Fiduciary Financial Advisors — Comprehensive Planning

Build a coordinated financial life with fiduciary guidance that connects investments, retirement income, tax strategy, insurance, Medicare, and long-term goals. Barking Sands Capital brings fee-based planning, active portfolio insight, and a team-based process to help individuals, business owners, employer plans, and families make confident decisions without product-first advice.

Fiduciary advisor discussing comprehensive planning with clients

Our Fiduciary Financial Advisors Services

Integrated fiduciary planning across retirement, taxes, investments, healthcare, insurance, and business owner priorities.

Comprehensive Planning

A seamless planning approach that integrates legal, insurance, tax, retirement, and investment decisions through Barking Sands Capital’s proprietary InteProcess™ for individuals, retirement plans, and institutions.

Retirement Planning

Retirement analysis, 401(k) rollovers, distribution strategies, Roth conversion considerations, and cash-balance plan support designed to help clients prepare for sustainable income.

Tax Optimization

Strategic planning that coordinates tax exposure with retirement, investment, and business decisions, including AMT considerations and tax-aware retirement strategies.

Asset Management

Research-backed portfolio management using core equity strategies, diversification, separately managed accounts, and risk-aware recommendations tailored to each client’s objectives.

Medicare Planning

Coverage guidance for retirement healthcare decisions, helping clients compare Medicare options, enrollment timelines, costs, and long-term care planning considerations.

Protection Planning

Insurance and protection planning that evaluates life, health, long-term care, and risk management needs as part of a broader financial plan.

Advisor reviewing a comprehensive financial plan with clients

Our Integrated Planning Process

Understand Your Complete Financial Picture

We begin by understanding your values, goals, family needs, business interests, current accounts, and concerns. This helps define what success looks like before any investment, retirement, insurance, or tax strategy is considered.

Analyze Opportunities And Risk

Coordinate Integrated Planning Strategies

Implement And Review Regularly

The Barking Sands Difference

Why Choose Barking Sands Capital?

Barking Sands Capital is a solution-based firm that pairs fiduciary financial planning with tax coordination to connect every major financial decision with clarity and purpose.

Fiduciary Focus

Independent RIA structure supports transparent advice without commissions on managed accounts.

Integrated Process

Proprietary InteProcess™ coordinates tax, legal, insurance, retirement, and investment planning.

Credentialed Team

CFP® and ChFC credentials support disciplined, comprehensive guidance for complex financial decisions.

Personal Service

Sophisticated portfolio strategies paired with the flexibility and attention of a personal advisor.

Meet The Planning Team

Experienced advisors focused on transparent, client-first 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

What is the difference between a fiduciary and a tax advisor?

A fiduciary financial advisor is obligated to put your interests first when giving investment and planning advice. A tax advisor focuses primarily on tax preparation, compliance, and tax-saving strategies. Barking Sands Capital integrates tax planning with retirement, investment, insurance, legal, and estate considerations, while coordinating with designated tax professionals when specialized tax advice is needed.

What does comprehensive financial planning include?

Why work with a fee-based fiduciary advisor?

How can fiduciary advisors help with retirement planning?

Do fiduciary financial advisors provide tax planning?

Can comprehensive planning help small business owners?

What should I expect during the first planning meeting?

What documents are useful for financial planning?

Still Have Financial Planning Questions?

Connect with our team for clear fiduciary planning guidance.

Credentialed Guidance

Awards and Recognition

Certified Financial Planner certification logo

CFP® Certification

Rigorous credential for holistic financial planning.

Chartered Financial Consultant certification logo

ChFC Designation

Advanced designation for comprehensive financial consulting.

Life and health insurance license badge

Licensed Advisors

Licensed support for insurance and securities planning.

Start Planning With Clarity

Share your goals, concerns, and current planning priorities. Our team will help you understand the next steps for a coordinated fiduciary planning conversation.

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.