15-Minute Moist & Crispy Pan-fried Cod Recipe Doesn't Need a Sauce

This easy pan-fried cod recipe is sprinkled with so many flavorful spices, it doesn't need a sauce.
Serve this easy fish recipe with your favorite side dishes. A side salad wouldn't be a bad idea, either.

Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4 to 6

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 - 2 pounds cod fillets (or your favorite white fish) 1/2 cup flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons paprika
• 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne (or more to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 3 tablespoons olive oil, for frying
• lemon wedges

Here's how to make it:

1. Combine the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, oregano and thyme.
2. Season the fish with salt and pepper. Sprinkle the seasoning blend on both sides of the fish.
3. Put the flour into a shallow bowl. Dredge the seasoned fish in the flour.
4. Heat the olive oil in a skillet. Add the fish and cook until crispy, browned and cooked through, about 4 to 5 minutes per side depending on thickness of the fish. (You may have to do this in two batches so you don't crowd the pan.)

view recipe here

Links are being provided for information purposes only. Raymond James is not affiliated with and does not endorse, authorize or sponsor any of the listed websites or their respective sponsors. Raymond James is not responsible for the content of any website or the collection or use of information regarding any website’s users and/or members. Raymond James does not provide tax or legal services. Please discuss these matters with the appropriate professional.

Retirement can appear like a dream if you base it entirely on the glossy pictures that you see put out by travel agencies and the like. Most of us can imagine a post-work life full of activities that we are truly excited to take part in. However, roughly 20% of Americans aged 50 or older have no retirement savings at all, and 61% are concerned about how they will afford retirement at all, according to an AARP survey. If you are concerned about your retirement savings or if you wonder how you can construct a plan that will work well for you, we want you to know that it is never too late to start, and we will help you figure out the process.

Starting Retirement Savings Early

There is an ironclad rule of retirement savings that you should know about, and it is that the earlier you start saving for retirement, the better. The sooner that you begin saving and investing for retirement, the longer your nest egg has to grow. Time is a hugely important factor when it comes to the total amount of retirement savings that you will ultimately enjoy. Compound interest in your investments will create a snowball effect on their growth and provide you with a larger nest egg when it is all said and done.

Estimating Your Retirement Needs

Every individual has specific needs regarding retirement. You can only figure out what your specific needs are once you have begun making some specific calculations. This is where our goal planning and monitoring (GPM) platform can come in handy.

This platform can help you nail down your specific retirement needs by running various savings variables and other factors that you might not have otherwise considered. This will help you figure out where you stand with things today and where you might need to pick up the slack.

Reviewing Your Current Retirement Savings

Another area where you can find great benefits from our GPM platform is in evaluating what your current savings picture looks like. You may think that you have some concept of how much money you have, but there is a decent chance that you aren't totaling up everything just perfectly. Remember, you must consider the following accounts when calculating your total savings:

• 401(k) savings
• Roth IRA savings
• Savings accounts
• Any other investment accounts designated for retirement

It is only when you put this entire picture together that you can start to see how it all works and where your actual savings total lands.

Maximize Employer-Sponsored Benefits

If you are not taking advantage of the employer-sponsored investment benefits offered at your job, then you are missing out. Many employers offer their employees the opportunity to invest in a variety of retirement plans. Not only that, but many employers offer matching funds (up to a certain contribution level) to help their employees gain even more from their investments. Make sure you capitalize on everything your employer has to offer in this respect.

Utilizing Catch-Up Contributions

As we mentioned at the top, there are many people who are near retirement who do not have the kind of retirement savings that they need. That said, there are catch-up contributions that can be made by those who are above a certain age to help them regain some of the ground that they have lost over time. If you feel like you are behind on your retirement savings, look at using catch-up contributions to help regain some ground.

Planning for Longevity

You don't want to outlive your retirement savings, and that means that you need to plan for longevity. Using our GPM platform, you can create a plan for yourself regarding how you will do this. You may want to consider certain options, such as:

• Delaying Retirement - You may need to wait a few extra years before you retire to ensure you have enough money to last for your entire retirement.
• Invest in Annuities - Annuities will pay you a certain amount of money each year that can help keep you afloat throughout retirement.
• Work Part-Time - It may be necessary to keep at least a part-time job while in retirement just to pay the bills. Consider doing this as well if you are planning on a long retirement.

Our GPM platform can help you figure out a strategy that is just right for you.

Regularly Review and Adjust Your Plan for Retirement Savings

Look at regularly reviewing and adjusting your plan as time goes on. Our GPM platform can keep you on the right path and guide you toward the answers that you need. For more information on how it all works and to get started today, please reach out and contact us now.

Opinions expressed in the attached article are those of the author/speaker and are not necessarily those of Raymond James. All opinions are as of this date and are subject to change without notice. Investing involves risk and you may incur a profit or loss regardless of strategy selected. Prior to making an investment decision, please consult with your financial advisor about your individual situation. Every investor’s situation is unique and you should consider your investment goals, risk tolerance and time horizon before making any investment. The forgoing is not a recommendation to buy or sell any individual security or any combination of securities.

Election years are a time of uncertainty. Whether you are a home buyer or seller, your attention may be drawn away from real estate during the few crucial months leading up to the election. This may also cause you some concern as to whether the real estate market itself will be impacted by the election. How do elections impact real estate?

While there is some small change in the housing market during an election year, the good news is that you likely have nothing to worry about. Election years, as a whole, do not cause the housing market to break from larger trends. Home prices typically remain on the rise, and the occasional dip is not perceptibly election-related in any previous election year.

You can gain confidence in this fact by looking at historical data.

Election Years Do Not Impact the Economy

Overall, presidential elections do not have a perceptible impact on the economy. US Bank reports that there is no direct link between an election year and stock market outcomes. Gale Academic research has uncovered that the theory of a slower economic year during an election is not only a myth but that any economic indicators have been historically stronger during election years.

This is also true in the real estate industry. Data from the NAR shows that election years generally do not impact the home price trend perceptibly. Whether prices were following a multi-year trend of rising or falling, election years caused no significant change to the larger trend.

Home Price Trends

Real Estate Sales Remain Steady in Election Years

Just as home prices are unimpacted, so too is the rate of home sales. Home sellers can likely rest easy knowing that buyers are still making plans to buy in an election year. HUD NAR provides data that suggests election years maintain the home purchasing trend. However, home purchase rates may typically increase in the year after an election. This may be because the tension of the election is released. More people than usual feel confident making long-term decisions once they know who the president will be.

As you can see, the data shows that the number of home sales has gone up in the year after an election for the last 8 elections (since 1992) and has gone up for 9 of the last 11 elections since 1978.

The Dip: November Elections Impact on Real Estate

Historically a presidential election does have one small influence on the housing market: Home sales tend to slow down in November. Economist Ali Wolf reports that people may be cautious about making a big decision during the height of presidential election uncertainty. They will tend to put off on bidding or buying a house until they can be sure what to expect in terms of policy in the near future.

The good news is that the slowdown is not profound and doesn't last very long. Home sales typically pick back up to full speed by mid-December, and trends have resumed their normal course by April. Home sellers will see the full return of buyers, and buyers may see a new surge of available homes on the market as the election tension is resolved.

Mortgages Remain Unchanged

Mortgage rates also follow their own trends, and election years do not consistently impact mortgage rate increases or decreases. Freddie Mac reports that mortgage rates have decreased in the years leading up to 8 of the last 11 presidential elections, but these numbers follow existing trends as well.

2024-2025 Is a Safe Time to Buy or Sell a House

If you're looking to buy a home or are preparing a house to sell, don't worry about how elections impact real estate. Rest assured that the myth of the election year slow-down is just that: a myth. Both home prices and the rate of sales will likely remain steady, following existing trends. There may be a slight dip in activity in November, but not enough to cause a noticeable difference in the yearly totals.

Preparing to enter the housing market? CrossleyShear Wealth Management can help. Contact us today for your financial planning needs.

Any opinions are those of Dale Crossley and Evan Shear and not necessarily those of Raymond James.  This information is intended to be educational and is not tailored to the investment needs of any specific investor.  The information contained in this report does not purport to be a complete description of the securities, markets, or developments referred to in this material. The information has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but we do not guarantee that the foregoing material is accurate or complete, it is not a statement of all available data necessary for making an investment decision, and it does not constitute a recommendation. Investing involves risk and you may incur a profit or loss regardless of strategy selected. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Ð'dLinks are being provided for informational purposes only. Raymond James is not affiliated with and does not endorse, authorize, or sponsor any of the listed websites or their respective sponsors. Raymond James is not responsible for the content of any website or the collection or use of information regarding any website users and/or members.

In an era of innovative mobile software, convenient online banking, and endless cyber attacks your personal data is always at risk. Digital criminals continue to become more innovative in their methods to steal both individual and large archives of personal data to enact identity theft and financial fraud. The number of possible scams and hacking techniques only continues to grow.

Times are challenging for data security and financial safety. Now is a critical time to protect your personal data, and especially your financial information. The good news is that there are many security protocols and tools you can use to increase your personal data defense.

10 Ways to Protect Your Personal and Financial Data

1. Use Strong, Unique Passwords

Start by making your passwords longer, more complex, and more diverse. There are two methods for creating better passwords that are easy to remember.

Combination Words: eXtremely$afeP@ssw9rd

You can also use a password manager to keep all your passwords straight since it's best to use a unique password for every account and service.

2. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

2FA or two-factor authentication sends you a text message or email to confirm logins. This is especially safe because most hackers don't have your phone or personal email. It also ensures you are notified if someone else tries to log in.

3. Be Wary of Phishing Scams

Phishing is when a hacker pretends to be someone familiar or a trusted brand in order to steal your information or get you to click an infected link. Phishing can target you personally or might set a general trap for people who use common brands. Always check if a sender or source is legitimate and trusted.

4. Monitor Your Accounts Regularly

Keep an eye on your financial accounts, especially your transaction history. Get to know your vendors and your own spending habits so that unknown charges are immediately obvious. Alert your financial provider to protect your account immediately if you notice suspicious activity.

5. Secure Your Devices

Keep your personal devices safe. Use lock screens, passcodes, and biometrics to ensure that all the personal data in your phone cannot be easily accessed if your phone is stolen. The same is true for any device where you are automatically logged into your apps and accounts.

6. Use Secure Networks

Hacked wifi networks are a common way for hackers to access personal computers and phones. Secure your home network with a firewall and router settings. Then, only use secured public networks when out in the world.

7. Be Cautious With Personal Data

Don't share your personal information in plain text. Even things that seem normal, like your name, address, and phone number, can be used to impersonate you and take over your accounts. Especially do not share any information about your finances, including the banks and services you use.

8. Educate Yourself and Stay Informed

Stay updated on the latest hacking and phishing tactics being used against companies and individuals. The cyber-threat landscape is constantly shifting as hackers develop new techniques to get around the latest defenses.

9. Implement Account Recovery Options

Account recovery options such as a connected phone number or backup account both make it more difficult for hackers to steal your accounts and make it easier for you to restore lost or stolen accounts.

10. Be Mindful of Data Breaches

Lastly, take data breaches seriously. Many apps and services will alert you if your passwords or accounts have been compromised. Take the necessary steps to re-secure your accounts, change your passwords, and protect your data or finances when these events occur. Most people experience some degree of data breach in their lifetime, often dozens of times in an adult career. Be wary and ready to respond.

Protect Your Personal Data and Your Financial Future

A single instance of identity theft can jeopardize your financial stability and future. Implementing practical cyber defense strategies is essential to protect your data, accounts, and finances. For comprehensive insights and personalized guidance on securing your financial future, trust CrossleyShear Wealth Management. Contact us for a consultation to ensure your financial well-being is safeguarded.

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (TCJA) contained provisions affecting the estate tax. Along with several other provisions of the act, these changes are scheduled to sunset in 2025 unless Congress passes further legislation extending them or changing them.

Wealthier individuals and families need to understand what they need to consider moving forward to reduce the impact of these changes.

What Is the Estate Tax?

The estate tax is a tax levied on the estate of a deceased person when it is transferred. It is calculated using the value of the estate before distribution. This is sometimes called a "death tax." For 2024, the exemption amount is $13.61 million per individual or $27.22 million per married couple. This means that there is no tax levied on estates below this value. The tax is not meant to interfere with ordinary people's modest inheritances but rather to impact the wealthy.

The Impact of the TCJA

As a result of increasing house prices, estates are becoming more valuable. Part of the TCJA addressed this by increasing the exemption from $5.49 million per individual in 2017 to $13.61 million per individual in 2024 ($10.98 million in 2017 and $27.22 million for married couples in 2024), gradually increasing over the last 7 years indexed to inflation.

This allowed more wealth to be transferred before triggering the tax, primarily benefitting higher net-worth individuals with estates worth $6 to $13 million or so. It also benefitted people in areas with extremely high housing prices.

Sunsetting Provisions on Estate Tax Exemption

Most provisions of the TCJA, including this one, are set to expire on December 31, 2025. Congress could pass an act to extend this or to replace it with a different tax bill, but if no action is taken, the exemption amount will revert to the pre-TCJA level, adjusted for inflation.

An exact figure is hard to determine, but the best estimate is that it will be somewhere around $6 million for individuals. This change will dramatically impact individuals with a net worth around $6 million and married couples with around $12 million.

Potential Impacts

These individuals and families should brace for potential impacts, which include:

• Increased tax liability. Estates that were not subject to the tax will suddenly become vulnerable, increasing the tax burden on many families.
• Estate planning strategies. High-net-worth individuals and families may want to revisit and possibly revise strategies to consider the lower exemption. Some families that did not have a comprehensive strategy may need to implement one.
• Gift and Generation-Skipping Transfer Taxes. These limits are pegged to the estate tax limit to prevent people from using gifts to avoid the estate tax. You may need to change your strategy.

Estate Planning Considerations

While there is a non-zero chance that the TCJA will be extended, it's best to plan for the very real possibility that it will not. It is absolutely vital that you take the following steps:

1. Review your existing estate plan. Ensure that it aligns with the lower exemption levels and that you take every step to minimize liability.
2. Consider gifting strategies. While the gift tax limits are also going to go down, properly designed gifting strategies can still help reduce tax burdens, especially if done early enough.
3. Consult a professional. It's time to sit down with your tax advisor, wealth advisor, and estate planning attorney to help come up with even better strategies to spare your family a huge tax blow in the event of your death.

Legislative Uncertainty

If nothing changes, then the estate tax provision will sunset. There is a fair amount of conflict about what Congress should do. In general, Republicans believe in extending the cuts to benefit Americans, but many Democrats are concerned about the deficit, including President Biden.

Whether anything will be done may, in part, depend on the results of the November election. For now, it is best to plan for the assumption that nothing will change.

The sunsetting of the TCJA's provisions regarding estate tax is significant for many high-net-worth individuals and families. You should be taking steps now to protect your family from an elevated tax burden. For professional advice to develop a comprehensive estate planning strategy, contact CrossleyShear today.

While we are familiar with the tax provisions of the issues presented herein, as Financial Advisors of RJFS, we are not qualified to render advice on tax or legal matters. You should discuss tax or legal matters with the appropriate professional.

The foregoing information has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but we do not guarantee that it is accurate or complete, it is not a statement of all available data necessary for making an investment decision, and it does not constitute a recommendation. Any opinions are those of CrossleyShear and not necessarily those of Raymond James.