As the Northern Hemisphere prepares for winter’s arrival, we’re bringing you exciting updates to dive into this October. Cozy up with a blanket and a warm cup of cocoa as we explore the latest in retirement security, including a closer look at the Retirement Savings Report Card, fresh September data on State Auto IRA metrics, key updates from Vermont, and a roundup of this week’s must-reads in Hot Sauce, Cool Stuff. Don’t miss our Pix of the Week to top it all off!

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.