For many Americans, the final three to five years before retirement can feel like standing at the edge of a cliff — close enough to see what’s next, but uncertain about the landing.
For Connecticut-based financial planner James T. Beyer, that stretch isn’t a danger zone. It’s a specialty.
An independent fiduciary financial advisor with more than 14 years of experience, James is a lifelong Connecticut resident. He lives in Glastonbury with his wife, Michelle, and their dog, Kooba. He also serves as a deacon in his church.
At his offices at 20 Waterside Drive in Farmington, he offers complimentary consultations for individuals mapping out their retirement path.
He built his practice around helping people who plan to retire within the next three to five years. Rather than focusing solely on wealth accumulation, he concentrates on turning decades of savings into sustainable, dependable retirement income.
“Retirement is not just a financial event — it’s a life transition,” James says. “The biggest shift isn’t always in the numbers. It’s in the mindset. People go from earning a paycheck every two weeks to relying on assets they’ve worked a lifetime to build. That can feel unsettling without a clear plan.”
Many of his clients arrive with similar questions: Do I have enough? How do I replace my paycheck? What happens if the market drops right after I retire? How will I cover healthcare or long-term care costs?
“A lot of people have done a good job saving, but saving and distributing are two very different skill sets. When you’re within five years of retirement, every decision carries more weight.”
A key component of his work is addressing the concerns that intensify as retirement approaches — generating consistent income, optimizing savings for long-term growth and preparing for healthcare expenses. Beyer guides clients through a step-by-step process that evaluates their financial picture, risk tolerance and personal priorities.
“I tell clients, ‘We’re going to stress-test this plan before you live it.' We look at inflation, unexpected expenses, market volatility — all the things that can derail retirement if you don’t prepare for them.”
In his book, Retire With Confidence, James outlines what he calls the “10 blind spots” that can cause people to work longer than necessary. The book emphasizes building a personalized retirement plan aligned with lifestyle and timeline, creating reliable income streams and protecting against inflation and unforeseen medical costs.
“Too many people assume retirement will just work itself out,” he said. “But small blind spots — like underestimating healthcare costs or not accounting for taxes properly — can have a big impact over 20 or 30 years.”
Healthcare planning is one of his core specialties. James holds the Certified Long Term Care Consultant (CLTC®) and Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF®) designations. As a fiduciary, he is obligated to act in his clients’ best interests — a distinction he believes is critical.
“Trust is everything. When someone is about to retire, they’re not just hiring you for investment advice. They’re trusting you with their future lifestyle.”
Beyond income planning, his practice includes comprehensive retirement planning, wealth management, tax-minimization strategies, estate conservation and risk management. He also works with business owners preparing to exit or transition into new professional phases.
He has earned recognition as a nine-time Million Dollar Round Table qualifier, though he emphasizes that accolades are secondary to outcomes.
“At the end of the day, my success is measured by whether my clients feel confident walking away from their careers. If they can retire knowing their income plan is solid and they don’t have to look over their shoulder at every market headline, that’s a win.”
“Retirement should be something you look forward to, not something you fear. With the right preparation, the next three to five years can be the most empowering of your financial life.”
Visit integritywealthretirement.com or call 203-278-7727 for information.
A lot of people have done a good job saving, but saving and distributing are two very different skill sets.