Hurrah December ❄️. We’re energized by the holiday season with its brightest lights, lush decorations and good food and company. In the spirit of savoring the season and enjoying the moment, grab yourself a cuppa and settle in for a great read:

• Sid Pailla – Double-clicking on Emergency Savings – what we’re learning

• Fresssh! State Auto IRA metrics

• Key updates from California, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, and New Mexico

• *Announcement* and Introductions – to DCIIA

• The latest and best news you need: Hot Sauce and Cool Stuff

• Pix of the week – Goodies for our super-scrollers!

Happy November! If that sounds like the year is moving to a close quickly, we agree. Small solace: embrace the “yum!”. You might have a favorite food-related holiday this month. We're going with #10, National Vanilla Cupcake Day. But we digress. Grab that cupcake and catch up on the latest in retirement innovation:

• Natalie Braswell and Jessica Muirhead on MyCTSavings – access, equity, and early results

• *Fresh* State Auto IRA metrics

• Key updates from Connecticut, Illinois, New Mexico, New York State, Virginia and a Global update with cross-border application

• *New* savings training programs broadly available with NAST’s Kari Arfstrom

• Intriguing shorts in Hot Sauce, Cool Stuff -- Don't save yet?

• This week's PIX! - from the Chesapeake Bay to a living room in Oregon

The National Association of State Treasurers (NAST) is the professional association for the equivalent of the chief financial officer in all 50 states, D.C., and the territories. Not only are they the state treasurers, but they also could be the directors of 529 savings plans, ABLE savings plans, state debt management, investments, and sometimes pension and retirement programs, as well as the fun one – unclaimed property.