AFFORDABLE RETIREMENT: Retiring to countries like Mexico, Ecuador and Thailand, where the cost of living can be far lower than in the U.S., can help make even a modest retirement income stretch further.

GROWING TREND?: Many countries have established enclaves of American retirees. And the fallout from the 2007-2009 recession appears to have fueled interest among some retirees to move overseas.

ADVICE: Americans considering retiring outside the U.S. should assess their monthly income, as well as prices for housing, food and other costs. This will help them gauge whether they can afford to live comfortably in that country.