Retirement Planning
Create a comprehensive roadmap for retirement income, savings, investments, withdrawals, and family priorities, supported by retirement analysis and coordinated planning across your broader financial picture.
Build a retirement plan that reflects your family’s values, responsibilities, and future goals. Barking Sands Capital provides fee-based guidance that coordinates retirement income, taxes, investments, insurance, Medicare, and legacy considerations into one thoughtful strategy—helping you make confident decisions today while preparing for the milestones, healthcare needs, and lifestyle you want tomorrow.
Coordinated retirement planning services designed around your family’s income, healthcare, tax, and legacy goals.
Create a comprehensive roadmap for retirement income, savings, investments, withdrawals, and family priorities, supported by retirement analysis and coordinated planning across your broader financial picture.
Move old employer retirement accounts into a tailored strategy designed to align with your current goals, risk tolerance, investment preferences, and long-term income needs.
Evaluate whether converting retirement assets to a Roth IRA can help reduce future tax exposure, create tax-free growth, and support long-term wealth transfer goals.
Navigate Medicare coverage choices, enrollment timelines, premium considerations, and healthcare cost planning so your retirement strategy accounts for one of life’s biggest expenses.
Plan for future care needs, asset protection, and IRMAA considerations with strategies that help preserve retirement resources and reduce healthcare-related financial stress.
Coordinate retirement income, Roth conversions, AMT considerations, and business-owner strategies to help improve after-tax outcomes throughout retirement and beyond.
We begin by understanding your family’s values, income needs, retirement timeline, existing accounts, healthcare concerns, and legacy priorities. This creates a practical foundation for recommendations that fit your real life, not a generic model.
Barking Sands Capital is a solution-based firm that pairs independent advice and integrated planning with personal attention for personalized retirement strategies tailored to your family needs.
Independent RIA guidance with transparent compensation and no commissions on managed accounts.
InteProcess™ coordinates legal, insurance, tax, retirement, and financial planning into one seamless strategy.
Clients receive sophisticated portfolio insight with the flexibility and attention of a personal advisor.
Founded on family values, relationship building, and putting client needs above all else.
Experienced advisors focused on family-centered financial direction.
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.
Common family financial goals include building a reliable retirement income plan, paying for education, reducing debt, protecting loved ones with insurance, preparing for healthcare costs, and creating an estate or legacy strategy. For many families, the most effective goals are specific, measurable, and tied to values—such as retiring at a target age, funding college, or preserving assets for future generations.
Get clear answers from a planning team focused on your family.
Recognized standard for comprehensive financial planning expertise.
Advanced credential in financial consulting and planning.
Licensed support for protection and retirement strategies.
Tell us about your retirement goals, family priorities, and current financial picture. Our team will review your needs and help outline the next best steps.
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.