Anyone mystified by stock options or who simply dismisses them as too speculative will find Getting Started in Options an excellent first read on the subject. Beginning with the premise that it's not the complexity of the investment but that of its language that makes options difficult for new investors to understand, author Michael C. Thomsett has created a guided tour through the lexicon. The result is a nontechnical introduction to these specialized markets.

The book carefully and completely defines the terminology, explains options investing step by step, and presents strategies so that it is easy to understand at each level of risk involved. Choosing the right stock, buying and selling options, and combining techniques are all covered in increasing complexity, but this is a book for beginners, and those with basic knowledge of the subject will want to seek out more advanced reading.

The biggest drawback of this book is that, for some reason, the text is printed in green ink, making it somewhat more difficult to read and probably impossible for those who are green-colorblind. Publisher, take note! --Scott HarrisonIn easy-to-follow terms, Getting Started in Options, Sixth Edition thoroughly demystifies the options markets, distinguishes the imagined risks from the real ones, and arms readers with the facts they need to make informed investment decisions. The accessible, step-by-step format of this guide includes the latest examples, charts, and additions to reflect the changing markets. It also includes new and updated discussions on other options issues, such as Long-Term Equity Anticipation Securities (LEAPS) and the intricacies of options taxation, as well as understandable instructions about how to master options terminology and concepts, read the market, utilize new online resources, and more. Filled with in-depth insights and practical advice, this straightforward resource shows readers how options work as well as where they can fit into anyone’s personal investment plan.A completely revised and updated edition of the popular guide to understanding and utilizing options In nontechnical, easy-to-follow terms, Getting Started in Options, Fifth Edition thoroughly demystifies the options markets, distinguishes the imagined risks from the real ones, and arms investors with the facts they need to make informed decisions. This bestselling guide to understanding options includes such new material as references to online sites relevant to options investors; information on how to pick brokerage firms; detailed explanations of risk; bailout points; how to pick stocks for options investing; and how put options can enhance portfolio returns. This Fifth Edition also contains new examples, updated charts, and timely additions to reflect important changes in the market. Michael C. Thomsett (Port Townsend, WA) is a financial writer with many books and hundreds of articles to his credit, including the four previous editions of Getting Started in Options. He has been a management consultant in the securities industries and is an active options trader.