Retirement Planning
Comprehensive retirement analysis covering income needs, asset distribution strategies, Social Security considerations, rollover opportunities, and long-term financial security throughout your retirement years.
Build a retirement income plan designed around your values, goals, tax picture, healthcare needs, and investment risk. Barking Sands Capital provides fiduciary financial planning that coordinates retirement analysis, portfolio strategy, Roth conversions, Medicare planning, and long-term care considerations into one clear path—helping you make confident decisions before and throughout retirement.
Integrated retirement income services designed to coordinate investments, taxes, healthcare, rollovers, and long-term risk management.
Comprehensive retirement analysis covering income needs, asset distribution strategies, Social Security considerations, rollover opportunities, and long-term financial security throughout your retirement years.
Guidance for moving retirement savings from an employer plan into a coordinated investment strategy while evaluating fees, options, tax implications, and long-term planning goals.
Tax-aware Roth conversion planning designed to evaluate timing, income thresholds, future tax exposure, and opportunities for tax-free growth in retirement.
Strategic tax coordination that connects retirement withdrawals, AMT considerations, business owner strategies, and investment decisions to help improve after-tax outcomes.
Personalized Medicare planning that helps clients understand coverage choices, enrollment timelines, costs, and healthcare decisions that can affect retirement cash flow.
Long-term care and IRMAA strategies focused on protecting retirement assets, reducing avoidable Medicare surcharges, and preparing for future care-related expenses.
We begin by learning your values, retirement goals, income needs, family considerations, current accounts, employer benefits, and concerns. This discovery stage creates the foundation for advice that reflects your real life, not just your account balances.
Barking Sands Capital is a solution-based firm that pairs fiduciary planning and transparent compensation with coordinated retirement income expertise.
Independent RIA structure supports transparent, client-first advice without product-driven planning pressure.
The proprietary InteProcess™ integrates legal, insurance, tax, retirement, and financial planning disciplines.
CFP® and ChFC credentials support sophisticated guidance for complex retirement decisions.
Personal advisor attention is paired with research-backed portfolio and risk management strategies.
Experienced fiduciary advisors focused on coordinated retirement planning.
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.
The best retirement income strategy is coordinated, tax-aware, and flexible enough to adapt over time. It typically combines Social Security timing, portfolio withdrawals, required minimum distributions, Roth conversion opportunities, cash reserves, healthcare planning, and risk management. Barking Sands Capital builds strategies around each client’s values, lifestyle needs, investment tolerance, and long-term goals rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all formula.
Connect with our team for clear, fiduciary retirement guidance.
Recognized standard for comprehensive financial planning.
Advanced credential in financial consulting strategies.
Fee-based advisory structure focused on transparency.
Tell us about your retirement goals, income sources, and concerns. Our team will help you understand the next steps for a coordinated planning 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.