Rebecca Westervelt

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Senior Managing Director – Retirement Services
Courier Capital

How do you typically create measurable value for a client in the first 90 days?

Creating value starts with helping clients gain financial clarity. I want them to feel informed and confident. Early on, I focus on three key questions. Are you taking the right level of risk? Are you managing taxes efficiently? Are you on track to reach your long-term goals? From there, I align portfolio strategy with tax efficiency and build clear projections, so clients understand their current position and the steps ahead. We also place strong emphasis on portfolio costs, ensuring clients understand what they’re paying and minimizing needless expenses that erode returns over time.

What risks do clients often underestimate?

One of the biggest risks that clients underestimate is the importance of taking risks in the first place. Long-term growth depends on staying invested, yet when markets decline, the instinct can be to pull back. That can be a costly mistake, because stepping out of the market can mean missing the recovery. I also see individuals underestimate risk in retirement plans, as many rely on a target date fund that may not reflect their full financial picture. Better outcomes often come from understanding your overall allocation and staying committed to the right long-term strategy.

How do you adapt your service for different client segments or use cases?

At Courier Capital, we adapt our approach by starting with each client’s full financial picture and objectives. From there, we tailor portfolio strategy and planning to fit their unique circumstances. For high-net-worth families, that often means more complexity around tax efficiency, estate planning, and multigenerational wealth. For retirees, the focus shifts toward income sustainability and downside protection. For clients still building wealth, we emphasize growth, disciplined saving, and use of employer-sponsored plans within a broader strategy. No matter the client, we aim to align risk, tax strategy, and planning in a way that evolves with their needs over time.

How do you measure success?

There are many ways to measure success as an advisor, but the one that is most meaningful to me is when a client refers someone to our firm. A referral represents trust and reflects the strength of the relationship we’ve built. That’s something I find great pride in.

What is one quote or phrase you refer to when you need inspiration?

There’s a lyric from the band Dawes that says, “Things happen, that’s all they ever do.” It’s simple, but grounding. When work or life feel overwhelming, that lyric reminds me to remember that not everything is mine to manage or carry. Sometimes things just happen and all you can do is seek to be resilient, gain perspective, and continue moving forward with purpose.