About Janet R Malachowsky
Janet Malachowsky brings 38 years of financial services experience, including 16 years as a Financial Advisor, helping clients protect their wealth, navigate risk, and plan confidently for the future.
As a Portfolio Management Director and founding partner of The Relationship Group at Morgan Stanley, Janet focuses on an often overlooked aspect of wealth planning: managing risk and preparing for life’s uncertainties. She helps clients address complex financial exposures, including longevity, healthcare needs, business continuity, and legacy planning, so they can move forward with clarity and confidence.
Janet collaborates with Morgan Stanley’s vetted insurance specialists and planning resources to develop strategies that support retirement income, protect assets, and align financial decisions with each client’s broader goals. Her approach is grounded in experience, practicality, and the belief that financial plans should evolve alongside life’s changes.
Before becoming a Financial Advisor, Janet spent years in financial printing and banking, including roles as a loan officer and mortgage wholesale representative. This background provides a well-rounded perspective and allows her to guide clients through a wide range of financial considerations with insight and care. She earned her Retirement Management Advisor (RMA®) designation in 2025.
Janet co-founded The Relationship Group in 2014 with the belief that strong relationships, consistent guidance, and thoughtful planning help clients stay on track and make confident decisions over time. The team was recognized as a 2026 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Management Team in California.
Originally from the Catskills in New York, Janet studied Astrophysics at Barnard College before earning her B.S. in Management with a minor in Economics from Rutgers University. She relocated to California in 1999 and has been based in the Palm Desert area since 2001.
Janet is actively involved in the Palm Desert and broader community. She is a Rutgers Road to Wall Street Mentor, supporting students pursuing careers in finance. Her additional involvement includes Desert Alliance of Professional Women, Palm Springs Pride, and Leadership Coachella Valley (Class of 2016). She is a recipient of the Palm Springs Pride Spirit of Pride Award and has been recognized as one of the 80 OUTstanding Voices of Palm Springs. Janet has also served on the Rutgers Business School Finance Advisory Board and as President of the Desert Business Association. She supports organizations including Lambda Legal, HRC, NCLR, Southern Poverty Law Center, Bikur Cholim of Palm Springs, and FIND Food Bank.
Janet and her spouse of 48 years, Lenore, live in the Palm Desert area with their dog.
Life insurance, disability income insurance, and long-term care insurance are offered through Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC's licensed insurance agency affiliates.
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”), its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors or Private Wealth Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. Clients should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for matters involving trust and estate planning and other legal matters.
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC. Member SIPC.
Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams Source: Forbes (Awarded January 2026). Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the period 3/31/24–3/31/25.
Securities Agent: NM, MI, FL, WI, SC, IL, TX, VT, OR, CA, NY, CO, AZ, WA, TN, NJ, MD, LA, KY, OH, MN, HI, NV, KS, GA, PA; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 1268421
CA Insurance License #: 0H01754