We are taking a little side road from retirement security to talk about financial security and, candidly, just what’s new in this part of the world. There’s a lot that’s new. Including a few things that surprised us. Take a trip with us through Israel, Jordan, and Egypt with a side-eye to economies and financial wellness.

We recently had a chance to join the Honorable Kathleen Kennedy Townsend at some important, innovation-oriented meetings in Washington DC, including the Georgetown Center for Retirement Initiatives’ gathering of states, and NAST. Join us we meet one on one to capture three retirement security priorities and other key nuggets.

Happy National Financial Literacy Month. In the U.S. April kicks off a national focus on financial education and financial inclusion. We are all about that! We hope it’s starting to look like spring where you are. Snag something delicious and settle in for:

• Five things we just heard – part 2 (the end)

• Fresh state metrics

• Updates from Colorado, Connecticut, New Jersey, Hawaii, Missouri, and some Global updates

• In the world of state-sponsored retirement programs, how much does culture matter? Expert Joel Metlen weighs in