In this episode of Wealth Building with Options, Dan dives deep into the three critical criteria for selecting the best strike and expiration when selling cash-secured puts:

• Support levels
• Theta (both straight and aggregate)
• Implied volatility and skew

Dan breaks down the logic behind what makes these factors so valuable—especially for investors who want to either generate premium or strategically acquire stock. He shares some "campfire knowledge" and real-world tactics that go far beyond theory and into practical application.

Dan is joined by John Kmiecik, who shares how he guides students to find optimal support levels using multiple timeframes, how he filters out the chart “noise,” and what technical indicators (like RSI and moving averages) may or may not be worth your time.

Whether you're trying to invest more confidently or fine-tune your entry points, this episode will give you a sharper lens for executing cash-secured put strategies like a pro.

• Why support lines are crucial for choosing put strikes—and how to spot them using multiple timeframes
• The difference between straight theta and aggregate theta—and how both affect decision-making
• How to evaluate weekend theta and avoid the trap of holding options through unnecessary decay
• Why volatility skew (vertical and horizontal) matters when selecting expirations and strikes
• How to think in terms of 7-day decay periods to uncover the best value across different expirations
• Why trading doesn’t have to be overcomplicated—and how to eliminate the noise from your charts

“Some of this is campfire knowledge... but a lot of it is what I’ve learned from trading for decades.” — Dan Passarelli

“Support and resistance have made it through thick and thin with me. I’ve divorced a lot of technical indicators, but I’m still married to support.” — John Kmiecik

“It’s not just about the flat theta number—it’s about knowing what that number really means over time.” — John Kmiecik

• Video Extra: Visual breakdown of straight vs. aggregate theta (available to premium subscribers)
• Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options (Options Disclosure Document)
• Subscribe for bonus content at wealthbuildingwithoptions.substack.com

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And if you found this episode helpful, share it with a fellow investor. The more we learn together, the more we grow.

Disclosure:

Options involve risk and are not suitable for all investors. Prior to buying or selling an option, investors must read Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options (ODD) which can be found at https://www.theocc.com/company-information/documents-and-archives/options-disclosure-document

Don’t trade with money you are not prepared to lose. Anything discussed on this show is intended to be generalized information and not intended to be a recommendation to buy or sell any security. The host and guests are not familiar with listeners’ specific situations. For trading information relevant to your specific needs, speak with a licensed broker or advisor.

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