Is it possible to live comfortably in retirement on Social Security income alone? 

Yes and no. 

Alden and Dena Swartz draw nearly $4,000 a month from Social Security, the government program designed to support Americans in retirement. And they are struggling. 

Gail Randle and her partner, Mike DellaVolpe, collect only $2,400 a month in Social Security benefits: Not quite $30,000 a year. And they are doing all right. 

“We are frugal people,” said Randle, 73. “Almost everything in our house is recycled. Used, you know? Thrifted. But it looks nice. Everything works.”