Education Funding
Personalized strategies help families save for college and beyond using tax-advantaged accounts, realistic cost assumptions, and planning that stays aligned with broader financial priorities.
College costs can reshape a family’s long-term financial picture. Barking Sands Capital helps parents and students evaluate funding options, tax-advantaged savings strategies, financial aid considerations, and broader planning priorities so education goals stay aligned with retirement, investment, and cash-flow needs. Get practical guidance from a client-first advisory team that understands both college planning and comprehensive wealth strategy.
Practical college funding guidance that connects savings, aid strategy, taxes, and long-term financial planning.
Personalized strategies help families save for college and beyond using tax-advantaged accounts, realistic cost assumptions, and planning that stays aligned with broader financial priorities.
We help evaluate 529 plans, tax credits, account ownership, and withdrawal timing so education savings can be used efficiently and coordinated with your family’s tax picture.
Our team helps families compare school costs, expected contributions, available savings, scholarships, and potential borrowing needs to create a clearer path for funding decisions.
We begin by discussing your student’s likely timeline, school preferences, family budget, existing savings, and competing goals. This gives us a clear picture of what college may cost and how education funding fits within your complete financial life.
Barking Sands Capital is a solution-based firm that pairs college funding expertise with clarity and confidence to help families make informed decisions.
Fee-based guidance designed around your family’s goals, not product sales or commissions.
Education funding is coordinated with tax, retirement, insurance, and investment planning.
CFP® and ChFC credentials support thoughtful, standards-based college planning recommendations.
Personal advisor attention paired with sophisticated planning capabilities for complex family decisions.
Meet the advisors helping families plan smarter.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
College financial aid planning helps families understand the cost of attendance, savings options, aid eligibility, and how education expenses fit into their broader financial plan. Barking Sands Capital evaluates college funding alongside tax planning, retirement goals, investment strategy, and cash-flow needs so families can make informed decisions without sacrificing other long-term priorities.
Talk with our planning team about your family’s college goals.
Recognized standard for comprehensive planning expertise.
Advanced credential in financial consulting strategies.
Fee-based fiduciary planning with transparent guidance.
Share your college planning questions, timeline, and funding concerns. Our team will help you understand next steps and prepare for a productive conversation.
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.
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.