Expert Wealth Management & Insurance Planning Services

Build a clearer path toward your financial goals with Barking Sands Capital. Our Wealth Management & Insurance Planning Services coordinate investments, retirement, tax strategy, Medicare, long-term care, and protection planning into a seamless, client-first plan. With independent, fee-based guidance and experienced advisors, you get thoughtful strategies designed around your values, risk tolerance, and destination.

Wealth advisor reviewing financial plan with clients

Our Wealth Management & Insurance Planning Services

Integrated planning services for investments, retirement, taxes, Medicare, insurance protection, and long-term wealth decisions.

Financial Planning

A coordinated planning experience that integrates legal, insurance, tax, retirement, and investment considerations through Barking Sands Capital’s proprietary InteProcess™ approach.

Investment Management

Research-backed portfolio strategies designed to grow wealth while respecting your tolerance for risk, using active management and personalized advisor attention.

Retirement Planning

Retirement analysis, 401(k) rollovers, Roth IRA conversions, asset distribution strategies, and cash-balance planning for owners preparing for future income needs.

Tax Optimization

Strategic planning that coordinates tax considerations with retirement, investment, insurance, and business-owner decisions to support smarter long-term outcomes.

Insurance Planning

Protection planning that evaluates life, health, and risk-management needs as part of a broader financial strategy for every stage of life.

Medicare Planning

Guidance on Medicare timelines, coverage options, long-term care needs, and IRMAA strategies to help protect retirement assets and healthcare confidence.

Coordinated Guidance

Integrated Planning for Every Financial Decision

Your financial life is interconnected, so your advice should be too. Barking Sands Capital brings investment management, insurance planning, retirement analysis, tax coordination, Medicare, and long-term care considerations into one clear strategy. Instead of pushing products, the team focuses on transparent, fee-based guidance that reflects your values, risk comfort, family priorities, and long-term goals.

Advisor reviewing integrated wealth and insurance plan
The Barking Sands Difference

Why Choose Barking Sands Capital?

Barking Sands Capital is a solution-based firm that pairs insurance and wealth management planning with transparency, coordination, and personalized care in every client relationship.

Independent

Fee-based RIA structure supports transparent guidance focused on client objectives, not product sales.

Integrated

InteProcess™ coordinates legal, insurance, tax, retirement, and financial planning into one clear strategy.

Credentialed

CFP® and ChFC credentials support advanced advice for complex wealth and protection decisions.

Personalized

Personal advisor attention pairs with sophisticated investment management and independent custodial relationships.

Meet Barking Sands Capital

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 does a wealth planning manager do?

A wealth planning manager helps coordinate the major areas of your financial life, including investments, retirement income, tax strategy, insurance needs, estate considerations, and long-term goals. At Barking Sands Capital, that guidance is delivered through a comprehensive, team-based planning process designed to align your assets, risks, and decisions with the destination you want to reach.

What is the difference between wealth management and financial planning?

Why is insurance planning important in wealth management?

What is included in comprehensive financial planning?

Can Barking Sands Capital help with retirement planning?

How is Barking Sands Capital compensated?

Who is a good fit for these services?

How do I get started with Barking Sands Capital?

Still Have Financial Questions?

Connect with our team for thoughtful, personalized planning guidance.

Credentialed Guidance

Awards and Recognition

Certified Financial Planner certification logo

Certified Financial Planner

Recognized standard for comprehensive financial planning.

Chartered Financial Consultant certification logo

Chartered Financial Consultant

Advanced credential for financial and insurance planning.

Life and Health Insurance license badge

Life and Health Licenses

Licensed guidance for life and health coverage.

Start Planning With Confidence

Tell us about your goals, questions, and current planning priorities. A Barking Sands Capital team member will help you understand the next step.

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.