinch, you can pull out your contributions from a Roth IRA without penalties. For 2024, you can stash away $7,000 ($8,000 if you're age 50 or older). I think this is super important to building wealth. Free Yourself: Pay Down Debt and Save More Let's talk about debt for a minute. I know it's not the most exciting topic, but reducing your debt is a game-changer. High-interest debt—like credit cards —is like dragging a ball and chain around your finances. By paying down that debt, you're not just freeing yourself from monthly payments; you're also freeing up cash that can go straight into your savings or investment accounts. It's all about increasing that gap between what you earn and what you spend. The bigger that gap, the more you can stash away to let compound interest work its magic. Are You Taking Enough Risk? Let's get real for a minute. How do you feel about taking risks? I'm not saying you should throw all your money into the market at all-time highs—that's not smart. But if you're sitting around waiting for levels we might never see again, it's time to rethink your strategy. Remember, we've got defined-risk strategies and we can set stops to protect ourselves. The market doesn't wait for anyone, and sometimes taking calculated risks is what moves the needle. Lessons from the Past 9 Months Looking back at the last nine months, what have you learned? What are you gonna do differently moving forward? For me, my account keeps hitting new all-time highs. I'm not telling you this to brag, but to show you what's possible when you combine saving with taking smart risks. I've built a life of freedom, and I want the same for you. I've been fishing all my life—literally and figuratively. That's why this saying hits home for me: GKT Is About Teaching You to Fish "Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime." Good Kids Trading (GKT) is more than just me handing out trades (though I do share my real-time moves on Discord). It's about teaching you how I trade, how I save, and how I think , so you can find the freedom I've found. I want you to understand: - Why I take certain trades - How to manage risk effectively - The mindset needed to succeed in the markets Mr. Money Maxwell's Inner Circle As we dive into these last three months of 2024, it's time to level up. That's why I'm inviting you to join Mr. Money Maxwell's Inner Circle . In the Inner Circle, we go deeper: - In-Depth Lessons: Learn advanced strategies like put ratio spreads, naked puts, and more. - Real-Time Insights: Get the inside scoop on what's driving my trades. - Community Support: Connect with others on the same journey toward financial freedom. Let's Make Q4 Count So, are you ready to step up your game? Don't let another year pass by without taking control of your financial future. Join me in the Inner Circle, and let's make these last few months of 2024 the start of something big. 👉 Click here to join Mr. Money Maxwell's Inner Circle and start your journey to financial freedom today. Happy Trading Good Kids! Mr. Money Maxwell Weekly Update: SPY: New all time high on Spy once again! I expected a little more pressure heading into the election, but it seems like the market just wants to grind higher. RSP: This shows the overall breath of this rally. New all time high close on RSP this week. TLT- Bonds are looking much weaker than I expected. Will the fed be forced to hold off on a rate cut? QQQ- Teceh put in a nice bullish candle this week, not quite at all time highs. There is some pressure from Google, Tesla and Micorsoft. IWM put in a nice weekly candle which is much needed. The small caps have been weaker than I expected with rate cuts Week ahead: Pretty quiet week news wise, although I expect the market to focus on jobless claims and the strength of the job market is in focus. No dividends aristorcrats or kings this week. Earnings cranking back up Make sure you watch discord for any trades I take!

Normally, each weekend, I dive into charts, strategies, and opportunities to make you money in the market. But this week, I’m coming to you from a very different perspective—writing from Port Canaveral, about to board my second consecutive cruise on Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas . After 1.5 years of non-stop content creation, I decided this was the perfect week to disconnect. Why? Because as traders, we all have a tendency to get overly attached to the market. If you’re anything like me, stocks are always on your mind. But here’s the thing: while the market may seem urgent, freedom and experiences are the real reasons we want that money.   So what does this mean for you? It means you don’t have to be glued to your screen every minute of the trading day to be successful. Yes, I took a couple of trades from the pool deck, but overall, I’ve let my strategies work for me while I enjoy my time away. And that’s exactly what I want to teach you through Mr. Money Maxwell—how to set up your trades and strategies so you can step away without fear .  It’s not just about avoiding the fear of a market crash, it’s about escaping that constant FOMO (fear of missing out).   I’ve said it before: understanding where we are in the market lifecycle and where monetary policy stands is crucial. When you grasp that, and when you follow the strategies I teach through my blog and Discord, you can confidently use techniques that work quietly in the background while you live your life.   Now, whether you're sipping a frozen drink on a tropical island like me or navigating the normal stresses of life, I want you to know this: the stock market can be passive. I believe wholeheartedly that math and time are your greatest allies. Selling premium, collecting dividends, and trading off long-term moving averages are just a few examples of the strategies that have helped me build a life of freedom.    You don’t have to push hard to succeed. In fact, I’ve found that the more you try to force success in the market—by increasing leverage or risk—the quicker it can slip away. The market is not about getting rich quick. After nearly three decades of trading, I can confidently tell you that path doesn't exist. Instead, it’s all about using common-sense strategies that deliver consistent returns over time.   The secret to making more money? It’s simple: save more and invest more . The more capital you have, the more opportunities you can take advantage of. That’s the formula for building wealth and freeing yourself from the grind.   So, here’s my message for this week: stop worrying about being glued to the market. Trust in the systems you’ve set up, revisit your trading plans during downtime, and remember that financial freedom means the market works for you , not the other way around.   At Good Kids Trading and within the Mr. Money Maxwell Inner Circle, my goal isn’t just to give you fish (individual trade ideas), but to teach you how to fish—how to trade like I do. My mission is to show you how to build a life where your money works for you, not the other way around.   I’ll be back next week with my regular stock market insights. For now, I’m going to continue enjoying my downtime. I encourage you to do the same—trust your strategies, take a break, and let the market work for you.   Happy trading, good kids!  -$ Maxwell

9/22/2024 The Fed finally pulled the trigger on rate cuts, with Jay Powell and the FOMC surprising many, including me, by opting for a 0.50 basis point cut instead of the expected 0.25. The market had priced this in, the actual announcement barely moved the needle on Wednesday. But by Thursday, the bulls took over, sending stocks higher. Friday saw a slight pullback with the massive options expiration during triple witching. It makes me wonder—are they playing catch up? We will need to block out the noise and focus on the data as we think about our trading for the remainder of 2024. Checkout the video update!! I've summarized this post as a video! Check it out , do you prefer video updates? Let me know I read EVERY email. 2025 rate projections have the fed funds rate significantly lower One of the key insights comes from the Fed’s dot plot —a chart that shows each Fed member’s projection for the federal funds rate over the next few years. While these projections often miss the mark, we still watch them closely as another data point. Comparing the dot plot from June 2024 to September 2024, there’s a notable difference: June 12th: source: https://www.federalreserve.gov/monetarypolicy/files/fomcprojtabl20240612.pdf Sept 18th  source: https://www.federalreserve.gov/monetarypolicy/files/fomcprojtabl20240918.pdf This shift suggests that the Fed might be anticipating a slowdown, which raises another question—did they wait too long to cut rates? If so, they could risk slowing the economy more than intended. Of course, we won’t know for sure until after the fact—our indicators are always lagging. But it’s something we all should keep in mind moving forward. Blocking out the noise and focusing on the data will be crucial in navigating these next few months. Central Banks and the Bigger Picture What we do know is that central banks are prioritizing financial stability over strict price control, which is usually bullish for stocks. The Fed is now pulling rate cuts forward to 2024-2025, and both U.S. and global liquidity are expected to rise into next year. This points to more upside for equities. Meanwhile, the Bank of Japan is likely to stay on the sidelines, avoiding any major disruptions. The Election Looms: More Volatility Ahead? Looking ahead, the next big event on the horizon is the U.S. election. Historically, markets don’t like uncertainty, so I expect volatility to creep in as we get closer. This chart below from TastyLive is a good data point to confirm a bearish Sept, and a volatile Oct on average. Mr Money Maxwell Inner Circle I've posted a video of trade ideas and strategies for inner circle members. If you aren't a member you should join the inner circle now while I have a reduced rate of $2 a week (for a limited time). 45 minute video this week, guides in depth analysis and strategies I've used to find freedom all waiting for you! Seasonal Headwinds: Stay Cautious From a seasonality standpoint, we're entering a historically weak period for stocks—the tail end of September and early October tend to be bearish. Will this year follow the same pattern? Hard to say, but I like to keep things simple. My Simple, Boring Style: Buy Low, Sell High I’m a straightforward trader. I like to buy low and sell high. With markets continually hitting new highs and a binary event like the election just around the corner, I’m staying cautious. My positive delta is shrinking week by week as I dial back exposure. But that doesn’t mean I’m out. When I see opportunities—like during market rotation or earnings season—I’m selling premium. The good kids caught several trades this week that closed profitably the next day. There are still chances out there, but this isn’t the time to go "all-in" on risk. Buying at all-time highs in the short term is tough for me. Instead, I’m focused on trades that benefit from theta decay or swing setups in certain sectors.   My Plan Moving Forward While I subscribe to a few research services, the outlooks are mixed—some predict SPX could hit 6,000 by year’s end. But let's be real, no one truly knows what the market will do. It’s always educated guesses with varying levels of support behind them. In terms of our longer term portfolio remember the market has a positive drift. I think keeping positive delta makes sense. I wrote about it here : I’m going to stay nimble and see what the market gives us. My strategy is simple: take trades that align with my style and avoid chasing tops. I share many of my trades in real-time on Discord, along with trade ideas and analysis for Mr. Money Maxwell Inner Circle Members . If you haven’t joined yet, now’s the time! Membership is currently available at a discounted price of $99.99 for the entire year. Weekly Update Spy: another new all time high. We are very extended from the moving averages, we can of course keep going higher, but I would like a little pull back before I add too much risk. QQQ- we broke through the down trend with a nice close. QQQ might continue higher, but it needs to hold this trend line. META is by far the strongest. RSP- equal weighted SP500 looks good too. This proves the overall market is strong. TLT- Still looking good, just taking a little rest here. Rate cuts were already priced in . GLD- I really hope you all took this trade with me from a few weeks ago. However, this strength in gold is a bit concerning from a risk off perspective. This is a warning sign. VIX/VX- Volatility is down. I think (hope) we see some increase as we get closer to the election. The market hates uncertainty, this should be reflected in VIX IWM- Small caps should benefit from rate cuts as smaller companies depend on debt for growth. As rates come down they should benefit! We have a break over the pennant. XLU hit new all time highs- I hope you caught the trade with me on Thursday. However, this is another sign of risk off rotation. Just another sign we should be careful on too much risk. Upcoming Dividends There are no dividend aristocrats or dividend kings with Ex-Dividends this week! Week Ahead MU and COST earnings! That’s all for this week. Mr Money Maxwell Inner Circle members make sure you checkout the youtube video  I made just for you! Click that hyperlink to join the inner circle for trade ideas as well as strategies for this market! Happy Trading, Good Kids! -$Maxwell

After high school, I worked for my dad's plumbing company as part of his plan to push me toward college (which worked well, but that's a different story). I was excited to operate the big machines, but instead, this was my tool: I was handed a shovel. That summer, I learned a lesson that applies directly to options trading. While I expected to play on the backhoe (yes that is an actual picture of my dad on a backhoe), installing water and sewer systems. I spent most of my time with a shovel, digging trenches and learning the job from the ground up. This experience would later shape my approach to options trading. If they let a teenager run a backhoe can you image how much damage I could have done? Forget about getting the water lines to the building, what about all the underground hazards I didn't know about? Just like in plumbing, options trading can feel overwhelming with its complex strategies and leverage. From defined-risk trades like spreads or iron condors to higher-risk plays like naked puts or strangles, jumping to complex strategies too soon can lead to bigger losses. The most successful traders, much like the best plumbers, master a few simple, well-executed strategies before taking on more leverage. Let’s explore why focusing on one basic strategy—your "shovel"—can lead to consistent profits and long-term success. The Power of the Shovel: Lessons from the Trenches Learn to Manage the Dirt : With a shovel, I learned to move small amounts of dirt, ensuring the trench was level and at the right depth. In trading : this means understanding how a basic strategy, like selling puts, get super comfortable with managing these before moving on to different strategies. Build Strength and Precision : Each shovelful of dirt seemed small, but over time, I gained valuable insights. In trading : each small trade builds your understanding of risk management, strike price selection, and theta decay. Don't focus on the size of the win, focus on the process. Minimize Damage : Jumping to use the backhoe without proper experience could cause chaos—digging too deep or damaging pipes. In trading: this leads to unexpected losses from complex strategies you don’t fully understand, you will lose while trading, learn how to manage with small trades first. Consistency Over Complexity : Even after learning to use bigger machines, there were still times when a shovel was the best tool for the job. In trading: if your simple trading strategy is generating steady profits, stick with it! We always want to make things better but sometimes staying small and staying mechanical is perfect! Focusing on one strategy allows you to: Improve Win Rate : Mastering a strategy increases your success rate. Optimize Position Sizing : Better understanding leads to more effective risk management. Compound Growth : Consistent small gains add up. A 1% monthly return compounded over 5 years results in a 79.6% total return. I eventually graduated to larger trades using larger equipment, you’ll know you're ready for more complex trading strategies when: You consistently generate profits with your simple strategy. You know how to adjust to different market conditions. You can effectively manage risk and position sizing. Action Plan: Start Digging into Options Mastery Choose Your Shovel : Pick a basic strategy (Selling Puts, Wheels). Practice Your Technique : Paper trade to refine your skills without risking real money. Start Small : Begin with small real-money trades to experience actual market dynamics. Keep a Trading Journal : Track your progress and identify areas for improvement. Stick to What Works : Don’t complicate things if your strategy is profitable. It’s not about having the biggest machine—it’s about mastering the tools you have. Start with your "shovel" strategy, perfect it, and watch as you efficiently dig your way to trading success, one precisely controlled scoop at a time. I talk strategy here in the blog, share trades in our Discord , and provide even more specific details to my Mr. Money Maxwell Inner Circle . While I believe there is an edge to be found, the truth remains: over time, buying and holding is historically profitable. Happy trading, good kids! -$Maxwell

What a Difference a Week Makes in the Market This time last week, things were looking bleak in the market. Bears were in control, and investors were wondering if the end of this bull run was near. It felt like the market could unravel at any moment. The pessimism was palpable. The much anticipated rate cut is finally here. Does this mean we aren’t just moments away from the most important CPI report of our lives? Will the market finally stop watching each job report like our financial future depends on it? Lets not get too far ahead of ourselves. I have lots to cover this week, lets jump in. Fast forward to this week, look at the heatmap from this Friday and last Friday. I posted this to our discord . But if there’s one thing you learn in trading, it’s that the market loves to surprise us. Wednesday things looked pretty rough in the morning, but by the afternoon, the major indexes—SPY, QQQ, and IWM—had formed a strong hammer pattern. That shift sparked a rally that took off like a rocket. With a potential Fed rate cut on the horizon, I want to be bullish, but I’m still cautious. The CME FedWatch tool  shows a 50-50 split between a 0.25% or 0.50% cut. No one knows for sure, my bet is on a conservative 0.25% cut, this strength in the market makes me feel like the market is expecting a cut of 0.50%. Powell has been cautious with his easing so far, and though the labor market looks weak, a smaller more conservative approach fits his style in my opinion. The market is pricing in perfection. That makes me cautious here. Of course we can rip higher, so small swings make sense to me. Yet, despite the bullish market setup, there's one thing that makes me pause: gold. It’s hitting all-time highs too. If you’ve been following my newsletters, you’ll know how much I value technical analysis. Remember the doji pattern I highlighted last week? It’s playing out perfectly. If you played this doji congratulations my friend! So where do we go from here? That’s what I’ll be diving into today as I review the major indexes, upcoming dividends, and economic news for the upcoming. But before I jump into the weekly breakdown, I need to let you in on something important. What You’re Missing Out On: Mr. Money Maxwell’s Inner Circle If you’re not a member of my Inner Circle yet, now’s the time to consider joining . It’s no secret I built my wealth in the stock market. I’m sharing personal insights and even trade ideas for balancing wealth-building with active trading are reserved for the Inner Circle. These are the techniques that have given me the freedom I enjoy today, and I want to help you achieve the same. I also give trade ideas for you to consider. Some of them are bangers! For just $99.99 a year, you’ll gain full access to everything I’ve learned in nearly three decades of trading. But don’t wait too long—this offer won’t last forever. You’re missing out on the insights my members are already using to transform their trading. Ready to level up? You also get access to my dividend watchlists. Don’t just take my word for it: Quote for Thought: "The way I see it, day traders considered themselves successful if they bought a stock at $10 and sold it at $11, bought it back the next week at $24 and sold it at $25, and bought it a week later at $39, and sold at $40. If you can’t see the flaw in this—that the trader made $3 in a stock that appreciated by $30—you probably shouldn’t read this book." — Howard Marks     SPY:  Bullish doesn’t quite describe this week’s powerful candle, we’re .5% off all time highs. I see people saying is this a triple top. My only concern here is if the market is getting to far ahead of itself rate cut wise. What’s the risk to reward here. We have an election, we have possible recession talk, the market is pricing in perfection. QQQ: Tech has experienced a bit of a sell off but had a nice rebound this week. We’re really close to breaking the trendline (especially if you don’t use the wicks). Just like I mentioned with SPY the market is pricing in perfection. IWM:  What I hope to see if the small caps benefit from this rate cut. It’s been a tough go, and the downward trend line is obvious. Lets look for another pop after the cut. I know it’s too obvious almost. GLD:  this is the biggest concern I think stock bulls should pay attention to. Gold is a flight to safety. It’s where people go when a recession is coming. I’m in bullish on gold based on the doji I showed you last week. I hope you are too, even if this is a warning sign. TLT: As interest rates get cut, bonds go up. Again this is so obvious that I don’t know how else to say it. Needless to say I’m in and bullish on TLT. VIX:  There is an inverse between VIX and Equites. VIX down, stocks up… Do you know VIX is the only mean reverting underlying? We talk about it for stocks and moving averages, but VIX is the real mean reverter. SPYD-  I’m known as a dividend guy… Do you want my dividend watchlists? Even if you want to invest in dividend ETFs. My inner circle  has access. I’ve been in this for months.  Upcoming Dividends I’m in KO and ALB. The charts are night and day 😊 Dividend Aristocrats Dividend Kings Week Ahead Wednesday is the focus as we get a rate cut. Also reminder this Friday is triple witching with a lot of options expiring! That’s all for this week. Earnings I’m watching GIS and FDX. I’m actually in both positions. I want to go slow until after Wednesday. We need to see what the market is going to do. I’ll see you next week. Much Sooner in our discord!

Most traders know this one simple truth: the stock market goes up over time . It's been happening for over a century. The market has a positive drift , largely because the U.S. government is constantly injecting money into the economy and driving value-added growth. This means that if you want to make money in the stock market, you can simply invest in quality companies  and wait. Over the long term, the market trends upward. In fact, the average annual return of the S&P 500 over the past 30 years is 10.52%  (assuming dividends are reinvested). Even adjusted for inflation, the return is still a healthy 7.78% . But if you’re reading this, I’m guessing you’re not here just to ride the wave of positive drift. You want more. You want to beat the market—not just coast along with it. Sure, we could all put our money into ultra-low-risk vehicles that passively benefit from the market’s upward trend. Over time, we’d accumulate wealth by simply taking advantage of positive drift. For many, that strategy works, with no need for fancy strategies or technical analysis. But if you're here, you likely aren’t interested in doing just that. You enjoy playing the game —testing your skills and finding ways to beat the average market returns. You understand that markets don’t go straight up in the short term, and those who know how to navigate volatility  can capitalize on opportunities that buy-and-hold investors miss. That’s why Good Kids  use math, probability, and technical analysis . We’re not chasing secrets or looking for get-rich-quick schemes. Instead, we want to build a simple system that stacks the odds in our favor . The market’s positive drift is only part of the story. Yes, the market has averaged around 10.52% returns over the last 30 years , but for those willing to go beyond holding and waiting, there are opportunities to outperform. We aim for more by: Selling puts  during periods of high volatility. Timing entries and exits  based on technical patterns. Adding uncorrelated products  to our portfolios to reduce risk and boost returns. Overweighting and Underweighting sectors according based on market cycles Managing Delta based on short term market direction In a world where the market’s beta (or baseline return) is enough for most, we’re looking for that extra edge —something that pushes our performance beyond positive drift. And here’s the thing: it’s possible . Research from firms like Tastytrade shows that adding strategies like options selling  can improve long-term performance compared to passive investing alone. If you’re ready to move past the simple concept that “markets go up over time” and start stacking probabilities in your favor, then it’s time to dig deeper. Whether it’s: Using volatility  to your advantage. Analyzing patterns for reversals . Leveraging uncorrelated assets  to diversify risk and optimize returns. There’s more to trading than simply following the positive drift. I talk strategy here in the blog, share trades in our Discord , and provide even more specific details to my Mr. Money Maxwell Inner Circle . While I believe there is an edge to be found, the truth remains: over time, buying and holding is historically profitable. Happy trading, good kids! -$Maxwell

9/8/2024 September is historically a tough month for the markets. Whether or not seasonality is real, the first week of September certainly feels like it is. After that V-shaped recovery in August, I’ve been raising cash and hedging with collars on all my positions. If I’m called away at all-time highs, so be it—there’s easy money in treasuries like SGOV right now. I’ve been writing about this here and posting my thoughts in discord for a while now, so I guess it’s no secret! Yes, rate cuts are on the horizon, but that doesn’t mean we should rush in. I’m being selective, and you should be too. When the market’s near its high, why chase risk for a 7% return when treasuries are offering a solid 5% pretty much risk free? The real opportunities come when we can target 15-30% returns—and we’re getting closer to that risk to reward as the market keeps pulling back. I’ve talked about my plans for a soft vs hard landing. While volatility will ramp up as we head into the election season, don’t expect the market to go straight down. Even in bear markets, aggressive bull moves happen. My hedges have been paying off during this pullback, and my dividends remain strong. Want the inside scoop? For months, I’ve been laying out the groundwork for those in the Mr. Money Maxwell Inner Circle . Specific dividend ideas, what I’m doing for a soft landing versus a recession. This week I’m sharing my exact hedging strategy from this week for members. I want you to build a system where you can make money as the market pulls back just like I did this week. My step-by-step analysis helps you build a strategy simple enough for anyone to follow. As we head into fall, this public blog, Maxwell’s Market Mindset, will get shorter and more concise. The best content—like my exact hedging strategies, ebooks, trade setups, and personal market insights—will only be available to Inner Circle members. At $99 a year (less than $2 a week), this is your chance to gain access to premium content before prices rise. I’m not pushing you to join, just giving you the opportunity to lock in this value while it’s available. With volatility high and new opportunities forming, now’s the time to get ahead of the market with a simple, effective plan. The Inner Circle will get my full breakdowns to help navigate these tricky waters and make money regardless of market direction. You in? Join Here     Weekly Charts: SPY - Is spy a double top of are we going to s curve higher? I think the market will remain volatile as we head into November’s election. The market is trying to figure out which candidate’s policies we’ll have for the next 4 years. What normally happens is once we find out, things will chill out.  Perhaps I’m too bullish all the time, but I think if we can keep dipping it will be a good buying opportunity heading into the end of the year.     QQQ - Tech looks really weak. This is not a surprise to the inner circle. I sold and collared all of my tech into the strength last month. So far that was a good call.   RSP  is the equal weighted SPY, meaning tech isn’t as strong. Although we have an evening star reversal up there (the red box). It looks stronger than SPY and QQQ. This means the market still has some strength, although this week was weak. This is a good sign of a healthy market rotation.   Do you know how to trade an evening star reversal? Did you see the blog about my favorite chart patterns ? I’m not shorting RSP, I would look to buy on a pull back. Maybe off the moving averages? Have you downloaded my free guide to make your chart look like my chart? Download it here . Moving averages are important to my trading.     VIX is spiking a bit, makes sense as we sell off, also the uncertainty heading into November maybe we can see VOL staying bid so we can sell some premium? Remember if you sell puts, you are agreeing to buy lower, if the stock doesn’t drop below the strike you just keep the premium. We want to see VIX stay elevated. Just not in the 60’s in a single day pretty please.   TLT-  I don’t know how to say it any other way. You should be in TLT, this is going to go up as rates come down. I’ve been for a year, I don’t think it’s too late, consider buying the dip or just buy it… (disclaimer: this is not trading advice).     GLD  had indecision this week. Gold has been a flight to safety and I don’t think that will change. I’m bullish, but maybe we have a little sideways movement for a bit? Iron condor, Strangle, or a bullish strategy makes sense to me.     Upcoming Dividends I like a lot of these companies with ex dividends next week. Checkout discord and see which ones I trade! Dividend Kings Dividend Aristocrats   Week Ahead September 11th this week. Take a few moments to reflect? I know I will.. CPI /PPI this week.   Earnings: ORCL and ADBE this week   Inner Circle update: This week I'm.... Remember to revisit the stock ideas I shared in the Soft vs. Hard Landing PDF.... The best move here? .... I’m sharing exactly what has worked for me over the past 20 years, and I know that if you follow along, you’ll see similar success. If you want the complete sentences and all my best content you should join the inner circle. Prices go up this month! Join Today Happy Trading Good Kids! -$Maxwell

When you're new to trading, the jargon can feel like a major roadblock. Terms like "ATM," "IV," and "LEAPS" might make you feel like you're missing out on an exclusive club where everyone else knows the secret language. But before you let trading lingo intimidate you into staying on the sidelines, here are four reasons why you shouldn’t let it hold you back. 1. Everyone Starts Confused—Even the Pros When I first dove into the world of trading, I was completely overwhelmed by the jargon. It felt like everyone else had a secret handbook, and I was just trying to keep up. But guess what? Even the most successful traders were once in the same boat. They didn’t understand the lingo at first either. Trading is a skill, and like any skill, it takes time to learn the language. The important thing is to start, even if you don’t feel fluent yet. 2. The Market Isn’t Rigged Against You It’s easy to feel like the market is stacked against you, especially when you don’t understand the terminology. But the truth is, the market doesn’t care if you’re a beginner or an expert. It’s a level playing field. The only difference between those who succeed and those who don’t is persistence. The jargon is just one small part of the learning curve. Don’t let it convince you that you’re not cut out for trading. 3. Resources Are Everywhere (GKT's Discord!) At Good Kids Trading, we recognized how daunting trading jargon can be, so we updated our Discord with resources to help decode the terms. Whether it's a glossary of key phrases or a breakdown of complex strategies, these tools are designed to make trading more accessible. The internet is also full of educational materials, from videos to forums, that can help you understand the language of the market. With the right resources, the lingo will start to make sense in no time. 4. It All Becomes Natural Over Time The best part about trading lingo is that, over time, it becomes second nature. Words and phrases that once seemed like a foreign language will eventually become part of your everyday vocabulary. The more you engage with the market, the more comfortable you'll become. Before long, you’ll find yourself using terms like "ITM" and "OTM" without even thinking about it. The key is to keep going, even when it feels overwhelming. Don’t let trading jargon hold you back. Everyone starts confused, but with persistence, resources, and time, it all starts to make sense. Remember, the market isn’t rigged against you—it just takes a little time to learn the rules. Dive in, use the resources available, and soon enough, you’ll be speaking the language of the market fluently. Join the Inner Circle If you want more insight from someone who’s been an investor for almost 30 years and a trader for over 20,  sign up for Mr. Money Maxwell’s Inner Circle . For the next two weeks, the price is reduced during the soft launch. But hurry—prices go up in September! Join our Good Kids Trading  Discord  community for real-time market updates, and be sure to subscribe  to our email list if you haven't yet—I'll see you on the blog next week and much sooner in Discord! Happy trading, good kids! -$Maxwell

9/1/2024 September is here, that means the much-anticipated rate cuts are likely on the horizon. The big question: will it be a modest 0.25% cut or a more significant 0.50%? As we head into this pivotal moment, I recommend bookmarking the CME FedWatch Tool . It’s going to be your go-to resource as we navigate these rate changes.   What Do Rate Cuts Mean for Us? Whether we’re heading for a soft landing or a recession, the initial steps often look similar—starting with rate cuts. But what’s the difference? Mr Money Maxwell Inner Circle  members have my exact game plan! In a soft landing , the Federal Reserve lowers interest rates just enough to cool down inflation without stalling economic growth. This scenario allows the economy to continue growing at a slower, more sustainable pace, avoiding a sharp downturn. The stock market tends to react positively because the lower rates reduce borrowing costs for businesses and consumers, supporting continued investment and spending. However, if those rate cuts turn out to be more aggressive or frequent, it could signal that the economy is in worse shape than expected. This could lead to a recession , where economic activity contracts, unemployment rises, and the stock market takes a hit. In this scenario, the Fed might be cutting rates to stimulate the economy, but the deeper underlying issues could cause a significant downturn. Many of the subscriptions I follow are hopeful for a soft landing, and this optimism is reflected in the monthly candles I’ve been reviewing, which show a positive outlook. If Fed Chair Jay Powell manages to strike the right balance, it could reinforce confidence in the market and support a smoother economic transition.   Monthly Market Recap: August's Wild Ride As we head into the holiday weekend and close out the month, it’s the perfect time to review the monthly candles. Before diving in, let’s run through the quick Mr. Money Maxwell Checklist :  Watchlist Ready:  Do you have a curated watchlist of key stocks? Zoom Out:  Have you looked at the bigger picture by reviewing monthly and weekly charts? Support and Resistance:  Have you identified and marked the key support and resistance levels on your watchlist? Moving Averages:  Have you checked the relevant moving averages for each stock? Favorite Chart Patterns:  Do you remember the 7 chart patterns I rely on? Keep them in mind as you analyze.   If you’re serious about taking your trading to the next level, now’s the time to join the inner circle . Get exclusive access to my watchlists, insights, and the specific names I’m tracking closely. Plus, you'll be locked in at the current price before it goes up next month.     SPY:  My friends, the S&P 500 gave us a huge hammer candle this month. The first three days were brutal, with the index gapping down more each day. At one point, we were down almost 8%, and the panic was palpable. But if you zoomed out, the pullback wasn’t as significant as it felt. The bigger story was the spike in the VIX, which we’ll get to in a second. What will September bring? Honestly, no one knows for sure. Just keep in mind that, from a seasonality standpoint, September is historically a bearish month.  It’s crucial we don’t see the index close below this monthly candle. Consider reading my hedge document if you haven’t already.     QQQ: Tech also saw a big hammer. Also again, tech is normally weak in September. Notice the higher lows (yes, I drew a purple trend line), which suggest that people are selling their tech stocks and rotating into other sectors. How can we tell? Just take a look at RSP.   RSP: A really powerful hammer on the equal-weighted S&P 500, which balances out the dominance of the “Magnificent 7.” This broadening market strength is encouraging. If we had seen lower lows here, I’d be much more concerned.   VIX: The spike in the VIX was August’s headline. I’ve read countless articles dissecting this spike, with some hypothesizing that there were calculation errors or technical issues. Whatever the reason, the surge in fear was real, leading to margin calls for those over-leveraged. If you were a “good” good kid, you sold some volatility with us on that dreadful Monday when the VIX hit the mid-60s after being stuck under 20 for what felt like forever.   GLD: What we’re seeing in gold seems to be a rush to safety. I’m continuing to look for bullish trades in gold and gold miners, as I believe this could be a strong play even if we don’t get a recession. That bearish doji we saw in June? It’s healthy! Remember, it’s not normal for stocks (or commodities) to go straight up every single month.     TLT:  Although the upper wick on TLT indicates some selling pressure, we still got a close above the 200-day moving average on the monthly chart. I’m still bullish on TLT, even though some of my swing trades have already hit their targets.     Final Thoughts: What a crazy month! August started out super bearish and ended on a bullish note. I’ve been super bullish on XLU and mentioned some specific names to the M$M inner circle members:     M$M Trade Ideas: Inner circle members have 5 trade ideas. If you haven't subscribed hurry as prices go up this month! Join here Trading vs. Investing: Remember the Timeframe   I want to emphasize the importance of distinguishing between trading and investing—and understanding the timeframe for each. While headlines might scream about Warren Buffett sitting on piles of cash or predict an impending crash (and let’s be honest, there’s always talk of a crash), it’s essential to remember that not investing is often more risky than having your money in the market. Checkout this graph I found on Reddit: This is a recurring theme because it’s vital: an uninvested dollar loses value over time, especially with inflation eroding its purchasing power. The stock market might be volatile in the short term, but over the long term, it’s proven to be the greatest wealth builder in history. I’ve heard the arguments about the U.S. potentially losing its global edge, the rise of other countries, and the potential of blockchain and crypto. While these are intriguing discussions, the U.S. stock market has a long history of resilience and recovery. Trying to time the market is nearly impossible, so staying invested is key. Upcoming Dividends I like a lot of these companies with ex dividends next week. Checkout discord and see which ones I trade! Dividend Kings Dividend Aristocrats   Week Ahead Shortened holiday week, but we still have a busy week as the labor market remains in focus. Jolts/ADP/then Friday Jobs report A few interesting earnings: Rates for Mr Money Maxwell's Inner Circle are going up this month! It's less than $2 a week for my best information. Join today! Happy Trading Good Kids! $Maxwell