Trusted Estate Planning & Will Services for Seniors

Estate planning and will decisions can feel complex, especially when retirement assets, healthcare costs, taxes, and family priorities intersect. Barking Sands Capital helps seniors organize the financial side of legacy planning through a transparent, coordinated approach that aligns retirement income, beneficiary strategies, insurance, long-term care considerations, and professional legal guidance around your values and goals.

Senior couple discussing estate planning with financial advisor

Our Estate Planning & Will Services

Integrated financial, tax, insurance, retirement, and legacy planning guidance for seniors and their families.

Legacy Planning

We help seniors coordinate estate priorities with retirement income, insurance, tax, and investment planning so legal documents and financial accounts support the same long-term goals.

Retirement Coordination

Our advisors review retirement accounts, beneficiary designations, distribution strategies, and income needs to help preserve assets for spouses, heirs, and charitable intentions.

Tax Optimization

Estate decisions can affect income taxes, retirement distributions, and inherited assets. We help identify planning opportunities and coordinate tax-aware strategies with qualified professionals.

Care Planning

Long-term care planning helps seniors prepare for future support needs while considering asset protection, Medicare-related costs, insurance options, and family financial impact.

Insurance Review

We evaluate life insurance, health and accident coverage, and protection strategies that may support liquidity, family security, and estate planning objectives.

Asset Management

Our active investment management and portfolio analysis help align assets with risk tolerance, income needs, and the legacy you want to leave behind.

Senior couple reviewing estate planning documents with advisor

Our Coordinated Estate Planning Process

Clarify Family and Legacy Goals

We begin by discussing your family priorities, retirement lifestyle, charitable interests, healthcare concerns, and legacy intentions. This conversation helps clarify what your estate plan should accomplish financially before legal documents or account changes are considered.

Organize Assets and Planning Documents

Coordinate Financial Planning Strategies

Align With Legal and Tax Professionals

Review and Maintain the Plan

The Barking Sands Difference

Why Choose Barking Sands Capital?

Barking Sands Capital helps seniors approach estate and will planning with clarity, coordination, and personal care.

Independent Advice

Fee-based guidance focused on client goals, not pushing financial products or managed-account commissions.

Integrated Planning

Coordinates legal, insurance, tax, retirement, and financial planning through a unified advisory process.

Credentialed Team

CFP® and ChFC experience supports sophisticated planning for seniors, families, and retirement assets.

Relationship Focus

Long-standing relationships across Michigan, Minnesota, and the Midwest reflect personal attention and continuity.

Meet The Planning Team

Experienced advisors focused on values-based financial guidance.

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 the difference between a will and estate planning?

A will explains how certain assets should be distributed after death and can name guardians or personal representatives. Estate planning is broader. It may include beneficiary reviews, trust coordination, tax planning, healthcare directives, long-term care planning, insurance strategies, and retirement income decisions. Barking Sands Capital helps seniors organize these financial pieces while coordinating with qualified legal professionals for document preparation.

What should seniors include in an estate plan?

Can a financial advisor help with wills?

How often should seniors update their estate plan?

What are common estate planning mistakes for retirees?

How does long-term care planning fit into estate planning?

How are retirement accounts handled in an estate plan?

What should I prepare before an estate planning meeting?

Have Estate Planning Questions?

Get clear answers before making important legacy planning decisions.

Certified & Transparent

Awards and Recognition

Certified Financial Planner CFP certification logo

Certified Financial Planner

Recognized standard for comprehensive financial planning.

Chartered Financial Consultant ChFC certification logo

Chartered Financial Consultant

Advanced credential for financial and estate strategies.

Independent Registered Investment Advisor trust badge

Independent RIA

Transparent advisory structure focused on client priorities.

Start Planning Your Legacy With Confidence

Share your goals, concerns, and current planning documents. Our team will help identify next steps and coordinate the right financial, tax, insurance, and legal planning support.

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.