Expert IRS-Approved Retirement Plans Guidance

IRS-Approved Retirement Plans can help individuals and business owners reduce current taxes, build long-term wealth, and coordinate savings with broader financial goals. Barking Sands Capital brings CFP® and ChFC guidance, tax-aware analysis, and a fee-based planning process to help you evaluate 401(k)s, Roth IRAs, cash-balance plans, rollovers, and retirement income strategies with confidence for the future.

Advisor reviewing retirement plan documents

Our IRS-Approved Retirement Plans Services

Tax-aware retirement plan guidance for individuals, employer plans, and business owners seeking coordinated long-term strategies.

Retirement Planning

Comprehensive retirement analysis covering savings, withdrawals, tax exposure, and account structure, helping clients coordinate IRS-approved plans with broader lifetime financial goals.

401(k) Rollovers

Guidance for transferring old employer plan assets into a tailored strategy while helping reduce administrative friction, avoid mistakes, and align investments with future income needs.

Roth Conversions

Tax-aware Roth conversion planning designed to evaluate timing, income impact, long-term tax-free growth potential, and how conversions fit your retirement distribution strategy.

Cash-Balance Plans

Planning support for business owners considering cash-balance plans, tax strategies, and retirement savings structures that coordinate with business income and owner objectives.

Tax Optimization

Strategic coordination of tax and retirement decisions, including business owner strategies, AMT planning, contribution timing, distribution planning, and broader financial integration.

Asset Management

Active portfolio management and asset allocation guidance designed to support retirement objectives while balancing growth potential, diversification, and personal risk tolerance.

Advisor explaining retirement plan steps

Our Retirement Plan Review Process

Review Your Current Retirement Picture

We begin by reviewing your current retirement accounts, employer benefits, tax picture, income needs, investment risk tolerance, and long-term goals. This creates a clear planning baseline before recommending any IRS-approved retirement plan strategy.

Compare IRS-Approved Plan Options

Coordinate Tax And Financial Strategy

Implement The Chosen Strategy

Monitor And Adjust Over Time

The Barking Sands Difference

Why Choose Barking Sands Capital?

Barking Sands Capital helps clients make retirement decisions with clarity, coordination, and long-term discipline.

Client-First

Fee-based guidance focused on client needs instead of pushing unsuitable financial products.

Credentialed

CFP® and ChFC credentials support sophisticated retirement, tax, and planning decisions.

Integrated

InteProcess™ connects legal, insurance, tax, retirement, and financial planning into one coordinated strategy.

Transparent

Independent custodians and transparent compensation help clients understand where assets are held.

Meet The Planning Team

Meet the advisors behind your retirement strategy.

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

What is a retirement savings plan approved by the IRS that provides individuals with a tax benefit?

An IRS-approved retirement savings plan is typically a tax-advantaged account or employer plan that meets IRS rules for contributions, withdrawals, and reporting. Examples include 401(k)s, traditional IRAs, Roth IRAs, SEP IRAs, SIMPLE IRAs, and defined benefit or cash-balance plans. These plans may offer tax-deferred growth, tax-free qualified withdrawals, deductible contributions, or employer contribution opportunities.

Is a 401k considered a retirement plan by the IRS?

Which IRS-approved retirement plan is right for me?

When should I consider a 401(k) rollover?

How do Roth IRA conversion strategies work?

Are cash-balance plans useful for small business owners?

How does tax planning fit with retirement accounts?

What makes Barking Sands Capital’s retirement planning different?

Still Have Retirement Plan Questions?

Get clear guidance before making your next retirement decision.

Certified & Trusted

Awards and Recognition

Certified Financial Planner CFP certification badge

Certified Financial Planner

Recognized financial planning credential for comprehensive advice.

Chartered Financial Consultant ChFC certification badge

Chartered Financial Consultant

Advanced credential in financial and retirement planning.

Independent RIA trust badge

Independent RIA

Transparent advisory structure focused on client needs.

Ready To Review Your Retirement Plan?

Share your retirement goals, current accounts, and key tax concerns. The team will help identify practical next steps.

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.