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        <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><b><font size="4">SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION</font></b></p>

        <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><b><font size="2">Washington, D.C. 20549</font></b></p>

        <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 12pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 18pt; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><font size="2">__________________</font></p>

        <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 12pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><b><font size="4">FORM 8-K</font></b></p>

        <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 12pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 18pt; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><b><font size="2">CURRENT REPORT</font></b></p>

        <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 12pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><b><font size="2">Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the</font></b></p>

        <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><b><font size="2">Securities Exchange Act of 1934</font></b></p>

        <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: center">&nbsp;</p>

        <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><font size="2">Date of Report:</font> <b><font size="2">October 16, 2008</font></b></p>

        <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 6pt; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><font size="2">(Date of earliest event reported)</font></p>

        <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: center">&nbsp;</p>

        <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><b><font size="4">PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.</font></b></p>

        <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><font size="2">(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)</font></p>

        <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: center">&nbsp;</p>

        <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: center">&nbsp;</p>

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                        <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; FONT-WEIGHT: bold; FONT-SIZE: 18pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0in; TEXT-INDENT: 0px; FONT-FAMILY: 'TIMES'" align="center"><b><font style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'TIMES NEW ROMAN'">Delaware</font></b></p>
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                    <td style="BORDER-RIGHT: black 0.5pt solid; PADDING-RIGHT: 0.07in; BORDER-TOP: black 0.5pt solid; PADDING-LEFT: 0.07in; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0in; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; PADDING-TOP: 0in; BORDER-BOTTOM: black 0.5pt solid" valign="top" width="170">
                        <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; FONT-WEIGHT: bold; FONT-SIZE: 18pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0in; TEXT-INDENT: 0px; FONT-FAMILY: 'TIMES'" align="center"><b><font style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'TIMES NEW ROMAN'">1-16725</font></b></p>
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                    <td style="BORDER-RIGHT: black 0.5pt solid; PADDING-RIGHT: 0.07in; BORDER-TOP: black 0.5pt solid; PADDING-LEFT: 0.07in; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0in; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; PADDING-TOP: 0in; BORDER-BOTTOM: black 0.5pt solid" valign="top" width="196">
                        <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; FONT-WEIGHT: bold; FONT-SIZE: 18pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0in; TEXT-INDENT: 0px; FONT-FAMILY: 'TIMES'" align="center"><b><font style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'TIMES NEW ROMAN'">42-1520346</font></b></p>
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                        <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; FONT-WEIGHT: bold; FONT-SIZE: 18pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0in; TEXT-INDENT: 0px; FONT-FAMILY: 'TIMES'" align="center"><b><font style="FONT-WEIGHT: normal; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'TIMES NEW ROMAN'">(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation)</font></b></p>
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                    <td style="BORDER-RIGHT: black 0.5pt solid; PADDING-RIGHT: 0.07in; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 0.07in; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0in; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; PADDING-TOP: 0in; BORDER-BOTTOM: black 0.5pt solid" valign="top" width="170">
                        <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; FONT-WEIGHT: bold; FONT-SIZE: 18pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0in; TEXT-INDENT: 0px; FONT-FAMILY: 'TIMES'" align="center"><b><font style="FONT-WEIGHT: normal; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'TIMES NEW ROMAN'">(Commission file number)</font></b></p>
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                    <td style="BORDER-RIGHT: black 0.5pt solid; PADDING-RIGHT: 0.07in; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 0.07in; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0in; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; PADDING-TOP: 0in; BORDER-BOTTOM: black 0.5pt solid" valign="top" width="196">
                        <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; FONT-WEIGHT: bold; FONT-SIZE: 18pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0in; TEXT-INDENT: 0px; FONT-FAMILY: 'TIMES'" align="center"><b><font style="FONT-WEIGHT: normal; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'TIMES NEW ROMAN'">(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)</font></b></p>
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            &nbsp;
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        <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><b><font size="2">711 High Street, Des Moines, Iowa 50392</font></b></p>

        <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><font size="2">(Address of principal executive offices)</font></p>

        <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: center">&nbsp;</p>

        <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><b><font size="2">(515) 247-5111</font></b></p>

        <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><font size="2">(Registrant&rsquo;s telephone number, including area code)</font></p>

        <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: center">&nbsp;</p>

        <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left"><font size="2">Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:</font></p>

        <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left">&nbsp;</p>

        <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; FONT-WEIGHT: bold; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0in; TEXT-INDENT: 0px; FONT-FAMILY: 'TIMES'" align="left"><b><font style="FONT-WEIGHT: normal; FONT-FAMILY: 'TIMES NEW ROMAN'">[ &nbsp;]&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)<br>
        [ &nbsp;]&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)<br>
        [ &nbsp;]&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR&nbsp;<br>
        &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;240.14d-2(b))<br>
        [ &nbsp;]&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR&nbsp;<br>
        &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;240.13e-4(c))</font></b></p>

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            &nbsp;
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        <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 12pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 18pt; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><font size="2">__________________</font></p>

        <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left">&nbsp;</p>

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        <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left"><b><font size="2">Item 7.01</font></b><font size="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</font><b><font size="2">Regulation FD Disclosure</font></b></p>

        <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left">&nbsp;</p>

        <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><font size="2">This report is filed quarterly to disclose assets under management by asset manager, prior to the availability of Principal Financial Group, Inc's (the "Company") quarterly earnings release. The amounts presented herein will be consistent with the format of assets under management by asset manager and presented again in such format within the Company's financial supplement for the
        quarter ended September 30, 2008 when that document is posted to the Company's investor relations web site on or about November 3, 2008.</font></p>

        <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify">&nbsp;</p>

        <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.52in; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><font size="2">As of September 30, 2008, the assets under management by asset manager were $218.1 billion for Principal Global Investors and $27.2 billion for Principal International.</font></p>

        <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left">&nbsp;</p>

        <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 12pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 12pt; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><font size="2">SIGNATURE</font></p>

        <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 12pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 12pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.51in; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><font size="2">Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.</font></p>

        <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left">&nbsp;</p>

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                        <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left"><font size="2">PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.</font></p>
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        <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left">&nbsp;</p>

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                        <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left"><font size="2">By:</font></p>
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                    <td valign="top" nowrap width="137">
                        <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left"><u><font size="2">/s/ Thomas J. Graf</font></u></p>
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                        <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left"><font size="2">Name:</font></p>
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                        <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left"><font size="2">Thomas J. Graf</font></p>
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                        <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left"><font size="2">Title:</font></p>
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                    <td valign="top">
                        <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left"><font size="2">Senior Vice President &ndash; Investor Relations</font></p>
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        <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 3in; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in; TEXT-ALIGN: left">&nbsp;</p>

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                        <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left"><font size="2">Date:</font></p>
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                        <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left"><font size="2">October 16, 2008</font></p>
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{"company-data": {"conformed-name": "PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL GROUP INC", "cik": "0001126328", "assigned-sic": "6321", "irs-number": "421520346", "state-of-incorporation": "DE", "fiscal-year-end": "1231"}, "filing-values": {"form-type": "8-K", "act": "34", "file-number": "001-16725", "film-number": "081127418"}, "business-address": {"street1": "711 HIGH STREET", "city": "DES MOINES", "state": "IA", "zip": "50392-0300", "phone": "5152475111"}, "mail-address": {"street1": "711 HIGH STREET", "city": "DES MOINES", "state": "IA", "zip": "50392-0300"}}
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
__________________
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of Report:
October 16, 2008
(Date of earliest event reported)
PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
1-16725
42-1520346
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation)
(Commission file number)
(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)
711 High Street, Des Moines, Iowa 50392
(Address of principal executive offices)
(515) 247-5111
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:
[  ]     Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
[  ]     Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
[  ]     Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR
240.14d-2(b))
[  ]     Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR
240.13e-4(c))
__________________
Item 7.01
Regulation FD Disclosure
This report is filed quarterly to disclose assets under management by asset manager, prior to the availability of Principal Financial Group, Inc's (the "Company") quarterly earnings release. The amounts presented herein will be consistent with the format of assets under management by asset manager and presented again in such format within the Company's financial supplement for the
        quarter ended September 30, 2008 when that document is posted to the Company's investor relations web site on or about November 3, 2008.
As of September 30, 2008, the assets under management by asset manager were $218.1 billion for Principal Global Investors and $27.2 billion for Principal International.
SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.
By:
/s/ Thomas J. Graf
Name:
Thomas J. Graf
Title:
Senior Vice President – Investor Relations
Date:
October 16, 2008