Plan your retirement with guidance that connects investments, taxes, Medicare, insurance, and income strategy into one coordinated roadmap. Barking Sands Capital helps individuals, families, and business owners across Michigan, Minnesota, and the broader Midwest make confident decisions before and during retirement, with a fee-based approach built around your goals, risk tolerance, and long-term financial security.
Integrated retirement services designed to coordinate income, taxes, investments, Medicare, insurance, and long-term financial goals.
Comprehensive retirement analysis covering income needs, asset distribution, rollover decisions, Roth conversion opportunities, and long-term planning strategies for individuals, families, and business owners preparing for retirement.
Simplify workplace retirement account transitions with a rollover strategy designed around your investment goals, risk tolerance, tax picture, and future income needs.
Evaluate whether converting tax-deferred assets to a Roth IRA may help reduce future taxes, support tax-free growth, and strengthen long-term retirement flexibility.
Navigate Medicare enrollment, coverage choices, timing, and costs with personalized guidance that helps you make informed healthcare decisions as retirement approaches.
Protect retirement assets by planning for future care needs, evaluating long-term care options, and addressing IRMAA strategies that may reduce Medicare surcharges.
Coordinate tax and retirement decisions, including AMT considerations, business owner strategies, withdrawal sequencing, and integrated planning with designated professionals.
Retirement planning works best when every financial decision is viewed together. Barking Sands Capital’s InteProcess™ coordinates retirement analysis with tax, insurance, legal, Medicare, and investment planning, helping Midwest clients avoid disconnected advice. Whether you are approaching retirement in Michigan, Minnesota, or planning from elsewhere, the team helps translate your values, risk tolerance, and income needs into a clear path forward.
Barking Sands Capital is a solution-based firm that pairs independent advice and credentials with coordinated planning for comprehensive retirement financial planning.
Transparent advisory guidance designed around goals, not commissions on managed accounts.
InteProcess™ coordinates retirement, tax, insurance, legal, and investment planning into one roadmap.
Deep roots in Michigan and Minnesota support practical planning for Midwest families and business owners.
CFP® and ChFC credentials bring recognized planning expertise to complex retirement decisions.
Meet the experienced advisors behind your retirement strategy.
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.
Retirement planner costs vary based on the advisor’s service model, planning complexity, and whether investment management is included. Common structures include hourly fees, flat planning fees, or asset-based advisory fees. Barking Sands Capital uses a fee-based, transparent approach designed to align recommendations with client goals rather than product sales. A consultation can clarify the scope, services, and expected cost before you move forward.
Connect with our team for clear answers and practical next steps.
Recognized standard for comprehensive financial planning.
Advanced credential in financial consulting strategies.
Independent, transparent, fee-based advisory structure.
Share your goals, questions, and current planning concerns. A Barking Sands Capital advisor will help you understand next steps and schedule a focused retirement 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.