Last updated: October 15, 2026
Educational only
The High Three (thehighthree.com, the newsletter, and calc.thehighthree.com) provides general educational information about federal employee benefits. It is not personalized investment, tax, legal, insurance, or retirement advice, and no client or advisory relationship is created by reading it, using the calculators, or contacting us.
Not affiliated with any government agency
The High Three is an independent publication. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM), the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board (FRTIB), the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), the Internal Revenue Service, the Social Security Administration, or any other government agency. References to programs such as FERS, TSP, and FEHB are descriptive only. Content is written in a personal capacity and does not represent the views of any agency.
Accuracy
We work from official sources and date our figures, but rules, limits, and premiums change, and mistakes happen. Always confirm with official sources (opm.gov, tsp.gov, irs.gov), your plan brochure, and your agency HR or benefits office. Your official benefits are determined only by your agency and OPM.
Calculators
Calculator results are estimates based on the inputs you provide and simplified assumptions. They are not guarantees of future returns or benefits. Request an official retirement estimate from your HR office before making decisions.
No compensation
The High Three does not run ads, use affiliate links, accept sponsorships, sell paid subscriptions, or refer readers to financial advisors. If that ever changes, it will be disclosed clearly on this page and next to any affected content.
Reader questions
We can’t give individual advice. Questions may be answered in general terms in a future issue, with identifying details removed.