Analysis indicates that this figure is higher than many retirees anticipate due to factors like inflation, which can reduce the purchasing power of a fixed income over time. Additionally, Treasury yields are typically lower than riskier assets, necessitating a larger capital base to generate the same nominal income. Most financial planners suggest using a 5-to-7-year Treasury ladder as a sequence-of-returns buffer alongside a growth portfolio, rather than as a full salary replacement strategy.