🍲 One Evening, Three Small Trades, A Few Hai Di Lao Meals – My Cash-Secured Put Journey For NVDA

There are many ways to measure progress in investing. Some people focus on portfolio value, while others measure annual returns. I like to keep things simple. Sometimes, I measure my option premium by something meaningful that I can enjoy with my family—a nice meal together at Hai Di Lao.

On this trading day, I completed three short-term NVIDIA cash-secured put trades. None of the profits were huge individually, but together they reminded me that disciplined execution and consistent risk management can gradually build results over time.

📈 Trade 1 – Locking in a Small Profit

Earlier in the day, I sold one NVIDIA cash-secured put with:

Option Code: NVDA 20260828 Put 195
Expiry: 28 August 2026
Strike Price: US$195
Sell Price: US$6.15

Later, I bought the same contract back at US$5.90.

Result

US$0.25 × 100 shares = US$25 (before commissions and fees).

Although the maximum profit would have been larger if I held until expiry, I preferred to lock in a gain and reduce my exposure. Capital preservation is always more important than trying to squeeze out every last dollar.

💰 Trade 2 – Quick Premium Capture

Later that evening, I opened another cash-secured put.

Option Code: NVDA 20260918 Put 200
Expiry: 18 September 2026
Strike Price: US$200
Sell Price: US$9.60

Shortly afterwards, I closed it at US$9.46.

Result

US$0.14 × 100 shares = US$14 (before commissions and fees).

Once again, I was happy to take a modest profit instead of waiting for expiry.

🚀 Trade 3 – Another Opportunity Appears

Not long after closing the second position, premium levels became attractive again, so I decided to sell another contract using the same strike and expiry.

Option Code: NVDA 20260918 Put 200
Expiry: 18 September 2026
Strike Price: US$200
Sell Price: US$9.59

The following trading session, I bought it back at US$9.40.

Result

US$0.19 × 100 shares = US$19 (before commissions and fees).

This was another example of letting the market come to me instead of chasing prices. When the opportunity appeared, I collected premium and later closed the trade after capturing part of the available profit.

🧮 Small Premiums Add Up

Across the three completed trades:

✅ Trade 1: US$25
✅ Trade 2: US$14
✅ Trade 3: US$19

Total Realised Premium

US$58 (before commissions and fees).

At current exchange rates, this is roughly S$70–80, enough to contribute towards a few Hai Di Lao meals or a meaningful family outing.

The objective isn’t to become wealthy overnight. Instead, I focus on making sensible decisions repeatedly while managing risk.

🍜 Turning Option Premium into Family Memories

Instead of measuring success only by numbers on a screen, I sometimes think about what those premiums can provide in everyday life.

A few successful trades can help pay for dinner with family.

Looking at the birthday photo reminds me why I invest in the first place. Trading is not about constantly chasing the next dollar. It is about creating more opportunities to spend quality time with the people I care about.

The market will always be there tomorrow.

Family moments are much harder to replace.

🐶 Why I Like Cash-Secured Puts

Selling cash-secured puts is a strategy that suits investors who are prepared to buy shares at a predetermined price.

Before opening any position, I ensure I have enough cash available if assignment occurs.

Remember:

1 option contract = 100 shares.

If assigned, I purchase 100 shares at the strike price.

If the option expires worthless or I buy it back early, I keep some or all of the premium collected, depending on the outcome.

📊 Choosing My Strike Prices

I usually prefer selling puts below the current share price.

This provides a cushion if the stock declines.

However, a lower strike does not eliminate risk. If NVIDIA falls significantly below my strike price, I may still be assigned and own the shares at that agreed price.

That is why I only sell cash-secured puts on companies that I am comfortable owning for the long term.

⏳ Why I Often Close Early

Many investors hold options until expiry.

My approach is slightly different.

If I have already captured part of the premium and feel that the remaining reward is small compared with the remaining risk, I often choose to close the trade.

Closing early can:

Reduce overnight market risk.
Release capital for new opportunities.
Lock in realised profits.
Improve overall portfolio flexibility.

Every investor has a different style. The important thing is to follow a plan that matches your own objectives and risk tolerance.

⚠️ Risk Management Always Comes First

Although all three trades were profitable, selling cash-secured puts is not risk-free.

Some important considerations include:

NVIDIA’s share price can fall sharply.
Assignment means buying 100 shares per contract.
Adequate cash should be available before entering the trade.
Option prices are affected by time decay, implied volatility and market movement.

Risk management remains more important than chasing higher premiums.

🎯 Consistency Beats Excitement

Many traders look for huge wins.

I prefer consistency.

Small premiums collected repeatedly can gradually accumulate over time, provided I continue managing risk responsibly.

Not every trade will be profitable.

Losses are part of investing.

The goal is not perfection—it is maintaining a disciplined process over many trades.

❤️ Investing with Purpose

Every realised premium has a purpose.

Sometimes it pays for dinner.

Sometimes it is reinvested into the next opportunity.

Sometimes it simply stays in cash while I patiently wait for another attractive setup.

Seeing a birthday celebration with family reminds me that investing should improve life—not become life itself.

📚 Final Thoughts

Cash-secured puts can be a useful strategy for investors who understand the mechanics, have sufficient capital and are prepared to purchase the underlying shares if assigned.

In this trading session, three completed NVIDIA cash-secured put trades generated approximately US$58 before commissions and fees. While the amount is relatively modest, it demonstrates how disciplined trade management and consistent execution can gradually build results over time.

The market offers opportunities every day. My focus is to remain patient, manage risk carefully, and let small wins accumulate one trade at a time.

Educational Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice or a recommendation to buy or sell any security or option. Options involve significant risks, and investors should fully understand the products and ensure they have sufficient capital before trading.