Success Rate
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1,000 Monte Carlo trials
Median Final Wealth
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at end of plan
SS at Claim Age (Annual)
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future dollars at claim age
🏥 Medicare IRMAA Surcharge Triggered
Portfolio Projection Paths · Median of 1,000 Trials
🏦 DROP Decision Tool
Model two parallel tracks: Track A — keep working, let the pension grow. Track B — enter DROP now, collect a lump sum, then retire on a frozen pension. Your 401/457 contributions run independently on both tracks.
Current Age Your age today — auto-filled from simulation if run.
Years of Service Now
Must already be eligible to retire to enter DROP
Life Expectancy
Current Pension — Frozen at DROP Entry ($/mo) The monthly pension amount that would be locked in if you entered DROP today. This is what flows into your DROP account each month.
Pension Accrual Rate (%/yr of service) The % of final salary earned per year of service. Houston HMEPS is typically ~2.5%. Check your plan documents.
Final Average Salary ($/yr)
Expected Annual Salary Raises (%)
Raises lift the pension formula base — important for Track A
DROP Window (Years) How long you participate in DROP before you must retire. Typical range is 3–8 years. Check your specific plan rules.
DROP Crediting Rate (%/yr) The guaranteed interest rate credited to your DROP account balance each year. Fixed by the plan — not market-based.
Current 401/457 Balance ($)
Grows identically on both tracks — does not affect the DROP decision
Annual 401/457 Contribution ($/yr)
401/457 Expected Return (%/yr)
Investment Return After Retirement (%/yr) The rate you'd earn investing the DROP lump sum after retiring. Used to project how the lump sum grows against the higher Track A pension stream.
💰 Pension Option Comparison
Compare taking the full pension vs. a reduced pension with a beneficiary guarantee. Shows the monthly cost, breakeven age, max beneficiary payout, and whether investing the monthly difference beats the guarantee over your lifetime.
Guarantee Type
Full Pension (Monthly $)
Reduced Pension (Monthly $)
✦ Estimated 97% of full — verify with administrator
Beneficiary Monthly ($)
✦ Estimated 85% of full — verify with administrator
Current Age
Life Expectancy
Investment Return (%)
Beneficiary Age (Survivor only)
Only used for Survivor Benefit option
Monthly Cost of Guarantee
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Total Lifetime Cost
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Difference Invested at Death
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Max Beneficiary Payout
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Breakeven Age
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Probable Beneficiary Payout
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