Fiduciary Wealth Management in Farmington Hills

Plan your financial future with fiduciary guidance from Barking Sands Capital, serving clients in and around Farmington Hills from nearby Troy. Our fee-based approach integrates investments, retirement, tax strategies, Medicare, insurance, and estate considerations so your wealth plan reflects your goals, risk tolerance, and family priorities across every stage of life.

Financial advisor reviewing a portfolio with clients

Our Fiduciary Wealth Management Services

Coordinated fiduciary planning for investments, retirement, taxes, Medicare, insurance, and business-owner strategies.

Financial Planning

Integrated planning that brings together legal, insurance, tax, retirement, and investment considerations through Barking Sands Capital’s proprietary InteProcess™ for a coordinated financial roadmap.

Investment Management

Research-backed portfolio strategies designed to pursue growth, manage risk, and align investments with each client’s objectives, time horizon, and tolerance for market volatility.

Retirement Planning

Retirement analysis, 401(k) rollovers, Roth conversion strategies, asset distribution planning, and cash-balance plan guidance for individuals and business owners approaching retirement.

Tax Optimization

Strategic coordination of taxes with retirement income, business-owner strategies, AMT planning, Roth conversions, and broader wealth decisions to improve long-term efficiency.

Medicare Planning

Personalized Medicare and long-term care planning that helps clients understand coverage options, IRMAA strategies, future care needs, and healthcare costs in retirement.

Business Consulting

Consulting for small business owners, including retirement plan strategies, cash-balance plans, tax-aware planning, and financial decisions tied to business and personal wealth.

Advisor reviewing wealth planning documents with clients

Our Integrated Wealth Planning Process

Clarify Your Values and Goals

We begin by understanding your values, family priorities, cash flow needs, risk tolerance, and long-term destination. For Farmington Hills clients, this often includes retirement timing, business ownership, education funding, and coordinating multiple accounts across employers or custodians.

Analyze Your Complete Financial Picture

Coordinate the InteProcess™ Strategy

Implement Your Personalized Plan

Review and Adjust Over Time

The Barking Sands Difference

Why Choose Barking Sands Capital?

Barking Sands Capital is a solution-based firm that pairs fiduciary care and integrated planning with personalized advisor attention in the Farmington Hills area.

Independent

Fee-based RIA structure supports transparent advice for families near Farmington Hills and Oakland County.

Integrated

InteProcess™ coordinates tax, insurance, legal, retirement, and investment planning through one cohesive strategy.

Credentialed

CFP® and ChFC credentials bring disciplined planning standards to complex wealth decisions.

Local Insight

Michigan roots and Midwest reach help clients navigate regional retirement, business, and family priorities.

Meet the Midwest Team

Meet the advisors behind your fiduciary planning experience.

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 a typical fee for a fiduciary financial advisor?

Fiduciary financial advisor fees commonly use an assets-under-management percentage, flat planning fee, hourly rate, or retainer. Many comprehensive advisors charge around 0.50% to 1.25% annually for portfolio management, while planning-only engagements may be fixed-fee. Barking Sands Capital uses a fee-based, transparent process and does not rely on pushing products for managed accounts.

Is $500,000 enough to work with a financial advisor?

What does fiduciary wealth management include?

How does Barking Sands Capital build a financial plan?

Can you help with retirement planning and rollovers?

What investment management services are available?

Do you provide tax planning with wealth management?

Do you work with clients near Farmington Hills?

Still Have Wealth Planning Questions?

Connect with our team for clear, fiduciary financial guidance.

Credentialed Guidance

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 consulting and planning.

Life and health insurance license badge

Licensed Insurance Planning

Supports coordinated protection and Medicare planning.

Start Planning With Fiduciary Guidance

Share your goals, concerns, and planning priorities. Our team will help you understand the next steps and whether our fiduciary process is the right fit.

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.