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

As nature gets ready for its last hurrah before winter sets in here in the Northern Hemisphere, we have a bit of news to share. So, pull up a cushion and a blanket, grab a hot cocoa, and enjoy some perspectives, from a warmer place:

• What the Smallest Employers Want - with Gusto's Steve Abbott

• State Auto IRA metrics

• Key updates from California, Colorado, New Mexico and Maine

• News! - a shift is coming at Massena Associates, and we are excited to share!

• Hot Sauce, Cool Stuff: this week's must reads

• Pix of the week – retirement security ruminations from the land of George Washington, in excellent company.

We love October. Not just because we get to over-decorate our houses and buy way too much candy without judgment, but also because here in the U.S. we promote #National RetirementSecurityMonth. It is a time to raise public awareness about the importance of saving for retirement. So join the hashtag, grab your favorite pumpkin spice drink and settle in for some retirement savings updates:

• 6 facts you need to know about inequality with Boston College’s Geoffrey Sanzenbacher

• Frrreshhh State Auto IRA metrics

• A closer look at … California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, and New York State

• Things we never thought we would see, but possibly the best practice in this space

• Hot Sauce, Cool Stuff: Must knows

• Pix of the week – Willow playing a vital role in nurturing productivity and creativity. Who is Willow, you may ask?