Retirement Planning
Build a coordinated retirement income strategy that addresses withdrawals, asset distribution, Roth conversions, business owner options, and long-term goals before and throughout retirement.
Build retirement income designed for flexibility, tax awareness, and long-term confidence. Barking Sands Capital helps early retirees and pre-retirees coordinate investments, rollovers, Roth conversion opportunities, Medicare timing, and risk management into one integrated plan—so your income strategy supports the life you want before and throughout retirement.
Integrated planning for investments, income, taxes, rollovers, healthcare, and long-term financial confidence.
Build a coordinated retirement income strategy that addresses withdrawals, asset distribution, Roth conversions, business owner options, and long-term goals before and throughout retirement.
Use research-backed portfolio strategies designed to support growth, manage risk, and align investments with the income needs of an early retirement plan.
Transition workplace retirement savings into a tailored investment strategy with careful attention to account structure, income timing, and long-term financial objectives.
Evaluate Roth conversion opportunities to help manage tax liability, pursue tax-free growth potential, and coordinate account sequencing for retirement income.
Coordinate tax planning with retirement income decisions, including account withdrawals, AMT considerations, business owner strategies, and broader financial planning priorities.
Prepare for healthcare decisions in retirement with personalized Medicare guidance, IRMAA strategies, long-term care planning, and cost-aware coverage analysis.
Early retirement creates opportunity, but it also requires careful coordination across investments, taxes, healthcare, insurance, and account withdrawals. Barking Sands Capital helps clients turn accumulated assets into a practical income strategy using active management, rollover guidance, Roth conversion analysis, Medicare planning, and risk-aware financial planning aligned with personal values and long-term goals.
Barking Sands Capital is a solution-based firm that pairs early retirement income generation strategies with clarity and coordinated planning for investors at every stage.
Fee-based guidance designed around client goals, not product sales or managed-account commissions.
The proprietary InteProcess™ coordinates legal, insurance, tax, retirement, and financial planning disciplines.
CFP® and ChFC professionals bring advanced planning knowledge to complex retirement income decisions.
Sophisticated portfolio advice is paired with attentive, relationship-driven support from a personal advisor.
A credentialed advisory team focused on your retirement goals.
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.
The best retirement income strategy usually combines several sources: investment portfolio withdrawals, Social Security timing, pension or annuity income if applicable, cash reserves, and tax-aware account sequencing. For early retirees, the plan must also bridge the years before Medicare and required minimum distributions. Barking Sands Capital helps coordinate investments, taxes, healthcare planning, and risk management into one income framework.
Connect with our team for clear, practical retirement income guidance.
Recognized standard for comprehensive financial planning.
Advanced training in financial planning strategies.
Licensed support for insurance and protection planning.
Reach out to discuss your retirement timeline, income needs, investment accounts, and planning priorities. The Barking Sands Capital team will help you understand next steps and whether an integrated wealth management plan is right for you.
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.