The Principal Financial Group Brings Employee Financial Resource Program to Field Force; Educational, Informative Financial Analysis Resources Help to Benefit Employers and Employees, Alike

Business Wire, March 29, 2006

DES MOINES, Iowa -- With an eye on the worksite and an understanding that one approach doesn't fit all customers, the Principal Financial Group(R) makes available the Employee Financial Resource Program(R). This program offers three unique and specialized financial analysis packages for financial representatives to use as an added offering when providing employee benefits service. By providing service to individual employees, each addresses different levels and types of financial analysis, and all are available through the financial representative at no cost to the employer or the employee.

"Whether you're a senior producer, or new to the market, it's important when working with a growing business to serve not just the business owner, but also his or her employees. Through the Principal Employee Financial Resource Program, financial representatives are armed with the technology, tools and presentation resources to help make a good impression," noted Jerry Patterson, vice president of Marketing for the Life and Health Segment of the Principal Financial Group. "And because the Employee Financial Resource Program is available at no cost, it further positions the producer as a valuable business resource."

Breaking Down The Program

The Employee Financial Resource Program is made up of three educational and informative financial analysis packages, covering everything from life insurance to retirement planning:

--From Here to Security(SM) - This unique program is designed to educate consumers on the need for individual life and disability income insurance and help them identify what coverage they may need to help them be financially secure. Included in the program are consumer friendly dynamic calculators to assess both needs, and the options to address those needs. The foundation of the From Here to Security program is based on the experience of Principal Financial Group brokers, agents and clients - as well as consumer research conducted by The Principal(R).

--Participant Retirement Goal Review - A one-hour session walks employees through the process of assessing their current retirement savings and goals; understanding investment principles; reviewing their current choice of investment options and assistance in making asset allocation changes, if needed.

--Financial Strategies - This comprehensive financial needs analysis tool provides up-to-date information, analysis and calculations of where clients are today and what they may need to do to get where they want to be. This process can help to identify strategies that may increase and preserve wealth; reduce risk and tax liability; help in estate planning, retirement planning and college education planning.

Marketers interested in further information should contact The Principal National Sales Desk at 800-654-4278, or go to Principal eFinancial Professional(SM).

About the Principal Financial Group

The Principal Financial Group(R) (The Principal (R))(1) is a leader in offering businesses, individuals and institutional clients a wide range of financial products and services, including retirement and investment services, life and health insurance, and banking through its diverse family of financial services companies. A member of the Fortune 500, the Principal Financial Group has $195.2 billion in assets under management(2) and serves some 15.6 million customers worldwide from offices in Asia, Australia, Europe, Latin America and the United States. Principal Financial Group, Inc. is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol PFG. For more information, visit www.principal.com.

Insurance issued by Principal Life Insurance Company. Securities offered through Princor Financial Services Corporation, 800/247-4123, member SIPC. Principal Life and Princor(R) are members of the Principal Financial Group(R), Des Moines, IA 50392.

(1) "The Principal Financial Group" and "The Principal" are registered service marks of Principal Financial Services, Inc., a member of the Principal Financial Group.

(2) of December 31, 2005