A new report indicates that matching the average U.S. couple's $3,120 monthly Social Security benefit requires a substantial personal portfolio. This figure varies based on investment strategy, with approximately $716,000 needed for 30-year Treasuries (yielding 5.23%) or $936,000 under the 4% withdrawal rule for a diversified stock and bond mix. The analysis highlights that Social Security's 2.8% annual inflation adjustment means fixed-income portfolios lose real purchasing power over time, necessitating inflation-protected securities or a larger initial balance. With the U.S. personal savings rate at 2.8%, building such a seven-figure portfolio independently is challenging for most households.