Sandra Beckwith

Freelance Writer

Sandra Beckwith has been a freelance writer long enough to have a vested interest in the retirement topics she writes about. She also writes regularly on personal finance, small business, and supply chain and logistics topics.

Articles by Sandra Beckwith

A retirement age woman gives retirement advice to a Gen Z woman
4 Min. Read

Retirement Advice for Gen Z From Current Retirees

Gen Z is all grown up and that means they should be saving for retirement. We asked retired people to give retirement advice to the younger generation.

A woman enjoying the art practice she established in retirement
4 Min. Read

Benefits of Establishing an Art Practice in Retirement

Interested in painting, pottery, or drawing? The good news is there are multiple benefits to establishing an art practice in retirement.

a woman experiencing loneliness in retirement
4 Min. Read

Combating Loneliness in Retirement

Loneliness is on the rise among retirees and can cause serious health issues. If you or someone you know is experiencing loneliness in retirement, here is what to do.

a man and a woman seeing retirement planning through different lenses
4 Min. Read

How Men and Women See Retirement Planning Differently

Men and women have different approaches to planning for retirement based in multiple factors like career trajectory and life outlook. Here's where they differ and how they can learn from each other.

A couple enjoying the benefits of aging while picnicking with bubbles|A woman enjoying the benefits of aging on the beach|People on a run enjoying the benefits of aging|Two men enjoying the benefits of aging and learning how to knit
4 Min. Read

7 Benefits of Aging

Getting older isn't necessarily a bad thing. Here are seven things that improve with age.

Folks on a hike enjoying a support system in retirement in real time
5 Min. Read

How to Build a Support System in Retirement

Everyone needs some type of support system, but it’s even more important in retirement. Here’s how to create yours.

A woman looking at the heirlooms her kids don't want.
4 Min. Read

What to Do When Your Kids Don’t Want Your Heirlooms

Here’s how to prevent or overcome hurt feelings when you discover your kids don’t want your heirlooms.

Friends traveling together
4 Min. Read

Finding Friends to Travel With in Retirement

If you want to travel but don't have someone to go with, finding a friend can be the perfect solution. Here's how to find a travel companion.

A woman relieves stress in retirement by meditating|friends relieve stress in retirement in a sap|friends relieve stress in retirement with knitting
5 Min. Read

6 Common Sources of Retirement Stress

Though many people equate retirement with relaxation, for others retirement offers new stress. Here's how to combat the things that are stressing you in retirement.

A senior's crafting club meeting after they learned how to start a club in retirement
4 Min. Read

How to Start a Club 

A club can be a wonderful way of expanding your social circle and sharing an activity or subject you enjoy. Not finding a group that appeals to you? Start a club!

Renting out your pool for the summer.
6 Min. Read

23 Things You Can Rent Out to Make Extra Money 

The market for renting your stuff is growing all the time. Here are 23 things you can rent out to make money and websites that will help connect with people who want to rent your stuff.

A woman engaged in her passion project
5 Min. Read

How to Find a Passion Project

Not everyone with ample time on their hands knows how to fill it. Engaging in a passion project can lead to fulfillment and many other benefits, here's how to find one that's just right for you.

A grandmother and adult grandson rekindle the feeling of home for the holidays with a warm welcome hug.|A fresh loaf of bread conjures the smells of the holidays|A grandma connects with her family over the phone at Christmas|A grandma and grandson enjoy lighting a family menorah together|Hands hold a treasured holiday ornament
4 Min. Read

4 Ways to Find that Holiday Feeling Wherever You Are 

Here’s what it means to feel home for the holidays and how to capture that feeling no matter where you call “home.”

Friends enjoy a card game together|new friends laughing on a bench|new friends share fries and a laugh by the sea|A group of friends knit together
5 Min. Read

6 Ways to Make Friends in Retirement

Making friends at any age can be hard but well worth the effort. Here are six tips to help you make new friends in retirement.

A man tracing his family tree in an old cemetary|
5 Min. Read

How to Trace Your Family Tree

Looking into your family's history can be a fascinating and rewarding pastime. Not sure where to start? Here are some tips from genealogy amateurs and experts.

People who decided to retire in the forest enjoying a walk
4 Min. Read

How to Decide Where to Retire

Do your dreams of retiring somewhere exotic line up with the realities? Many people have ideas of retiring somewhere else. These questions can help you decide if somewhere else makes sense for you.

People discussing why they were denied a reverse mortgage|
3 Min. Read

Here’s Why People Get Denied for a Reverse Mortgage

Not everyone is eligible for a reverse mortgage. If you think you might not qualify, understanding what causes people to get denied for a reverse mortgage can be helpful in determining a course of action.

A couple exploring the country in their RV
7 Min. Read

Best Ideas for RV Road Trips

The best place for an RV road trip depends on several factors. Here's what you should consider when planning RV adventures.

A couple on the roof of their RV
5 Min. Read

Is 70 too Old to Start RV Travel? Top Five Tips

Many people dream of a retirement in a luxe RV on the road. Are the realities of RV living really a match for the aging population? It depends.

A senior with a friend from another generation enjoying a chat on the pier|Two friends from different generations enjoying a day at the lake|A senior with a friend from another generation enjoying a chat on the pier
4 Min. Read

Why Seniors Should Have Friends From Other Generations

Expanding your circle of friends outside of your own generation can offer a surprising number of benefits.

3 Min. Read

How Lifelong Learning Contributes to Happiness in Retirement

When you continue learning in retirement you stay engaged with your world. Find out why continuing education is essential to a happy retirement.

|A couple buying a house with a Reverse mortgage
4 Min. Read

Using a Reverse Mortgage to Buy a House

Yes, you can use a reverse mortgage to buy a house. Here's what you need to know about HECM for purchase loans.

people weighing a personal equity loan vs. a home equity loan
4 Min. Read

Personal Loan Versus Home Equity Loan

Here’s what homeowners need to know about personal loans, home equity loans, and other borrowing options.

A couple enjoying the benefits of gardening
4 Min. Read

The Age-Defying Benefits of Gardening 

Looking for a retirement hobby that’s good for body and soul? Gardening offers a range of physical and mental health benefits.

Woman making a financial wellness checklist
5 Min. Read

Your Financial Wellness Checklist

Assessing and evaluating your financial wellness will help you make informed decisions about funding the kind of lifestyle you want in retirement.

Man about to check paragliding off his retirement bucket list|
4 Min. Read

How to Create Your Retirement Bucket List

Deciding what to put on your retirement bucket list can be a challenge. It can also be the first step to your next big adventure. Here's how to do it.

older couple in kitchen
4 Min. Read

6 Tips for Adjusting to a Fixed-Income Lifestyle

Life on a fixed-income life can take some getting used to, these tips will help you adjust and thrive on a budget.

Woman looking at homeowners insurance policy on laptop
4 Min. Read

A Guide to Homeowner’s Insurance

There's more to know about homeowner's insurance than the amount of your policy's monthly premium.  Learn more about coverage and types.

Couple Wondering Should I Sell My House When I Retire
4 Min. Read

Should I Sell My House When I Retire?

If you're asking, "Should I sell my house when I retire?" Your financial situation will help you determine your options.

piggy bank clock sunset
3 Min. Read

How Long It Takes to Get a Reverse Mortgage

Though similar to a conventional mortgage, how long it takes to get a reverse mortgage depends on a variety of factors.

Older couple retirement savings
4 Min. Read

How to Calculate Your Retirement Spending Needs

There are a variety of ways to calculate your retirement spending needs. Here's an overview to help you start planning.

Can You Lose Your Home With a Reverse Mortgage
3 Min. Read

Can You Lose Your House with a Reverse Mortgage?

You can lose your house with a reverse mortgage if you don’t meet your loan obligations, but safeguards exist to reduce that risk.

how to spot reverse mortgage scam
3 Min. Read

How to Spot a Reverse Mortgage Scam

While reverse mortgages are a legitimate way for seniors to access home equity, some reverse mortgage scam artists prey on older Americans.