Retirement Planning
Coordinate retirement accounts, income sources, asset distribution strategies, and future spending needs into a practical plan that supports long-term confidence and flexibility.
Build retirement income with more confidence through safe money strategies designed to protect assets, coordinate taxes, manage healthcare costs, and support long-term goals. Barking Sands Capital helps retirees and pre-retirees turn savings into a thoughtful income plan using retirement analysis, rollover guidance, Roth conversion strategies, Medicare planning, and integrated financial planning.
Integrated retirement income services designed to protect assets, manage taxes, and support confident decision-making.
Coordinate retirement accounts, income sources, asset distribution strategies, and future spending needs into a practical plan that supports long-term confidence and flexibility.
Simplify retirement savings transitions with guidance on rollover options, tax considerations, investment strategy, and account consolidation before or during retirement.
Evaluate whether converting pre-tax retirement assets to Roth accounts may reduce lifetime taxes, support tax-free growth, and improve legacy planning.
Navigate Medicare timelines, coverage choices, premiums, and out-of-pocket costs with planning that connects healthcare decisions to retirement cash flow.
Prepare for future care needs while protecting retirement assets, addressing IRMAA exposure, and reducing financial uncertainty for your family.
Integrate tax strategy with retirement withdrawals, AMT considerations, business owner planning, and income timing to help optimize after-tax retirement resources.
Safe retirement income is not about avoiding every risk; it is about understanding which risks matter most and planning around them. Barking Sands Capital helps coordinate investment management, tax planning, rollovers, Roth conversions, Medicare, long-term care, and distribution strategies into one clear plan, giving you more confidence as you move from accumulating wealth to using it wisely.
Choose a planning team built around transparency, coordination, and client-first advice.
A fee-based RIA structure supports transparency and reduces product-driven conflicts.
InteProcess™ coordinates legal, insurance, tax, retirement, and financial planning disciplines.
Clients receive personal attention backed by sophisticated investment and retirement planning experience.
CFP® and ChFC credentials support informed planning for complex retirement decisions.
Experienced advisors focused on transparent, coordinated retirement guidance.
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.
Average net worth for a 65-year-old couple can vary widely because high-net-worth households skew averages upward. Median net worth is often more useful for planning because it reflects a more typical household. For retirement income planning, the more important questions are your reliable income sources, spending needs, tax exposure, healthcare costs, debt, and how long your assets may need to last.
Get clear answers about income, taxes, Medicare, and retirement decisions.
Advanced financial planning credential.
Recognized planning and advisory designation.
Transparent advisory structure focused on clients.
Share your retirement priorities, current accounts, and key concerns. The Barking Sands Capital team will help you identify practical next steps for building a safer, more coordinated retirement income 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.