Roth Conversions
Evaluate whether converting pre-tax retirement assets to a Roth IRA may reduce future tax burdens, increase withdrawal flexibility, and support long-term tax-free growth goals.
Make your retirement savings work smarter with Roth IRA guidance from Barking Sands Capital. Our advisors help you evaluate contributions, conversions, tax considerations, and investment choices so more of your long-term growth can stay tax-free. With integrated retirement, tax, insurance, and investment planning, you receive a strategy aligned with your goals, risk tolerance, and future income needs.
Integrated Roth IRA support for conversions, rollovers, tax planning, investments, and long-term retirement income decisions.
Evaluate whether converting pre-tax retirement assets to a Roth IRA may reduce future tax burdens, increase withdrawal flexibility, and support long-term tax-free growth goals.
Build a coordinated retirement roadmap that accounts for income needs, distribution strategies, account sequencing, Roth opportunities, and the role of tax diversification.
Coordinate Roth IRA decisions with tax planning, AMT considerations, retirement income projections, and business-owner strategies to help minimize avoidable tax friction.
Transfer former employer retirement savings into a tailored investment strategy while evaluating whether Roth conversion opportunities fit your timeline and tax profile.
Use research-backed portfolio strategies to manage Roth IRA assets with attention to growth potential, diversification, volatility, and your personal risk tolerance.
Integrate retirement, investment, insurance, tax, and legal considerations through a seamless planning framework designed around your values and long-term goals.
A Roth IRA can be more than a retirement account; it can be a flexible, tax-smart part of your financial plan. Barking Sands Capital helps you evaluate conversions, rollovers, contribution eligibility, investment allocation, and withdrawal strategy in one coordinated process. Our fee-based approach keeps the focus on your goals, your tax picture, and your long-term retirement destination.
Barking Sands Capital is a solution-based firm that pairs coordinated Roth IRA expertise with integrated planning for every individual retirement account decision.
Fee-based advisory model designed to prioritize transparent planning over product-driven recommendations.
Proprietary InteProcess™ coordinates retirement, tax, legal, insurance, and investment planning decisions.
CFP® and ChFC experience supports detailed Roth, retirement, and tax-sensitive strategies.
Relationships built through responsive service, referrals, and counsel to long-time clients.
Experienced advisors focused on your retirement destination.
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 future value depends on your investment return and time in the market. For example, $10,000 growing for 20 years at a hypothetical 6% annual return would become about $32,071 before any fees or investment changes. At 7%, it would be about $38,697. Roth IRA growth may be tax-free if qualified withdrawal rules are met, but returns are not guaranteed.
Get clear answers from our retirement planning team.
Advanced planning credential for comprehensive financial advice.
Specialized credential for insurance and financial planning.
Fee-based advisory structure focused on transparency.
Tell us about your retirement goals, current accounts, and tax concerns. Our team will review your situation and help you understand practical next steps for Roth IRA planning.
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.