Medicare Planning
Personalized Medicare guidance to help you understand coverage options, enrollment timelines, plan differences, and healthcare costs before making an important retirement decision.
Navigate Medicare Cost Plans in Minnesota with guidance from Barking Sands Capital. Our advisors help you compare coverage, enrollment timing, healthcare costs, and retirement impacts so you can make confident decisions. With Minnesota’s unique Medicare plan landscape and seasonal healthcare access considerations, we focus on clarity, suitability, and long-term financial fit.

Guidance for Medicare decisions, healthcare costs, IRMAA planning, and retirement coordination.
Personalized Medicare guidance to help you understand coverage options, enrollment timelines, plan differences, and healthcare costs before making an important retirement decision.
Strategies focused on future care needs, asset protection, and Medicare-related IRMAA considerations that can affect higher-income retirees and long-term financial decisions.
Retirement planning that coordinates healthcare costs, income distributions, tax considerations, and coverage choices so Medicare decisions fit your larger financial picture.

We begin by learning about your doctors, prescriptions, current coverage, retirement income, and travel patterns. For Minnesota retirees, we also consider county-specific plan availability and whether seasonal care needs affect provider access.
Barking Sands Capital is a solution-based firm that pairs Minnesota Medicare cost plan expertise with financial context and personal attention to guide your coverage choices.
CFP® and ChFC credentials support thoughtful Medicare, retirement, tax, and insurance planning.
Minnetonka-based guidance reflects Minnesota plan availability, county differences, and retiree healthcare needs.
Independent, fee-based planning prioritizes client needs rather than pushing financial products.
Medicare planning connects with IRMAA, retirement income, and long-term care across Midwest households.
Credentialed advisors helping clients plan with clarity.

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 Medicare plan in Minnesota depends on your county, doctors, prescriptions, travel habits, and total cost exposure. Medicare Cost Plans may appeal to people who want certain network benefits while retaining Original Medicare flexibility outside the network. Barking Sands Capital helps compare Medicare Cost Plans, Medicare Advantage, Medigap, and Part D considerations in the context of your retirement plan.
Get clear answers before choosing your Medicare coverage.
Recognized financial planning expertise.
Advanced insurance and planning credential.
Licensed for Medicare-related insurance guidance.
Tell us where you are in the Medicare decision process, and our team will help you understand your next steps, coverage considerations, and planning options.
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.