Options Trading Tutorial

Options selling each month?

When I look at my scottrade account I see options for select months, but can I buy options each month or do certain stocks have certain option cycles. FOr instance... If I have MSFT shares, I can sell options for Nov, Dec, and Jan. I dont see Feb, Mar, but April yes, May no. Will I be able to sell options on the months that dont appear or do I have to find a new stock that has those expiration dates? Thanks

Public Comments

1. Excluding any LEAPS options, there are options available for four months at one time, including the two closest months. For a chart of the cycles and what options are available at different times, see http://www.cboe.com/TradTool/strikepricecode.aspx