Disclaimer

Second Wind is an independent tool. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by CalPERS, the California Highway Patrol (CHP), CAL FIRE, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR), the State of California, the Social Security Administration, Medicare, or any other government agency. All agency names are used for identification only.

Every pension, tax, healthcare, savings, and readiness figure is an estimate produced by simplified models using publicly available formulas and data. Your actual benefits, taxes, and costs may differ significantly. Only CalPERS can provide an official estimate of your retirement benefit, and only your tax advisor can determine your actual tax liability.

The Deferred Retirement Option Program (DROP) calculator is based on Assembly Bill 1054, which is proposed legislation and not current law. It may be amended or may never take effect, and key parameters — such as whether the employer contributes and the exact interest rate — are not finalized. Treat all DROP results as illustrative only.

Nothing in Second Wind constitutes financial, tax, legal, or investment advice. It is an educational planning aid, not a substitute for professional guidance tailored to your situation.

Tax brackets, contribution limits, and cost-of-living data are approximate and updated periodically. Laws and rates change, and the app may not reflect the most recent changes at any given moment.

Before making any retirement decision, verify your numbers with CalPERS and consult a qualified financial advisor and/or tax professional. You are responsible for the choices you make.