Retirement Planning
Build a coordinated retirement roadmap covering income needs, account withdrawals, Social Security considerations, asset distribution strategies, and risk management for the years before and after retirement.
Build a retirement paycheck designed for Michigan living with Barking Sands Capital. Our advisors integrate investments, taxes, Medicare, long-term care, and rollover decisions into a coordinated plan, helping you turn savings into dependable income while managing risk through changing markets, healthcare costs, and the seasonal realities of life across the Great Lakes State.
Integrated planning for retirement income, taxes, healthcare, rollovers, investments, and long-term financial confidence.
Build a coordinated retirement roadmap covering income needs, account withdrawals, Social Security considerations, asset distribution strategies, and risk management for the years before and after retirement.
Move retirement savings from an employer plan into a strategy aligned with your income goals, investment preferences, tax situation, and long-term financial picture.
Evaluate whether converting traditional retirement assets to Roth accounts can reduce future tax exposure, increase flexibility, and support tax-free growth over time.
Coordinate retirement withdrawals with tax planning, AMT considerations, and business-owner strategies to help preserve more of your income throughout retirement.
Navigate Medicare timelines, plan options, healthcare costs, and coverage decisions so medical expenses are properly reflected in your retirement income strategy.
Prepare for future care needs and IRMAA considerations with strategies designed to protect assets, reduce surprises, and strengthen long-term retirement confidence.
Retirement income planning is about more than choosing investments. Barking Sands Capital helps Michigan clients coordinate withdrawals, taxes, Medicare, Roth conversion opportunities, and long-term care considerations into one practical strategy. Whether you are retiring from a Detroit-area employer or settling into life in Northern Michigan, our goal is to help your money support your values and destination.
Barking Sands Capital is a solution-based firm that pairs coordinated, transparent retirement income planning with personalized guidance for Michigan clients.
Founded in Troy, Michigan, with enduring relationships across the Upper Peninsula and Midwest.
Fee-based RIA structure supports transparent advice without commissions on managed accounts.
InteProcess™ coordinates retirement, tax, insurance, legal, and investment decisions in one plan.
Guidance reflects Michigan retirement realities, from healthcare costs to changing seasonal cash flow.
Meet the team 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.
The 30 30 30 10 rule is a budgeting framework some retirees use to organize spending: 30% for housing, 30% for daily living expenses, 30% for savings, healthcare, or discretionary goals, and 10% for giving or legacy priorities. It is only a guideline. A strong retirement income plan should also consider taxes, inflation, market risk, Medicare costs, and your actual lifestyle needs.
Get clear answers from a retirement planning team.
Advanced designation for comprehensive financial planning guidance.
Recognized credential for fiduciary-minded planning expertise.
Licensed guidance for retirement and insurance planning.
Share your retirement goals, current accounts, and income questions. Our team will help identify the next steps for a coordinated plan.
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.