Medicare Planning
Personalized guidance on Medicare timelines, coverage options, costs, and plan coordination so you can make informed healthcare decisions before and during retirement.
Healthcare costs can reshape even the strongest retirement plan. Barking Sands Capital helps you prepare for Medicare decisions, long-term care needs, IRMAA exposure, insurance considerations, and tax-aware retirement income planning through a coordinated, client-first process. Our advisors help you understand your options, reduce avoidable surprises, and align healthcare planning with the life you want in retirement.

Coordinated healthcare, Medicare, long-term care, insurance, and tax planning for retirement confidence.
Personalized guidance on Medicare timelines, coverage options, costs, and plan coordination so you can make informed healthcare decisions before and during retirement.
Planning strategies designed to prepare for future care needs while helping protect retirement assets, family priorities, and long-term financial flexibility.
Tax-aware planning to help clients understand and potentially reduce Medicare income-related monthly adjustment amount surcharges triggered by retirement income decisions.
Comprehensive retirement analysis that coordinates income, asset distribution, Roth conversion considerations, and healthcare expenses within one cohesive planning framework.
Insurance planning that helps evaluate protection needs, policy options, and risk management strategies across retirement healthcare and family financial priorities.
Integrated coordination of healthcare, retirement, insurance, legal, and tax considerations through Barking Sands Capital’s comprehensive financial planning approach.

We begin by reviewing your retirement goals, current coverage, income sources, tax picture, and family care concerns. This creates a clear baseline for decisions involving Medicare, long-term care, insurance, and retirement spending.
A coordinated advisory team for retirement healthcare decisions that affect your whole financial life.
Fee-based RIA structure supports transparent advice without commissions on managed accounts.
InteProcess™ coordinates healthcare, tax, legal, insurance, retirement, and financial planning considerations.
CFP® and ChFC credentials support informed Medicare, care, insurance, and retirement decisions.
Clients receive sophisticated planning with the flexibility and attention of a personal advisor.
Credentialed advisors focused on retirement healthcare decisions.

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.
Retirement healthcare planning helps you estimate, organize, and fund medical costs after you stop working. It often includes Medicare enrollment, supplemental coverage choices, long-term care planning, IRMAA surcharge strategies, insurance coordination, tax planning, and retirement income alignment. The goal is to reduce avoidable costs and help ensure healthcare decisions support your broader financial plan.
Connect with our team for practical, personalized retirement healthcare guidance.
Recognized standard for comprehensive financial planning.
Advanced credential in financial and insurance planning.
Licensed guidance for insurance and investment needs.
Tell us where you are in your retirement journey, and our team will help identify the healthcare planning areas that need attention.
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.