biography

Charles R. Lesser, CFP®, CDFA®

Vice President

Charles Lesser comes to Performance Wealth after serving as a Senior Planner with Balasa Dinverno Foltz LLC and a Financial Planning Associate with EFG Advisors, both in the Chicago area.

His role at Performance Wealth Partners includes Financial Planning and Foundation Planning. Charles earned his Bachelor’s degree in Entrepreneurship & Small Business Management and his MBA in Finance from Illinois State University. Through the combination of his experience and education, Charles is uniquely equipped to serve our entrepreneurial clients. His experience working with high-net-worth individuals enables him to build comprehensive plans for our clients and their families. Charles is involved with The American Cancer Society and is especially dedicated to the cause to honor his late grandfather.

630-686-5647

  • CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™
  • CERTIFIED DIVORCE FINANCIAL ANALYST®
  • FORBES BEST-IN-STATE ADVISORS 2026
  • Forbes Best-In-State Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisors 2026, 25
  • Illinois State University, B.S.
  • Illinois State University, M.B.A.
  • Active in American Cancer Society and Feeding America

Charles Lesser has been awarded the Forbes Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisors list on August 11, 2026, based on data provided for the trailing 12-month period ending March 31, 2026. The Forbes Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisors list is created by SHOOK Research and published by Forbes. Criteria for selection is based on an algorithm of qualitative criteria—gained through telephone, virtual, and in-person interviews—and quantitative data, including assets under management, revenue produced, compliance records, and client retention trends; full award rules and methodology can be obtained at www.Forbes.com. No compensation was provided by Performance Wealth in connection with being awarded Forbes’ Best-In-State Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisors 2026, however Performance Wealth paid a licensing fee to use the award logo for marketing purposes.

The Forbes ranking of Best-In-State Wealth Advisors 2026, developed by SHOOK Research, is based on an algorithm of qualitative criteria as of 6/30/25, mostly gained through telephone and in-person due diligence interviews, and quantitative data. Those advisors that are considered have a minimum of seven years' experience, and the algorithm weights factors like revenue trends, assets under management, compliance records, industry experience and those that encompass best practices in their practices and approach to working with clients. Portfolio performance is not a criteria due to varying client objectives and lack of audited data. Neither Forbes nor SHOOK receive a fee in exchange for rankings. Awards or rankings are not indicative of future success or results, and should not be construed as an endorsement of the advisor. The award is valid from April 08, 2026, to April 08, 2027.

The Barron's rankings are based on data provided by around 4,000 of the nation's most productive advisors. Factors included in the rankings: assets under management, revenue produced for the firm, regulatory record, quality of practice, and philanthropic work. Investment performance isn't an explicit component because not all advisors have audited results and because performance figures often are influenced more by clients' risk tolerance than by an advisor's investment-picking abilities. The rankings are meant as a starting point for clients looking for an advisor—a first-pass vetting that can help investors narrow a search. Every advisor will have his or her own approach to investing, financial planning, and other services. Clients are encouraged to approach a search for an advisor the way they would a search for a doctor—interviewing multiple professionals and getting opinions from multiple third parties. If you're reading this in a Barron’s app, please head to barrons.com in your browser for a better experience. Awards or rankings are not indicative of future success or results and should not be construed as an endorsement of the advisor.

Nominees for the Financial Planning and On Wall Street rankings were 39 or younger as of Dec. 31 and were registered with an advisory firm in the employee channel. Production totals were used to determine the rankings. Nominees’ information was confirmed with their employers. Awards or rankings are not indicative of future success or results and should not be construed as an endorsement of the advisor.

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