Many years ago, I took a class in the Bronx to get my motorcycle license. The lessons took place in a random, shabby parking lot with bottom of the line loaner bikes that didn’t even have sideview mirrors. Most of the other students, like me, had cheap, low tech gear, barely meeting the requirements. One guy, though, had the full kit. His jacket, pants, gloves, boots, and helmet must have cost thousands of dollars. He looked impressive. But he was also the worst student in class. He actually flunked out, because he couldn’t make simple turns without falling over. I’ve witnessed new government programs suffer the same fate.

Hello Spring Chickens! Has it been unusually cold where you are? We skied on fresh floofy snow this weekend – an unexpected silver lining alongside local storms and cool weather. Even when we’re skiing, we’re thinking about you🏂🏼. So, snag a snack and join us for the latest:

• This week we’re going abroad: surprises from Israel, Jordan and Egypt

• State metrics – the latest

• Updates from California, Connecticut, Illinois, Maryland, and Washington

• Three Critical Policy Goals with the Honorable Kathleen Kennedy Townsend

• Hot Sauce! Financial wellness, naturally, and plenty more

• And the best PIX of the Week!

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.