Guided Medicare Planning Services & Options

Choosing Medicare coverage can feel complicated, especially when enrollment windows, plan types, prescriptions, premiums, and future care needs all connect. Barking Sands Capital provides clear, personalized guidance from licensed financial and insurance professionals so you can understand your options, avoid costly missteps, and align healthcare decisions with your retirement goals with confidence and a coordinated long-term financial view.

Senior couple reviewing Medicare options with an advisor

Our Medicare Planning Services

Clear Medicare guidance integrated with retirement, tax, insurance, and long-term care planning considerations.

Medicare Planning

Personalized guidance through Medicare coverage options, enrollment timelines, costs, and plan comparisons so you can make informed healthcare decisions that support your retirement strategy.

IRMAA Strategies

Strategic review of income-related Medicare surcharges, including how retirement distributions, tax planning, and investment decisions may influence future Part B and Part D premiums.

Care Planning

Planning that connects Medicare choices with long-term care risks, asset protection goals, insurance considerations, and future healthcare needs in retirement.

Coordinated Guidance

Make Medicare Decisions With Greater Confidence

Medicare decisions can affect more than healthcare coverage—they can influence retirement cash flow, taxes, and long-term financial security. Barking Sands Capital brings Medicare planning into a broader advisory conversation, helping clients evaluate coverage, timing, IRMAA exposure, and future care considerations. With licensed guidance and a client-first process, you gain clarity before making important enrollment decisions.

Advisor explaining Medicare coverage options to retirees
The Barking Sands Difference

Why Choose Barking Sands Capital?

Barking Sands Capital is a solution-based firm that pairs Medicare planning expertise with a complete retirement planning framework to guide informed coverage decisions.

Credentials

CFP®, ChFC, insurance-licensed, and registered professionals bring depth to Medicare-related decisions.

Integration

Medicare guidance is coordinated with retirement, tax, insurance, and long-term care planning.

Transparency

Independent, fee-based planning prioritizes client objectives instead of pushing financial products.

Personal Service

Personal advisor attention supports clear answers, timely reviews, and confident enrollment choices.

Meet The Advisory Team

Credentialed advisors focused on coordinated retirement healthcare guidance.

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

Who is the best person to talk to about Medicare plans?

The best person to talk to is a licensed advisor who understands both Medicare coverage and retirement planning. Barking Sands Capital’s team includes professionals with Life and Health Insurance licenses, CFP® and ChFC credentials, and experience coordinating Medicare, long-term care, tax, and retirement decisions. This helps ensure your plan choices are reviewed within your broader financial picture.

What does Medicare planning include?

When should I start planning for Medicare?

How do Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement plans differ?

What is IRMAA and why does it matter?

Can Medicare planning help if I still have employer coverage?

Does Medicare cover long-term care costs?

How much does Medicare planning cost?

Still Have Medicare Questions?

Get clear answers from a licensed Medicare planning professional.

Credentialed Guidance

Awards and Recognition

Certified Financial Planner certification badge

CFP® Professional

Advanced designation for comprehensive financial planning guidance.

Chartered Financial Consultant certification badge

ChFC Designation

Credential focused on integrated financial advisory expertise.

Life and Health Insurance license badge

Licensed Advisors

Licensed support for Medicare-related insurance decisions.

Ready To Review Your Medicare Options?

Share your Medicare questions, timing, and retirement concerns. Barking Sands Capital will help you identify the next best step.

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.