Here's how much the average Social Security recipient earns monthly (and how to boost it)

The average Social Security check probably won't cover all of your expenses in retirement, but there are ways to boost your income now. Douglas Sacha/Getty Images

Retirement planning can feel like a balancing act, especially with the cost of living still climbing and interest rates fluctuating. And, with other hurdles like stock market volatility still looming, it makes sense that many seniors and soon-to-be retirees are now trying to figure out whether their retirement income will actually cover their expenses. One key part of that equation is determining how much your Social Security benefits will be, as these checks — which are issued monthly by the Social Security Administration — serve as the backbone of retirement income for millions of Americans.

But while Social Securit