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.

This week we have the pleasure of chatting with Steve Abbott, Head of Public Policy and Government Affairs for Gusto. We first met Steve during his tenure at the Pew Charitable Trusts, and we recall talking over tacos about retirement savings. In his transition to the private sector, Steve’s kept a true north focus on financial inclusion and design simplicity.

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?