Family Wealth Management Services — Build Lasting Financial Success

Build, protect, and transfer family wealth with integrated planning from Barking Sands Capital. Our independent, fee-based team coordinates investments, retirement, tax, insurance, education funding, and legacy considerations into one clear strategy. With Midwest roots and a client-first approach, we help families align financial decisions with long-term goals, values, and future generations.

Family reviewing wealth management plan with advisor

Our Family Wealth Management Services Services

Integrated planning and investment services for families building, protecting, and transferring long-term wealth.

Financial Planning

Coordinate legal, insurance, tax, retirement, and financial planning into one cohesive strategy designed around your family’s goals, responsibilities, and future generations.

Asset Management

Access research-backed portfolio strategies, risk management, diversification guidance, and separately managed account options tailored to your objectives and tolerance for volatility.

Retirement Planning

Plan income distribution, 401(k) rollovers, Roth IRA conversions, and retirement account strategies that support long-term confidence and tax-aware decision-making.

Tax Optimization

Integrate tax optimization with retirement, investment, and business planning, including AMT considerations, Roth conversion timing, and business owner tax strategies.

Education Funding

Prepare for college and future education costs with personalized, tax-advantaged funding strategies that fit within your family’s broader wealth plan.

Protection Planning

Protect family assets and future income with insurance planning, Medicare guidance, long-term care planning, and IRMAA strategies for retirement healthcare costs.

Advisor reviewing family wealth plan with clients

Our Integrated Wealth Planning Process

Clarify Family Goals and Values

We begin by understanding your family’s goals, values, assets, obligations, risk tolerance, and concerns. This includes retirement objectives, business interests, education needs, insurance coverage, tax considerations, and the legacy you want your wealth to support.

Analyze Your Complete Financial Picture

Coordinate an Integrated Strategy

Implement the Wealth Plan

Review and Refine Over Time

The Barking Sands Capital Difference

Why Choose Barking Sands Capital?

Barking Sands Capital is a solution-based firm that pairs family wealth management with coordinated strategy to connect every part of your financial life.

Independent

Fee-based RIA structure supports transparent advice without commissions on managed accounts.

Integrated

InteProcess™ coordinates legal, insurance, tax, retirement, and financial planning professionals.

Relationship-Driven

Founded in Michigan and expanded to Minnesota, with lasting Midwest client relationships.

Credentialed

CFP® and ChFC guidance supports complex family, retirement, and investment decisions.

Meet The Advisory Team

Experienced advisors focused on values-based financial guidance.

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

What is family wealth management?

Family wealth management is a coordinated approach to growing, protecting, and transferring assets across generations. It typically includes investment management, retirement planning, tax coordination, insurance planning, education funding, estate considerations, and risk management. At Barking Sands Capital, the goal is to align financial decisions with your family’s values, lifestyle needs, and long-term legacy objectives.

What is the typical fee for a wealth manager?

When should a family start wealth management planning?

How is wealth management different from financial planning?

Can family wealth management help business owners?

Do you include tax planning in wealth management?

Can you help with college and education funding?

What makes Barking Sands Capital’s approach different?

Have More Wealth Planning Questions?

Connect with our team for clear, personalized guidance.

Credentialed Guidance

Awards and Recognition

Certified Financial Planner certification logo

CFP® Certification

Advanced credential for comprehensive financial guidance.

Chartered Financial Consultant certification logo

ChFC Credential

Specialized credential in advanced financial consulting.

Independent registered investment advisor trust badge

Independent RIA

Transparent, fee-based advisory structure for clients.

Start Building Your Family Wealth Plan

Share your goals, concerns, and current financial picture. Our team will help identify the next best planning step for your family.

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.