By Siri · March 2026 · 6 min read
Most people think options are complicated and risky. And they can be. But one options strategy — the wheel — is essentially just getting paid to wait for a stock you already want to own. Here is how it works.
If you want to buy a stock, why not get paid while you wait for your price? That is exactly what selling cash-secured puts does. You sell someone the right to sell you 100 shares at a specific price. They pay you a premium. If the stock drops to that price, you buy it — cheaper than today. If it does not, you keep the premium and do it again.
Pick a stock you want to own. Choose a strike price you would be happy buying at. Sell a put option at that strike. Collect the premium immediately.
Example: SOFI at $17.85. You sell a $16 put for $0.69. You collect $69.
You set aside $1,600 as collateral (100 shares × $16).
You keep the $69 premium. Free money. Sell another put next month. Repeat.
You buy 100 shares at $16. But your effective cost is $15.31 (after the $69 premium). You own a stock you wanted, cheaper than today. Now move to Step 2.
Now you own the shares. Sell call options against them — collect more premium while you hold. If the stock rises above your call strike, your shares get called away at a profit. Then go back to Step 1.
The wheel generates consistent income on stocks you believe in long-term. It reduces your cost basis on every share you own. And it turns waiting — something most investors do impatiently — into a productive, income-generating activity. For a 5-year retirement horizon, even $100-200/month in premium income compounds meaningfully.
Only wheel stocks you genuinely want to own — you may end up holding them
If the stock drops 50%, your premium does not save you much
Requires options approval at your brokerage (Level 2)
Best on stocks with higher implied volatility — more premium to collect
Pick one stock you have been watching. Check if options are available. Look at the put chain 30-45 days out. See what premium you could collect at a strike 8-10% below current price. Just look — no commitment required.
Disclaimer: Options trading involves risk. This is not financial advice. Consult a qualified financial advisor before trading options.