If you're considering a reverse mortgage, make sure you're clear on how it could impact your crucial retirement benefits. Bill Oxford/Getty Images

Making ends meet isn't always easy during retirement, especially in today's unusual economic climate.

Part of the issue is that seniors' debt levels have increased threefold in the last 35 years , which is making it harder for retirees to fit their debt payments and essential expenses into their limited budgets. And, costs for essentials like housing, healthcare and groceries are continuing to rise due to stubborn inflation . At the same time, Social Security benefits rarely replace pre-retirement earnings, leaving many seniors with a monthly shortfall.

That's where reverse mortgages often enter the conversation. These loans, desi

See Full Page