Living on just a social security check when you are retired can be a challenge, especially if you have not saved enough money for your golden years. Social security provides a basic income to eligible individuals, but it is often not enough. Social Security benefits lift 16.1 million older adults above the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). The research found that about one in four older Americans (age 65 and over ) scrimp on food, utilities, clothing, or medication due to health care costs. In 2022, 37 percent of older adults were worried about the costs of health care.

With some careful planning and budgeting, you can make your social security check stretch further and enjoy a comfortable retirement.

The first step in living on a social security check is to create a budget. This will help you see exactly where your money is going and identify areas where you can cut back. Make a list of all your monthly expenses, including housing, utilities, food, transportation, medical expenses, and entertainment. 

Once you have a clear understanding of your spending, you can prioritize your expenses and find areas where you can reduce spending.

Downsize your living arrangements. If you are currently living in a large home, consider downsizing to a smaller home or apartment that is more affordable. This can help reduce your monthly housing expenses and free up money for other expenses. 

If you are not ready to downsize, consider ways to make your current home more energy-efficient, such as installing low-flow showerheads, sealing air leaks, and upgrading to energy-efficient appliances.

Non-essential spending: If you want to save money then eating out, entertainment, and travel are going to have to take a back seat. Instead of eating out, prepare meals at home. Instead of going to the movies, consider renting or streaming one on TV. If you enjoy traveling, look for low-cost options, such as domestic holidays or camping. You could also stay with friends and family. Check for low-cost deals on travel sites. 

“Having a plan in place to save money for your later year’s means you can still enjoy your life while you were doing it.” says Darren Nomberg Senior Vice President of David Lerner Associates “You don’t need to completely stop living your life but you can figure out ways to save.” 

Health: It is important to stay healthy in retirement. This can help reduce medical expenses, which can be a major expense for retirees. Eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep can help keep you feeling good and reduce the need for medical care. If you have a chronic condition, make sure to take your medication as prescribed and follow your doctor's instructions.

Living on a social security check when you are retired can be a challenge, but with careful planning and budgeting, you can make your money stretch further. By downsizing, reducing non-essential spending, staying healthy, and creating a budget, you can make the most of your social security check and ensure that your retirement years are happy and fulfilling.