Top 401(k) Investment Advisors & Retirement Plan Experts

Build a stronger retirement strategy with Barking Sands Capital’s fee-based guidance for 401(k) rollovers, investment management, employer retirement plans, and coordinated planning. Our independent advisors integrate retirement, tax, insurance, legal, and portfolio considerations so individuals, business owners, and plan sponsors can make confident decisions with transparent support.

Financial advisor discussing a 401(k) retirement plan with clients

Our 401(k) Investment Advisor Services

Coordinated 401(k), retirement, investment, tax, and business planning support from an independent fee-based advisory team.

401(k) Rollovers

Move retirement savings from a former employer plan into a coordinated investment strategy designed around your goals, tax picture, risk tolerance, and long-term income needs.

Retirement Planning

Plan for retirement with strategies covering asset distributions, Roth conversions, business owner options, income needs, and long-term financial confidence before and after retirement.

Financial Planning

Integrate retirement, tax, insurance, legal, and investment planning through a seamless advisory process that coordinates professionals around your broader financial objectives.

Asset Management

Use research-backed portfolio analysis, diversification strategies, separately managed accounts, and active management designed to pursue growth while respecting risk tolerance.

Roth Conversions

Evaluate Roth IRA conversion opportunities to support tax-free growth potential, manage future tax exposure, and improve long-term retirement flexibility.

Business Consulting

Support business owners with retirement plan consulting, cash-balance plan strategies, and coordinated tax planning aligned with both business and personal goals.

Advisor reviewing retirement plan documents with a client

Our 5-Step Retirement Planning Process

Review Your Current Retirement Picture

We begin by reviewing your current 401(k), rollover options, retirement timeline, employer plan structure, investment goals, risk tolerance, and tax considerations. This creates a clear foundation before recommending any changes.

Coordinate Planning Across Key Areas

Build a Tailored Retirement Strategy

Implement With Clear Guidance

Monitor, Adjust, and Refine

The Barking Sands Difference

Why Choose Barking Sands Capital?

Barking Sands Capital is a solution-based firm that pairs independent advice and disciplined 401(k) investment management with coordinated retirement plan planning.

Independent

Fee-based RIA structure supports transparent guidance without commissions on managed accounts.

Integrated

InteProcess™ coordinates retirement, tax, insurance, legal, and investment planning into one integrated strategy.

Credentialed

CFP® and ChFC credentials support advanced retirement, investment, and comprehensive financial planning guidance.

Personal

Midwest roots and long-standing relationships guide personalized advice for families and business owners.

Meet The Advisory Team

Experienced advisors focused on transparent, coordinated planning.

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 average 401k advisor fee?

401(k) advisor fees commonly vary by plan size, service scope, and whether the advisor charges an asset-based, flat, or project fee. Many workplace plan advisory fees fall roughly between 0.25% and 1.00% of plan assets annually, though larger plans may pay lower percentages. Barking Sands Capital emphasizes transparent, fee-based guidance so clients understand compensation before engaging services.

What does a 401(k) investment advisor do?

How can Barking Sands Capital help with 401(k) rollovers?

Should I leave my 401(k) with a former employer?

Can small business owners get retirement plan advice?

How do retirement plan advisors manage investment risk?

Do you coordinate tax planning with retirement decisions?

What credentials should I look for in a retirement plan expert?

Still Have 401(k) Questions?

Connect with our team for clear, personalized retirement guidance.

Certified & Transparent

Awards and Recognition

Certified Financial Planner certification logo

Certified Financial Planner

Recognized comprehensive financial planning expertise.

Chartered Financial Consultant certification logo

Chartered Financial Consultant

Advanced financial consulting designation.

Registered Investment Advisor trust badge

Independent RIA

Transparent, independent advisory framework.

Start Planning Your Retirement Strategy

Tell us about your retirement goals, current 401(k), or employer plan needs. Our team will review your situation and help outline 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.