Fee-Only Medicare Advisors — Expert Guidance

Medicare decisions affect your healthcare access, retirement income, and long-term financial confidence. Barking Sands Capital provides fee-only Medicare advisor guidance that helps you compare coverage options, understand enrollment timelines, plan for IRMAA surcharges, and coordinate Medicare with your broader retirement strategy—without product-pushing or commission-driven recommendations.

Medicare advisor discussing retirement healthcare planning

Our Fee-Only Medicare Advisor Services

Fee-only Medicare guidance coordinated with retirement, tax, long-term care, and financial planning decisions.

Medicare Planning

Personalized guidance to help you understand Medicare coverage options, enrollment timelines, costs, and how each decision fits into your retirement healthcare strategy.

Long-Term Care

Planning support for future care needs, Medicare limitations, and IRMAA strategies designed to help protect retirement assets and manage income-based surcharges.

Retirement Planning

Integrated retirement analysis that coordinates Medicare decisions with 401(k) rollovers, withdrawal strategies, Roth conversions, and long-term income planning.

Transparent Guidance

Medicare Guidance Built Around Your Goals

Medicare is not just a healthcare decision—it is a retirement planning decision. Barking Sands Capital helps clients evaluate plan types, timing rules, income-based premium surcharges, and long-term care considerations through a transparent, fee-based advisory process. The result is guidance that connects coverage choices with your taxes, income needs, risk management, and retirement goals.

Advisor reviewing Medicare planning documents with a couple
The Barking Sands Difference

Why Choose Barking Sands Capital?

Barking Sands Capital is a solution-based firm that pairs transparent Medicare advice with integrated retirement and healthcare planning.

Transparent Advice

Fee-based planning reduces product pressure and keeps recommendations focused on your healthcare and retirement goals.

Credentialed Team

CFP® and ChFC credentials support guidance across Medicare, retirement, tax, insurance, and investment planning.

Integrated Planning

Medicare planning is coordinated with IRMAA, long-term care, income, and asset distribution strategies.

Relationship Focus

Established in 2004, the firm serves clients across the Midwest with lasting advisor relationships.

Meet the Advisory Team

Experienced advisors coordinating Medicare and retirement planning.

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

How much do Medicare advisors charge?

Medicare advisors may charge hourly fees, flat planning fees, or include Medicare guidance within a broader financial planning engagement. Fee-only advisors are typically paid directly by clients rather than through product commissions. Barking Sands Capital emphasizes transparency, so compensation, scope, and planning expectations are explained before you begin working together.

Who is the best person to talk to about Medicare?

What does a fee-only Medicare advisor do?

When should I start Medicare planning?

Can Medicare planning be part of retirement planning?

What is IRMAA and why does it matter?

Does Medicare cover long-term care costs?

What should I expect in a Medicare consultation?

Still Have Medicare Questions?

Connect with our team for clear, personalized Medicare guidance.

Certified & Transparent

Awards and Recognition

Certified Financial Planner certification logo

Certified Financial Planner

Recognized standard for comprehensive financial planning.

Chartered Financial Consultant certification logo

Chartered Financial Consultant

Advanced credential in financial planning and insurance.

Independent Registered Investment Advisor trust badge

Independent RIA

Transparent fiduciary advisory structure for client-first planning.

Get Clear Medicare Guidance Today

Reach out to discuss your Medicare questions, retirement planning concerns, and next steps with a knowledgeable advisor.

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.