It's no surprise that older Americans are having to get pretty creative to survive on retirement income that's just not up to the challenge of paying for a comfortable life here in the U.S. And while some techniques are downright hazardous—cutting dosages on medications, for instance, or simply not filling prescriptions, or even foregoing health/dental care altogether—other strategies can be helpful, if perhaps not pleasant. Related: 5 ways to address the retirement crisis Social Security only covers about 40 percent of the income seniors had while working. And only about 7 percent of seniors receive the multiple streams of income -- also known as the "3-legged stool" of retirement income (Social Security, defined benefit pension, defined contribution savings) -- that experts say is necessary for a secure retirement. So it's not an exaggeration to say that many people in retirement are looking for ways to boost their income or cut their expenses—or both. And many more future retirees will be looking to do the same. READ MORE:

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