Updated 2026-03-20

Principal vs Slavic401k 401(k) Comparison

Compare Principal Financial (#6, 8.3/10) and Slavic401k (#25, 6.1/10) side by side across fees, ratings, features, and investment options.

Overall Comparison

FeaturePrincipalSlavic401k
Overall Score8.3/106.1/10
Rank#6#25
AUM$700 billion$3 billion
Participants6 million50,000
Plan Sponsors46,000+2,500+
Founded18791995

Ratings Comparison

CategoryPrincipalSlavic401k
Fees & Costs3.5/53.2/5
Investment Options3.8/54.8/5
Customer Service4.2/53.4/5
Mobile App3.9/53.0/5

Fee Comparison

Fee TypePrincipalSlavic401k
Admin Fees$1,500 - $5,000/year for small plans$1,200 - $2,500/year + per-participant
Expense Ratios0.25% - 1.5%Varies by investment choice
Trading FeesVaries$0 for stocks/ETFs, varies for options
Advisory Fees0.40% - 1.0%N/A - self-directed

Principal Strengths

Slavic401k Strengths

Rollover, Loans & Withdrawals

FeaturePrincipalSlavic401k
Rollover PlatformPrincipal.comSlavic401k Portal
Loans AvailableYesYes
Withdrawal MethodsOnline via Principal.com, Phone (800-547-7754)Phone (800-356-3009), Online portal
Distribution OptionsLump sum, Partial withdrawal, Installment payments, Annuity purchase, Rollover to IRALump sum, Partial withdrawal, In-kind transfer of securities, Rollover to IRA, Required Minimum Distributions

Which Should You Choose?

Choose Principal if you want:

  • Small businesses
  • Bundled benefit seekers
  • Companies wanting insurance integration

Choose Slavic401k if you want:

  • Self-directed investors
  • Active traders
  • Sophisticated investors
  • Those wanting maximum 401(k) flexibility

Our Verdict: Principal vs Slavic401k

Principal Financial wins this comparison with a score of 8.3/10 vs 6.1/10. Principal excels with excellent for small business 401(k) plans, making it the stronger choice for most investors in this matchup. However, the best choice ultimately depends on your specific needs, employer plan availability, and investment preferences.

Full Principal Review Full Slavic401k Review

Other Popular Comparisons

Fidelity vs Slavic401k

Compare these 401(k) providers head-to-head

 Vanguard vs Slavic401k

Compare these 401(k) providers head-to-head

 Schwab vs Slavic401k

Compare these 401(k) providers head-to-head

 Empower vs Slavic401k

Compare these 401(k) providers head-to-head

 T. Rowe Price vs Slavic401k

Compare these 401(k) providers head-to-head

 Principal vs ADP

Compare these 401(k) providers head-to-head

Principal vs Slavic401k: Complete 401(k) Comparison for 2026

Choosing between Principal Financial and Slavic401k for your 401(k) is an important decision that affects your retirement savings. Principal offers small business focus while Slavic401k is known for self-directed. In terms of fees, Principal charges 0.25% - 1.5% expense ratios compared to Slavic401k's Varies by investment choice. Principal manages $700 billion in assets and serves 6 million participants, while Slavic401k has $3 billion AUM and 50,000 participants.

Key Differences: Principal vs Slavic401k

When comparing Principal and Slavic401k, consider their core strengths: Principal excels with excellent for small business 401(k) plans, while Slavic401k stands out for full self-directed brokerage within 401(k). Both providers offer a wide range of investment options including target-date funds, index funds, and managed accounts. Principal's customer service rating is 4.2/5 compared to Slavic401k's 3.4/5. For mobile experience, Principal scores 3.9/5 while Slavic401k scores 3.0/5.

Which Provider is Right for You?

Choose Principal if you prioritize small businesses. Choose Slavic401k if you're looking for self-directed investors. Your decision should also consider your employer's plan availability, fee sensitivity, desired investment options, and customer service expectations. For detailed reviews, visit our individual Principal and Slavic401k provider pages.

Frequently Asked Questions

Principal Financial scores higher in our 2026 rankings with 8.3/10. Principal is best for small businesses, while Slavic401k is best for self-directed investors. The right choice depends on your employer's plan and your priorities.

Principal charges expense ratios of 0.25% - 1.5% with admin fees of $1,500 - $5,000/year for small plans. Slavic401k charges Varies by investment choice expense ratios with admin fees of $1,200 - $2,500/year + per-participant. Principal's fees rating is 3.5/5 compared to Slavic401k's 3.2/5.

Yes, you can roll over between Principal and Slavic401k. Principal uses Principal.com for rollovers, while Slavic401k uses Slavic401k Portal. A direct rollover avoids mandatory tax withholding. Contact your new provider to initiate the transfer.

Principal offers 401(k) loans. Slavic401k offers 401(k) loans. Both providers typically allow loans up to 50% of your vested balance or $50,000, whichever is less.

Principal scores 3.8/5 for investment options, while Slavic401k scores 4.8/5. Both offer target-date funds, index funds, and managed accounts. Principal's investment options include Mutual Funds, Target Date Funds, Stable Value. Slavic401k offers Individual Stocks, ETFs, Mutual Funds.

For small businesses, consider plan minimums and per-participant costs. Principal is best for small businesses, bundled benefit seekers, companies wanting insurance integration. Slavic401k is best for self-directed investors, active traders, sophisticated investors, those wanting maximum 401(k) flexibility. Compare admin fees: Principal charges $1,500 - $5,000/year for small plans vs Slavic401k's $1,200 - $2,500/year + per-participant.

Pavlo Pyskunov

Pavlo Pyskunov

Managing Director & Investment Fund Director

Pavlo Pyskunov analyzes employer-sponsored retirement plans using IRS publications and DOL Form 5500 filings, helping workers maximize their 401(k) savings through data-driven guidance.

Last updated: 2026-03-20