I’m Steve Lerner. I’m a husband, a dad to two amazing kids, and someone who enjoys taking on challenges that keep life interesting. I grew up in the Chicago suburb of Palos Hills and now call Arlington Heights home.

I love staying busy with my family and pursuing things that require patience and persistence. Over the years, that has meant training for marathons after once struggling to run two miles consecutively, competing in street rollerblading contests and winning the Windy City Riot twice, learning handyman skills on my own or from my dad instead of hiring someone, and setting up old-school vinyl audio systems in the age of streaming and wireless because I enjoy the process as much as the result.

Supporting children impacted by cancer is deeply personal to me. My daughter battled brain cancer when she was younger and that experience reshaped how I think about risk, priorities, and what truly matters. Since then, I have raised funds through half and full marathons, shared our family’s story to raise awareness and help others feel less alone, and supported organizations doing meaningful work for families facing similar challenges.

Those experiences shape how I approach financial planning. I strive to create an environment where clients feel heard and understood, where complex decisions are simplified, and where financial planning brings calm instead of stress.

I am a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ with a degree from Illinois State University and more than 10 years of experience in the financial services industry. I work with individuals, families, and business owners who want to move from feeling frazzled and uncertain to confident and reassured, with a plan they trust and a partnership they can rely on as life changes.

If you are looking for a financial planning relationship built on clarity, honesty, and trust, I would welcome the opportunity to connect.