Persistence pays off. It’s not always easy getting a new retirement savings program off the ground. It is, however, very rewarding to see the results once you’ve done it. This week we have the pleasure of chatting with Connecticut’s Comptroller, Natalie Braswell, and Executive Director of the MyCTSavings Program, Jessica Muirhead, on progress and priorities in the Nutmeg State.

The National Association of State Treasurers (NAST) is the professional association for the equivalent of the chief financial officer in all 50 states, D.C., and the territories. Not only are they the state treasurers, but they also could be the directors of 529 savings plans, ABLE savings plans, state debt management, investments, and sometimes pension and retirement programs, as well as the fun one – unclaimed property.

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.