Rick is the founder and President of Steele Financial Services. He was born and raised in Indiana, graduating from Indiana University in 1977. In 1980 he moved to Bellingham and founded Steele and Co., CPA, PS in 1989. He sold that firm in 2011 to focus exclusively on financial planning and wealth management services, with an emphasis on socially responsible investing.
Rick holds the following FINRA Licenses: Series 6 - Investment Company Products/Variable Contracts Rep Series 7 - General Securities Rep Series 63 - Uniform Securities Agent State Law Exam. In addition, he holds life and disability insurance licenses. Says Rick, "I really enjoy helping our clients make sound decisions regarding their finances. I feel that at long last I have finally found my life’s calling." Rick is a Certified Financial Planner® (CFP®) as well as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and Personal Financial Specialist (PFS).
Rick is a member of the Financial Planning Association and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.
Rick is very involved in the arts and music community. He is past chair of the Bellingham Festival of Music and Bellingham Chamber Chorale. He plays hosho and mbira with the Ruvara Marimba Ensemble (www.ruvara.org) and sings in the Bellingham Unitarian Fellowship choirs. “I grew up in a musical family and quickly learned the value of sharing the joy of music. Music is uplifting for both the performer and the audience and helps bring people together to celebrate life”.