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Principal Financial Group

Engaged employer

Old School Insurance company - Financial Advisor Principal Financial Group Employee Review

1.0
26 May 2022
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Okay product lineup with help for clients if you were selling Principal stuff

Cons

Definitely not independent. Commission is cut if you use another companies products. Midwest company with Midwest values. There are a lot of old white guys that failed up running this company. You will be working for one of those guys. Most of them are nice enough (maybe because I am a straight, white man) but if you really want assistance excelling, these guys have the talent of a plain, baked potato. If you are a successful financial advisor with experience in the industry, look elsewhere. If you are getting your start, use them to get your licenses and get out. They use the same methods as northwestern mutual

Explore other reviews about Principal Financial Group

5.0
24 Jun 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

good FTO policy good opportunity for career development flexible work arrangements

Cons

health insurance sucks - United annual reviews- everything's made up and the points don't matter more and more pressure to be in-office despite team members being remote

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Principal Financial Group Response
4d
Thank you for taking the time to provide this feedback. Your input is valuable as we work to improve as an employer.
2.0
4 Jun 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Decent work life balance and benefits. Principal offers a pension which is unheard of in today’s age.

Cons

Pay is below average and Principal does not offer inflation raises. Once you hit the midpoint of your salary, you will get a 0% raise until you’re promoted, which will take multiple years regardless of performance. Performance reviews are vague and often used against employees to avoid promotions. At least in my department, I’ve yet to see any of the remote workers be promoted. This is starting to affect attrition and we’re already starting to see people leaving. It’s well known at this point that the best way to get promoted is to leave Principal and get rehired, which even leadership has stated publicly. This is a huge frustration and blow to morale, as it starts to feel like employees need to compete against their co-workers for raises.

1
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Principal Financial Group Response
2w
We appreciate you sharing your feedback. As a leader in retirement solutions and employee benefits, we strive to provide our employees with a competitive benefits package. Our global pay philosophy is guided by market-driven principles. and we leverage third-party market data to ensure our base salary and incentives remain appropriately competitive.
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