This week we’re sitting down with Karen Andres and KC Boas from the Aspen Institute Financial Security Program to explore what’s ahead for all things inclusive saving and investing. We cover some ground: Trump Accounts, the 2027 Saver’s Match rollout, and fresh thinking about financial diaries. Their take? America’s retirement system has some unfinished business.

While you’re busy with the hustle and bustle with friends, family, and your community all preparing to celebrate the big holidays, don’t forget to pause and nourish yourself a bit along the way. Curl up for a moment in those footie socks with some wassail and catch yourself up:

• Martha Deevy on optimizing 100-year lives and the importance of financial resiliency

• Key updates from California, Colorado, Delaware, Maryland, New York State, and Virginia

• DCIIA, The Aspen Institute, and Morningstar – joint venture in expanding equitable retirement

• What’s one piece of hopeful news you heard this week? – check out Hot Sauce and Cool Stuff

• Pix of the week to boost your day

Retirement savings are the second-largest source of household wealth for Americans, with over $10 trillion in assets across the defined contribution (DC) system. Yet we know that this system is inequitable and is not creating security and wealth for everyone. Access to retirement savings is foundational, but 45 million workers lack a workplace retirement savings option