CFG Retirement Savings Plans — Financial Advisory Services

Create a retirement savings strategy that connects your investments, taxes, insurance needs, and long-term goals. Barking Sands Capital helps individuals, families, employer plans, and business owners evaluate options like 401(k) rollovers, Roth conversions, cash-balance plans, and asset distribution strategies with transparent, fee-based guidance designed around your destination—not a product quota.

Retirement savings plan discussion with financial advisor

Our Retirement Savings Plan Services

Integrated retirement savings guidance covering rollovers, Roth strategies, tax planning, investments, and business owner solutions.

Retirement Planning

Coordinate savings, investments, tax considerations, and future income needs through a comprehensive retirement strategy tailored to your goals, timeline, and risk tolerance.

401(k) Rollovers

Evaluate whether transferring an old employer plan into a tailored investment strategy may improve flexibility, oversight, and alignment with your retirement objectives.

Roth Conversions

Assess whether converting pre-tax retirement assets to Roth accounts can support tax-free growth, future income flexibility, and long-term wealth transfer goals.

Asset Management

Use active, research-backed portfolio management and diversification strategies to pursue growth while accounting for risk across your broader financial picture.

Tax Optimization

Integrate tax planning with retirement savings choices, including AMT considerations, business owner strategies, and distribution timing for more efficient outcomes.

Business Planning

Plan cash-balance plans, business owner tax strategies, and retirement savings structures that support both company goals and personal financial independence.

Integrated Planning

Retirement Guidance Built Around Your Goals

Retirement savings decisions rarely stand alone. Barking Sands Capital connects investment management, tax planning, insurance considerations, estate coordination, and income distribution into one cohesive strategy. Through transparent, fee-based guidance and the proprietary InteProcess™, the team helps you make informed decisions about rollovers, Roth conversions, employer plans, and long-term savings priorities with your personal values at the center.

Advisor reviewing retirement savings plan with clients
The Barking Sands Difference

Why Choose Barking Sands Capital?

Barking Sands Capital combines personalized service with sophisticated planning and investment capabilities.

Independent Advice

Independent RIA structure supports transparent guidance focused on client goals, not product commissions.

Integrated Planning

The proprietary InteProcess™ coordinates tax, legal, insurance, retirement, and investment planning disciplines.

Midwest Roots

Founded in Michigan and expanded to Minnesota, the team maintains strong Midwest client relationships.

Credentialed Team

CFP® and ChFC guidance supports sophisticated retirement decisions with personal advisor attention.

Meet Barking Sands Capital

Meet the advisors behind your retirement savings strategy.

Portrait of JB L'Esperance, Principal and ChFC at Barking Sands Capital

JB L'Esperance

Principal, ChFC

JB L'Esperance is a co-founder and Principal of Barking Sands Capital (The L'Esperance Group, LLC), holding the prestigious Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC) designation. With a career that began right out of college in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, JB has built deep expertise in investment management, retirement analysis, estate planning, and small business planning. Licensed in life and health insurance in both Michigan and Minnesota, he has maintained lasting relationships with many of his earliest clients — a testament to his commitment to delivering excellent service and real value. The oldest of six siblings, JB developed strong teamwork and family values early, qualities that define his client-first advisory approach. He and his wife Kelly reside in Independence, Minnesota, where they continue growing their Midwest financial planning practice.

Portrait of Kelly L'Esperance, Principal at Barking Sands Capital

Kelly L'Esperance

Principal

Kelly C. L'Esperance is a co-founder and Principal of Barking Sands Capital (The L'Esperance Group, LLC), bringing a strong background in investment services, fixed income investing, retirement and education planning, and investment portfolio management. With five years of experience at one of the nation's largest commercial banks, Kelly joined her husband and business partner JB to build an independent, fee-based advisory firm grounded in putting clients' needs above all else. Growing up in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, where her family ran small resort businesses, Kelly developed an entrepreneurial spirit and deep appreciation for personalized service. Kelly resides in Independence, Minnesota, with JB and their two children.

Portrait of Curtis Hewitt, Advisor at Barking Sands Capital

Curtis Hewitt

Advisor

Curtis Hewitt is an Advisor with Barking Sands Capital, specializing in Medicare Planning and Long Term Care. Based in Marquette in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, Curtis brings a dynamic entrepreneurial career to his advisory role, having successfully started, managed, and sold multiple businesses throughout his professional life. He is also co-founder of MSIS Agency. Curtis holds a degree in Architectural Design from Lansing Community College and a Business Management degree from Colorado Technical University, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude. He holds Life and Health insurance licenses along with Series 6 and Series 63 registrations. A dedicated community servant, Curtis has served as president of a local Women's Shelter, school board member, and co-founder of a youth mountain biking program. He resides in Marquette with his wife and four children.

Portrait of Tara Handy, Client Relationship Manager at Barking Sands Capital

Tara Handy

Client Relationship Manager

Tara Handy is the Client Relationship Manager at Barking Sands Capital, bringing more than two decades of experience in the financial services industry. She specializes in client service, account management, and operational support, ensuring that both advisors and clients receive responsive, accurate, and professional assistance. Tara holds Series 7 and Series 63 securities registrations, Life and Health Insurance licenses, and is a commissioned Notary Public. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Gardner-Webb University. Known for building strong, lasting relationships, Tara is dedicated to making every client interaction seamless and reliable. She resides in western North Carolina with her husband and three children, and values hard work, strong relationships, and serving others in every aspect of her life.

Portrait of Andrea Cervena, CFP® at Barking Sands Capital

Andrea Cervena

CFP®

Andrea Cervena is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) with Barking Sands Capital, bringing over 20 years of financial industry experience spanning three continents and multiple sectors including banking, real estate, hospitality, and sports. She holds a BA in International Business and Business Administration from Minot State University and an MA in International Relations from the International University of Japan. Since 2020, Andrea has focused exclusively on personal finance, earning her CFP® designation and assisting clients with Tax Planning, Estate Planning, Retirement Planning, Education Funding, and Budgeting. Her service-oriented approach and global perspective allow her to craft creative, tailored financial solutions. Outside of work, Andrea is an active volleyball official, cycling community ambassador, and Masters Ski Racing board member.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a retirement savings plan the same as a 401k?

A retirement savings plan is a broad term for strategies and accounts designed to fund retirement. A 401(k) is one specific employer-sponsored retirement savings plan. Other options may include IRAs, Roth IRAs, cash-balance plans, pensions, rollover IRAs, and taxable investment accounts. Barking Sands Capital helps clients compare how each option fits their income, taxes, investment timeline, and retirement goals.

What should a retirement savings plan include?

When should I start retirement savings planning?

Should I roll over my 401(k) into an IRA?

How do Roth IRA conversions help retirement planning?

What retirement savings plans work for business owners?

How much does retirement savings advice cost?

Who does Barking Sands Capital serve?

Still Have Retirement Questions?

Get clear answers from a retirement planning professional.

Certified Guidance

Awards and Recognition

Certified Financial Planner CFP logo

Certified Financial Planner

Recognized standard for comprehensive financial planning.

Chartered Financial Consultant ChFC logo

Chartered Financial Consultant

Advanced credential in financial consulting strategies.

Life and health insurance license badge

Insurance Licensed

Licensed support for retirement protection strategies.

Start Planning Your Retirement Savings

Share your goals, timeline, and questions. A Barking Sands Capital advisor will help you understand practical next steps for building or refining your retirement savings plan.

Contact Us Today

For immediate assistance, feel free to give us a direct call at 952-500-8854. You can also send us a quick email at jb@barkingsandscapital.com.