Today Principal Financial Group® has teamed up with ARAG®, a leader in legal insurance, to roll out access to a legal document resource for retirement plan participants. This resouce had previously only been available to group life insurance customers as part of the financial wellness resources Principal makes available to help people manage their financial future. With this new relationship, people can now take immediate action regarding their financial wellness and risk planning by preparing a will, healthcare power of attorney and more.

Financial wellness continues to be an important topic for American workers. Many report struggling with risk and protection planning. Only 26 percent of Americans have a complete will that is up to date1. Additionally, 71 percent don’t know where to turn or how to get started with legal matters2.

“We’re constantly listening to our customer’s needs. And when 75 percent said they would find legal documentation helpful in supporting their financial wellness, it was a no-brainer to help fill this gap,” said Joleen Workman, vice president of retirement at Principal®. “People who know more are more confident, and confident people make good decisions. That’s why we work every day to help educate people and build their confidence around financial decision making.”

For individuals looking for a place to get started with risk planning, Principal, along with ARAG, provides timely education and resources to help people take action. Once forms are filled out in the system, individuals can follow easy steps to formalize their plan, often by taking their documents to a notary.

Helping build confidence
Research shows that lack of confidence is the primary reason people don’t make financial decisions, not the income or education concerns they often cite. In addition, people who spend time learning about financial planning are 75 percent more likely to be confident in their financial future3. That’s why Principal provides access to holistic financial wellness resources with timely education to help people achieve both short and long-term goals.

“We’ve always focused on financial wellness, and we know its importance only continues to grow. Principal will take the best of what has helped our customers in the past, combined with new solutions to help round out their financial picture,” added Workman. “It’s important for people to feel confident and prepared for whatever the future may bring. The more we can lower barriers to financial education and resources, the better prepared people will be to have enough, save enough and protect enough for their future.”

About Principal®
Principal helps people and companies around the world build, protect and advance their financial well-being through retirement, insurance and asset management solutions that fit their lives. Our employees are passionate about helping clients of all income and portfolio sizes achieve their goals – offering innovative ideas, investment expertise and real-life solutions to make financial progress possible. To find out more, visit us at principal.com.

Principal, Principal and symbol design and Principal Financial Group are trademarks and service marks of Principal Financial Services, Inc., a member of the Principal Financial Group.

About ARAG®
ARAG (www.ARAGlegal.com) is a leader in legal insurance. It connects people with affordable, professional legal help. The company has an international premium base of more than $2 billion and protects 17.5 million families worldwide. ARAG's North American headquarters are based in Des Moines, Iowa. The company is proud to receive significant national recognition for customer service excellence, most recently being named a BenchmarkPortal Top Contact Center – Small Centers Category.

This value-added resource is not a part of any insurance products and plan administrative services provided through Principal Life Insurance Co or affiliated with any company of the Principal Financial Group®. The resource may be changed or canceled at any time. The use of resources provided by ARAG® Services, LLC should not be considered a substitute for consultation with an attorney. Principal® is not responsible for any loss, injury, claim, liability, or damages related to the use of the ARAG Will & Legal Document Center.

Please remember that the legal documents are accurate and useful in many situations. Whether or not the document is right for you and your situation depends on your circumstances. If you want specific advice regarding your situation, consult an attorney.

1 How Legal and Financial Issues Impact Employee Wellness. Russell Research for ARAG. February 2017

2 ARAG North America, Inc. How Legal & Financial Stress Impacts Employee Wellness and What You Can Do to Help, 2017.

3 Principal Financial Inertia research