Happy November! With rain falling here and snow beginning to blanket the higher elevations, it’s the perfect time to cozy up with a warm drink and dive into some fresh insights and inspiring updates. This week, we’re exploring developments in Delaware, the latest state Auto IRA metrics from September, key updates from Connecticut, Maine, New Jersey, and Nevada, and a roundup of must-reads in Hot Sauce, Cool Stuff. Plus, don’t miss our Pix of the Week to wrap it all up. Let’s get started!

We’re a fan of good news around here. We love celebrating! But when Mercer gives the US retirement savings system a “C” on the global scale we have to admit we feel a bit meh.

It’s one thing to be beaten by the Netherlands and Australia. Things start to hurt a bit when you’re beaten out of the top 20 by Canada … and even Kazakhstan.

So, what have the Kazakhs and the Canucks got right that we don’t? Let’s take a closer look.

Even though many costs decline in the retirement years, health care costs increase. As people get older, they visit their doctors more frequently and use more prescription drugs. In addition, healthcare costs tend to outpace inflation. Retiree medical costs are a significant expense, and yet another reason why creating opportunities to encourage workers to save for their retirement years throughout their careers is so important.