Your Investment Advisor

Steve McConnell

Steve McConnell Financial Advisor

I founded Rain Dog to provide friendly, tax-aware financial guidance to individuals and families who are passionate about leaving the world better than they found it. Whether you are a tech worker, business leader, healthcare professional, educator—if it’s important to you to make a positive impact on the world, I would love to work with you.

Q&A with Steve

Steve, what do you like about investment management? I like the fact that good financial planning is equal parts empathy, education, and business planning. I get great satisfaction from finding creative solutions that balance my clients’ financial and psychological objectives. I like helping people get to a place where they can be secure with their finances and enjoy their lives.

Are there any types of clients you especially like to work with? Service has been an important part of my life, and I really connect with people who want to leave the world better than they found it. My background is in tech, but the specific occupation is not that important. I like working with people who are passionate about making a positive difference.

How do your personal experiences affect your approach? I bring the life experiences of starting multiple businesses, shepherding them through boom and bust cycles, losing a parent, going through divorce, and raising two children and six dogs (not all at once!). Life is full of both ups and downs, and I understand that both financially and personally.

How does your technical background figure into your approach? After I get to know my clients and understand their situations, I apply a lot of complex math to create solutions that will work well for their unique circumstances. Most people don’t want to spend a lot of time talking about the mathematical details, but I enjoy geeking out on the math with anyone who’s interested.

Last question: Do you currently have a dog? Of course! My dog Cooper is a 4-year-old golden retriever who keeps me endlessly entertained.

Cooper Rain Dog

About Me

  • I’ve lived in Bellevue for more than 20 years and have two adult children.

  • I’ve had six dogs and currently have a golden retriever (my second golden).

  • I have slept overnight in 45 states, and I’ve ridden a motorcycle coast to coast in both directions.

  • I’ve spent significant time in 25 countries including Australia, New Zealand, Korea, China, Israel, Russia, Serbia, most countries in western Europe, and more than 20 trips to England.

  • I wrote eight books about software development, including one of the best-selling books of all time (Code Complete).

  • I grew up mostly in eastern Washington.

  • I received my B.A. from Whitman College and M.S.E. from Seattle University.

My Community Involvement

  • Bellevue Rotary Club President 2021-2022, Member 2012-Present

  • Bellevue School Board President 2013-2015, School Board Member, 2011-2017

  • Lochleven Community Association (formerly West Bellevue Community Club), Board member, 2009-present

  • Founder, CEO, Construx Software, Bellevue, WA, 1996-2022

My Investment Background

  • Chartered Financial Consultant®

  • Completed the 7 course Financial Planning Certificate program through Bryant University and passed the CFP® exam

  • Series 65 Securities License

  • SIE, Security Industry Essentials exam