Karen Smith | OptionsANIMAL

Karen Smith

Instructor

Karen began her trading career in the early 90’s using mutual funds as her primary trading vehicle. She managed her portfolios while acting as comptroller of her family business. She was successful with her methodology but was always frustrated by the fees that mutual funds charged on top of commissions involved in trading. She knew that options afforded leverage and became very interested in that concept.
It wasn’t until 2007 that Karen began trading options. She endured the crash in the fall of 2008 and was pleased that she didn’t “blow up” her portfolios. She realized the value that an adjustment methodology would provide, particularly in tumultuous market periods. She discovered Options Animal in the spring of 2009 and became a very enthusiastic student. She graduated from the program in February 2010 and has been a very active trader ever since. Learning the art of adjusting “broken trades” into winning trades has made all the difference in her level of success in trading.

Karen feels privileged to have been asked to become part of the coaching team of OptionsANIMAL in May 2011. She is most excited to share the life-changing and empowering trading methodology taught by Options Animal. She currently resides in San Diego, California with her husband Bruce and their two children.

karen.jpg

 

Education:

B.A. in Psychology, Southern Methodist University - Graduated Magna Cum Laude

Trading Style: Moderate

 

  • Credit spreads
  • Diagonals
  • Covered calls

 

Our Students Love Us

Excellent
OptionsANIMAL4.9
Rob Helean
4 years ago
After many years of trying, I now have confidence I can make great passive income through trading. Without OptionsANIMAL, I doubt I would have ever got there. The instructors and courses are great! I have not had a losing trade since joining. What has being key for me are the exit strategies, when Plan A has failed, you have a Plan B, Plan C.... This is key to becoming a success. In addition, I have found the weekly review a great watch. A good pulse check for how my own trading is going!
Options Animal – A Solid Investment for the Right Person If you're seriously thinking about joining Options Animal, here’s what I’ve found to be true from my own experience. First off, this isn’t for everyone — and I mean that in a good way. Options Animal attracts a unique kind of member: curious, serious about financial education, and committed to growth. The membership tends to be smart, experienced, and inquiring. The community is intelligent, well-educated, and experienced, but also welcoming and supportive. People are friendly, down-to-earth, and genuinely interested in helping each other grow. If that sounds like your kind of group, you’ll probably feel right at home. That said, this program is best suited for investors who are ready to put in the time. The program expects you to study, apply what you learn, and take a hard look at how you're doing, you’ll find tremendous value here. There’s meaningful homework. There’s a process. But if you’re committed, it really does pay off. Discipline is also key. The instructors provide a clear, structured approach. When I deviated from that structure, I felt the consequences — but also gained important insight. Mistakes become learning opportunities here, and that’s part of what makes the experience so worthwhile. One of the big strengths of OA is how they teach you to be flexible. They teach you to adapt to market conditions, not just follow a static strategy. It’s clear they live by this principle, and their teaching reflects that. Most importantly, you’re never on your own. The team at Options Animal is always available, approachable, and incredibly generous with their time and expertise. Whether you're asking questions, learning from live sessions, or following along with real trade recommendations, you’ll feel supported every step of the way. Each instructor brings a different perspective, which allows you to find an approach that matches your style and goals. Now, about the cost: if you're thinking of it as an expense, it might not feel worth it. But if you see it as an investment in your financial future, it makes a lot more sense. You're paying for education, structure, and guidance that can really make a difference. You don’t need a huge portfolio either — the strategies can scale. A perspective regarding returns (ROI), the payoff improves with time. As your skills and confidence grow, so does your ability to generate solid returns. For me, this has absolutely been a smart investment — one that continues to pay dividends both financially and in terms of personal growth. For the right individual, Options Animal is more than just a program — it’s a powerful, ongoing advantage being a really solid investment — in every sense of the word.
Response from the owner:Thank you for sharing your detailed and insightful experience with Options Animal. We're thrilled to hear that you found value in our community, structure, and instructional approach. Your emphasis on discipline and adaptability perfectly captures what we strive to teach our members. It’s rewarding to know you see your involvement as an investment in your financial future and personal growth. We appreciate your feedback and support!
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