Medicare Planning
Personalized guidance to help you understand Medicare coverage options, enrollment timelines, premiums, and plan-related costs before making important retirement healthcare decisions.
Understand what Medicare may truly cost before enrollment decisions affect your retirement budget. Barking Sands Capital helps clarify premiums, deductibles, IRMAA surcharges, coverage timing, and long-term care considerations so you can compare options with confidence and coordinate healthcare costs with your broader retirement, tax, and cash-flow plan.

Integrated Medicare, IRMAA, and retirement planning support designed to clarify healthcare costs and financial tradeoffs.
Personalized guidance to help you understand Medicare coverage options, enrollment timelines, premiums, and plan-related costs before making important retirement healthcare decisions.
Planning support focused on identifying potential Medicare income-related surcharges and coordinating income decisions to help reduce avoidable premium increases where possible.
Comprehensive retirement analysis that connects Medicare costs with income planning, tax considerations, Roth conversions, asset distributions, and long-term financial goals.

We begin by reviewing your age, retirement date, employer coverage, income sources, prescription needs, and planning goals. This establishes the timeline and cost factors that may affect Medicare enrollment, premiums, and surcharge exposure.
Barking Sands Capital is a solution-based firm that pairs Medicare cost analysis expertise with comprehensive financial planning discipline.
Medicare guidance is coordinated with retirement, tax, insurance, and long-term care planning.
The firm’s fee-based RIA structure supports transparent advice focused on client objectives.
CFP® and ChFC credentials bring added depth to retirement healthcare cost decisions.
Advisors with Michigan and Minnesota roots understand Midwest retirees’ practical planning concerns.
Meet the advisors behind your Medicare planning guidance.

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.
Medicare costs can change annually, and official monthly amounts should be verified through Medicare.gov or CMS announcements when 2026 figures are finalized. Your actual increase may differ based on Parts B and D premiums, plan selection, income-related IRMAA surcharges, deductibles, and supplemental coverage. Barking Sands Capital helps clients model these variables within their retirement cash-flow plan.
Talk with our team about your coverage timeline and cost concerns.
Professional fiduciary financial planning designation
Advanced financial consulting credential for advisors
Insurance licensing supports Medicare planning guidance
Share your Medicare questions, timeline, and retirement goals. Our team will help you understand next steps and prepare for a more informed 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.