Is it possible to retire on Social Security alone? Yes, with a few sacrifices. Here’s how this New Orleans senior does it – and how you can too

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The Social Security program, which assists Americans with their retirement, was not intended to be the sole means of income for retirees. However, the harsh truth is that many older Americans in the U.S. are forced to rely solely on Social Security to make ends meet.

Most retirees receive around 40% of their pre-retirement income from their pension. To make ends meet, they're encouraged to supplement their benefits with savings or an employer-sponsored pension.

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Many retirees, however, don't have these other sources of income and are left with only their retirement benefit checks. This can be a challenge, but with some minor sacrifices and smart financial decisions, it is achievable.

A retiree from New Orleans, who is making ends meet on her Social Security benefits alone, shares advice on how she manages to get by.

10. She also considers working with a financial advisor to get personalized advice on managing her retirement income.

She started receiving Social Security disability payments, which were approximately $900 per month at the time.

Those benefit checks have increased to almost $1,100 today. When Douglas turns 65, she'll be able to receive even more money when she starts collecting her Social Security retirement benefit. Douglas will also be able to collect a significant portion of the retirement benefit that would have gone to her late husband, who passed away in 2009.

Of course, $1,100 per month isn't a lot of money to live on in today's economy, and as Douglas told USA Today, "it was tough when I first started out." But with a few smart financial tricks up her sleeve, Douglas is able to make her money last, even after paying off her $1,000 mortgage with her monthly benefit checks. Her savvy money moves include:

• Collecting food stamps
• Volunteering for a charity that pays her a weekly stipend of $100 plus covers expenses
• Utilizing a $10-per-month internet plan designed for low-income individuals in the United States
• Preparing meals at home and consuming straightforward meals such as cereal or peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.
• Searching for as many free options or the closest alternatives to free as possible

She's optimistic that she'll have a bit more financial breathing room once she starts receiving her retirement benefits at 65, thanks to Douglas's financial strategies which have enabled her to keep a roof over her head and pay her bills despite living on a modest income.

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What should you do if you rely on Social Security as your only source of income?

If you're likely to be in a similar situation to Douglas' when you retire, you may have to make a few compromises as well.

to explore your options.

As your benefit payments will rise by a specific percentage for each month you delay receiving them up until the age of 70.

In an ideal scenario, every American should have enough savings to supplement their Social Security retirement benefit, but unfortunately, this isn't a reality for many retirees. In that case, making a budget that's mindful of expenses, making some sacrifices, and taking advantage of certain government programs can help you make the most of your retirement benefit and enjoy your golden years comfortably on a limited income.

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This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. It is provided without any guarantee or warranty of any kind.