PRINCIPAL MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE CO VARIABLE LIFE SEP ACCOUNT
485BPOS, 1999-04-21
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                                                  Registration No. 333-00101

                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                              Washington, DC 20549

                        POST-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. 8 TO
                                    FORM S-6

                     FOR REGISTRATION UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
                  OF SECURITIES OF UNIT INVESTMENT TRUSTS REGISTERED ON
                                   FORM N-8B-2

        PRINCIPAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY VARIABLE LIFE SEPARATE ACCOUNT
                            (Exact Name of Depositor)

                          The Principal Financial Group
                           Des Moines, Iowa 50392-0100
               (Address of Depositor's Principal Executive Offices)

                                 Traci L. Weldon
                     Principal Life Insurance Company
                          The Principal Financial Group
                             Des Moines, Iowa 50392-0300
                     (Name and address of agent for service)
              Telephone Number, Including Area Code: (515) 247-5111

                   Please send copies of all communications to

                                 J. Sumner Jones
                                 Jones & Blouch
                                 Suite 405 West
                        1025 Thomas Jefferson Street, NW
                            Washington, DC 20007-0805

It is proposed that this filing will become effective (check appropriate box)

     _____ immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b) of Rule 485

     __X__ on May 1, 1999 pursuant to paragraph (b) of Rule 485

     _____ 60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(1) of Rule 485

     _____ on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(1) of Rule 485


     _____ This post-effective amendment designates a new effective date for a 
           previously filed post-effective amendment.

Title and Amount of  Securities:  PrinFlex Life Insurance  Policy.  
<PAGE>
                        PRINCIPAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
                         VARIABLE LIFE SEPARATE ACCOUNT

                       Registration Statement on Form S-6
                              Cross Reference Sheet

    Items of
   Form N-8B-2               Captions in Prospectus

        1..............  Cover Page

        2..............  The Company

        3..............  Not Applicable

        4..............  Distribution of the Policy

        5..............  Principal Life Insurance Company Variable Life
                         Separate Account

        6(a)...........  Not Applicable

        6(b)...........  Not Applicable

        7..............  Not Required

        8..............  Not Required

        9..............  Legal Proceedings

        10(a)..........  Ownership, Beneficiaries, Assignment

        10(b)..........  Policy Values; Participating Policy

        10(c), 10(d)...  Summary (Transfers; Policy Loans;
                         Surrenders, Charges and Deductions; Maturity Proceeds;
                         Death Benefits and Proceeds, Termination and
                         Reinstatement; Ten Day Examination Offer); Ten Day 
                         Examination Offer; Investment Account Transfers; Policy
                         Loans; Death Benefits and Rights; Charges and
                         Deductions (Transaction Fees, Surrender Charge)
                         Policy Termination  and Reinstatement

        10(e)..........  Summary (Termination and Reinstatement); Policy
                         Termination and Reinstatement; Registration Statement

        10(f)..........  Other Matters (Voting Rights)

        10(g)(1),
        10(g)(2),
        10(h)(1),
        10(h)(2).......  Principal Life Insurance Company Variable Life
                         Separate Account; General Provisions (Addition,
                         Deletion or Substitution of Investments; The
                         Contract)

        10(g)(3),
        10(g)(4),
        10(h)(3),
        10(h)(4).......  Not Applicable

        10(i)..........  Principal Life Insurance Company Variable Life
                         Separate Account, The Policy;
                         Death Benefits and Rights;
                         General Provisions (Addition, Deletion or Substitution
                         of Investments; Optional Insurance Benefits; Benefit
                         Payment Options); Federal Tax Matters

        11.............  Principal Life Insurance Company Variable Life
                         Separate Account; General
                         Provisions (Addition, Deletion or Substitution of
                         Investments)

        12(a)..........  Cover page

        12(b)..........  Principal Life Insurance Company Variable Life
                         Separate Account

        12(c)..........  Not Applicable

        12(d)..........  Distribution of the Policy

        12(e)..........  Not Applicable

        13(a)..........  Summary (Charges and Deductions); Principal Life
                         Insurance Company Variable Life Separate Account;
                         Charges and Deductions; Distribution of the Policy

        13(b), 13(c),
        13(d), 13(e),
        13(f), 13(g)...  Not Applicable

        14.............  Distribution of the Policy

        15.............  Summary (Premiums); The Policy (To Buy a Policy)

        16.............  Summary (The Policy); Principal Life Insurance
                         Company Variable Life Separate Account; The Policy
                         (Allocation of Premiums; Policy Values, Investment
                         Account Transfers, Fixed Account Transfers, Automatic
                         Portfolio Rebalancing, Policy Loans, Loan Account,
                         Surrenders); General Provisions (Addition, Deletion or
                         Substitution of Investments)

        17(a), 17(b),
        17(c)..........  Captions referenced under Items 10(c), 10(d), 10(e),
                         and 10(i) above

        18(a)..........  Summary (Policy Value); The Policy

        18(b)..........  Not Applicable

        18(c)..........  Values and Policy Features While the Policy is in Force

        18(d)..........  Not Applicable

        19.............  Other Matters (Voting Rights; Statement of Values)

        20(a), 20(b)...  Principal Life Insurance Company Variable Life
                         Separate Account; General Provisions (Addition,
                         Deletion or Substitution of Investments); Other Matters
                         (Voting Rights)

        20(c), 20(d),
        20(e), 20(f)...  Not Applicable

        21(a), 21(b)...  Summary (Policy Loans); The Policy
                         (Policy Loans)

        21(c)..........  Not Applicable

        22.............  General Provisions (The Contract; Incontestability)

        23.............  Not Applicable

        24.............  Charges and Deductions (Special Provisions for Group or
                         Sponsored Arrangements)

        25.............  The Company

        26.............  Not Applicable

        27.............  The Company

        28.............  Officers and Directors of Principal Life
                         Insurance Company

        29.............  The Company

        30.............  Not Applicable

        31.............  Not Applicable

        32.............  Not Applicable

        33.............  Not Applicable

<PAGE>

                                PrinFlex Life(R)
            Flexible Premium Variable Universal Life Insurance Policy

The PrinFlex  Life(R)  Flexible  Variable  Universal Life Insurance  Policy (the
"Policy") is issued by Principal Life  Insurance  Company (the  "Company").  The
Policy provides:
o    a death benefit payable on the death of the insured;
o    policy loans; and
o    a net surrender value which may be accessed by a partial or total surrender
     of the Policy.

This  prospectus  provides  information  that you should  know  before  buying a
Policy.  It is  accompanied by a current  prospectus  for the underlying  mutual
funds that are  available  under the  Policy.  Please  read  these  prospectuses
carefully and keep them for future reference.

The investment options available under the Policy are:

         Principal Variable Contracts Fund, Inc.              
                  Aggressive Growth Account                   
                  Asset Allocation Account                    
                  Balanced Account                            
                  Bond Account                                
                  Capital Value Account                       
                  Government Securities Account               
                  Growth Account                              
                  International Account                       
                  International SmallCap Account
                  MicroCap Account
                  MidCap Account
                  MidCap Growth Account
                  Money Market Account
                  Real Estate Account
                  SmallCap Account
                  SmallCap Growth Account
                  SmallCap Value Account
                  Stock Index 500 Account
                  Utilities Account

          Fidelity Variable Insurance Products Fund II
                  Contrafund Portfolio               
          Fidelity Variable Insurance Products Fund:  
                  Equity-Income Portfolio            
                  High Income Portfolio     
          Putnam Variable Trust                       
                  Global Asset Allocation Fund       
                  Vista Fund                         
                  Voyager Fund              

As in the case of other  life  insurance  policies,  it may not be in your  best
interest to buy this Policy as a  replacement  for, or in addition to,  existing
insurance coverage.

This Policy is NOT:
o    a bank deposit
o    endorsed by a bank or government agency
o    federally insured
The Policy involves investment risk, including possible loss of principal.

You should be aware that the Securities and Exchange  Commission ("SEC") has not
reviewed the Policy for its  investment  merit,  and does not guarantee that the
information in this prospectus is accurate or complete. It is a criminal offense
to say otherwise.

                      This prospectus is dated May 1, 1999.


                                TABLE OF CONTENTS

GLOSSARY  ...............................................................   4
SUMMARY .................................................................   6
     The Policy..........................................................   6
     Premiums............................................................   7
     Policy Value........................................................   7
     Investment Account..................................................   7
     Fixed Account.......................................................   7
     Transfers...........................................................   7
     Policy Loans........................................................   8
     Loan Account........................................................   8
     Surrenders..........................................................   8
     Charges and Deductions .............................................   8
     Death Benefits and Proceeds.........................................  10
     Maturity Proceeds...................................................  10
     Adjustment Options..................................................  10
     Termination and Reinstatement.......................................  10
     Ten Day Examination Offer...........................................  10
CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION .........................................  12
THE COMPANY .............................................................  14
PRINCIPAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY VARIABLE LIFE SEPARATE ACCOUNT..........  15
THE FUNDS................................................................  12
THE POLICY...............................................................  17
     To Buy a Policy.....................................................  17
     Payment of Premiums.................................................  18
     Premium Limitations.................................................  18
     Allocation of Premiums..............................................  19
     Ten Day Examination Offer...........................................  19
     Policy Values.......................................................  20
     Investment Account Transfers........................................  21
     Fixed Account Transfers.............................................  22
     Automatic Portfolio Balancing.......................................  23
     Policy Loans........................................................  23
     Loan Account........................................................  24
     Surrenders..........................................................  25
DEATH BENEFITS AND RIGHTS................................................  26
     Death Proceeds......................................................  26
     Death Benefit Option................................................  26
     Change in Death Benefit Option......................................  28
     Adjustment Options..................................................  28
CHARGES AND DEDUCTIONS...................................................  29
     Premium Expense Charge..............................................  29
     Monthly Policy Charge...............................................  30
     Cost of Insurance Charge............................................  30
     Administration Charge...............................................  31
     Mortality and Expense Risks Charge..................................  31
     Transaction Fees....................................................  31
     Surrender Charge....................................................  32
     Sales Charge Limitations............................................  33
     Other Charges.......................................................  34
     Special Provisions for Group or Sponsored Arrangements..............  34
THE FIXED ACCOUNT........................................................  35
POLICY TERMINATION AND REINSTATEMENT.....................................  36
     Policy Termination..................................................  36
     Reinstatement.......................................................  37
OTHER MATTERS............................................................  38
     Voting Rights.......................................................  38
     Statement of Values.................................................  38
     Services Available by Telephone.....................................  39
GENERAL PROVISIONS.......................................................  40
     The Contract........................................................  40
     Optional Insurance Benefits.........................................  40
     Misstatement of Age or Gender.......................................  41
     Assignment..........................................................  41
     Ownership...........................................................  41
     Beneficiary.........................................................  42
     Benefit Instructions................................................  42
     Benefit Payment Options.............................................  42
     Right to Exchange Policy............................................  43
     Participating Policy................................................  44
     Incontestability....................................................  44
     Suicide.............................................................  44
     Delay of Payments...................................................  44
     Addition, Deletion or Substitution of Investments...................  45
DISTRIBUTION OF THE POLICY...............................................  45
OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS OF PRINCIPAL MANAGEMENT CORPORATION...............  46
OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS OF PRINCIPAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY...............  46
     Executive Officers (Other Than Directors)...........................  46
     Directors...........................................................  46
STATE REGULATION.........................................................  48
FEDERAL TAX MATTERS......................................................  48
     Tax Status of the Company and the Separate Account..................  48
     Charges for Taxes...................................................  48
     Diversification Standards...........................................  48
     IRS Definition of Life Insurance....................................  49
     Modified Endowment Contract Status..................................  49
     Policy Surrenders and Partial Surrenders............................  49
     Policy Loans and Loan Interest......................................  50
     Corporate Alternative Minimum Tax...................................  50
     Exchange or Assignment of Policies..................................  50
     Withholding.........................................................  50
     Taxation of Accelerated Death Benefits..............................  50
     Other Tax Issues....................................................  50
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS................................................... 51
LEGAL OPINIONS........................................................... 51
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS........................................................ 51
REGISTRATION STATEMENT...................................................51
OTHER VARIABLE INSURANCE CONTRACTS.......................................51
RESERVATION OF RIGHTS....................................................51
YEAR 2000 READINESS DISCLOSURE...........................................52
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS.....................................................53
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.....................................................53
CUSTOMER INQUIRIES.......................................................53
Appendix A...............................................................53
Appendix B...............................................................53


The Policy offered by this  prospectus may not be available in all states.  This
prospectus  is not an offer to sell,  or  solicitation  of an offer to buy,  the
Policy in states in which the offer or solicitation may not be lawfully made. No
person is authorized to give any  information or to make any  representation  in
connection with this Policy other than those contained in this prospectus.

GLOSSARY

adjustment  date - the monthly date on or next following the Company's  approval
of a requested adjustment.

attained age - the insured's age on the birthday on or preceding the last policy
anniversary.

business day - any date that the New York Stock Exchange is open for trading and
trading is not restricted.

division - a part of the Separate  Account  which  invests in shares of a mutual
fund.

effective  date - the date on which all  requirements  for  issuance of a Policy
have been satisfied.

Fixed Account - that part of the policy value that reflects value in the General
Account of the Company.

General Account - assets of the Company other than those allocated to any of our
Separate Accounts.

insured - the person named as the "insured" on the  application  for the Policy.
The insured may or may not be the owner.

Investment Account - that part of the policy value that reflects your investment
in one of the divisions of the Separate Account.

Loan Account - that part of the policy value that reflects the value transferred
from the Investment  Account(s)  and/or Fixed Account as collateral for a policy
loan.

maturity date - the policy anniversary following the insured's 95th birthday.

monthly  date - the day of the month  which is the same day as the policy  date.
Example:  If the policy date is June 5, 1999,  the first monthly date is July 5,
1999.

monthly  policy  charge - the amount  subtracted  from the policy  value on each
monthly  date  equal  to the sum of the  cost  of  insurance  and of  additional
benefits  provided  by any rider  plus the  monthly  administration  charge  and
mortality and expense risks charge in effect on the monthly date.

mutual fund - a registered open-end investment company, or a separate investment
account or  portfolio  thereof,  in which a  division  of the  Separate  Account
invests.

net premium - the gross  premium  less the  deductions  for the premium  expense
charge. It is the amount of premium allocated to the Investment  Accounts and/or
Fixed Account.

net surrender  value - policy value minus any surrender  charge minus any policy
loans and unpaid loan interest.

notice - any form of  communication  received in our home office which  provides
the  information  we need which may be in writing  or  another  manner  which we
approve in advance.

owner  - the  person,  including  joint  owner,  who  owns  all the  rights  and
privileges of this contract.

policy  date - the date from  which  monthly  dates,  policy  years  and  policy
anniversaries are determined.

policy value - an amount equal to the Fixed  Account  value plus the  Investment
Account value(s) plus the Loan Account value.

policy year - the  one-year  period  beginning on the policy date and ending one
day before the policy  anniversary and any subsequent one year period  beginning
on a policy anniversary.
     Example:  If the policy date is June 5, 1999, the first policy year ends on
     June 4, 2000. The first policy anniversary falls on June 5, 2000.

premium  expense charge - the charge  deducted from premium  payments to cover a
sales charge, state and local premium taxes and federal taxes.

prorated  basis - in the  proportion  that the value of a particular  Investment
Account or the Fixed Account bears to the total value of all Investment Accounts
and the Fixed Account.

related  policies - policies  which have a common  effective  date pursuant to a
written request from the applicant(s).

surrender value - policy value minus any surrender charge.

target  premium - a premium  amount which is used to determine the maximum sales
charge that is included as part of the premium expense charge and any applicable
contingent deferred sales charge under a Policy. Target premiums are provided in
Appendix B.

unit - the  accounting  measure  used to  calculate  the  value of the  Separate
Account divisions.

valuation  date - the date as of which the net asset  value of a mutual  fund is
determined.

valuation  period - the period of time between  determination of net asset value
on one valuation date and the next valuation date.

written request - actual delivery to the Company at our home office of a written
notice or request, signed and dated, on a form we supply or approve.

   
         Your notices may be mailed to us at:
                  Principal Life Insurance Company
                  P O Box 9296
                  Des Moines, Iowa 50306-9296
    

<PAGE>


SUMMARY

This prospectus  describes a flexible variable  universal life policy offered by
the Company.  This is a brief  summary of the Policy's  features.  More detailed
information follows later in this prospectus.

The Policy
The Policy is designed to provide you with:
o    lifetime protection, and
o    flexibility in:
     o the  amount  and  frequency  of  premium  payments  (subject  to  certain
     limitations), and
     o the amount of life insurance proceeds payable under the Policy.

You may allocate your net premium  payments to divisions of the Separate Account
and/or the Fixed Account. Currently there are twenty-five divisions available to
you. Not all divisions are available in all states.  A current list of divisions
available in your state may be obtained from a sales  representative or our home
office.

Each  division  invests in shares of an  underlying  mutual fund.  More detailed
information  about  the  underlying  mutual  funds  may be found in the  current
prospectus for each underlying mutual fund.

The underlying  mutual funds are NOT available to the general  public  directly.
The underlying mutual funds are available only as investment options in variable
life insurance  policies or variable annuity  contracts issued by life insurance
companies.  Some  of the  underlying  mutual  funds  have  been  established  by
investment  advisers that manage  publicly  traded  mutual funds having  similar
names and investment  objectives.  While some of the underlying mutual funds may
be similar to, and may in fact be modeled  after  publicly  traded mutual funds,
you  should  understand  that the  underlying  mutual  funds  are not  otherwise
directly  related  to  any  publicly  traded  mutual  fund.  Consequently,   the
investment  performance  of publicly  traded mutual funds and of any  underlying
mutual fund may differ substantially.

Division:                                   the division invests in:
                                    Principal Variable Contracts Fund, Inc.
Aggressive Growth                      Aggressive Growth Account
Asset Allocation                       Asset Allocation Account
Balanced                               Balanced Account
Bond                                   Bond Account
Capital Value                          Capital Value Account
Government Securities                  Government Securities Account
Growth                                 Growth Account
International                          International Account
International SmallCap                 International SmallCap Account
MicroCap                               MicroCap Account
MidCap                                 MidCap Account
MidCap Growth                          MidCap Growth Account
Money Market                           Money Market Account
Real Estate                            Real Estate Account
SmallCap                               SmallCap Account
SmallCap Growth                        SmallCap Growth Account
SmallCap Value                         SmallCap Value Account
Stock Index 500                        Stock Index 500 Account
Utilities                              Utilities Account
Fidelity Contrafund                 Fidelity VIP II Contrafund Portfolio
Fidelity Equity-Income              Fidelity VIP Equity-Income Portfolio
Fidelity High Income                Fidelity VIP High Income Portfolio
Putnam Global Asset Allocation      Putnam VT Global Asset Allocation Fund
Putnam Vista                        Putnam VT Vista Fund
Putnam Voyager                      Putnam VT Voyager Fund

Premiums
The  Company  guarantees  that the  Policy  will  stay in force if you have paid
enough  premium to meet the grace period  provision (see THE POLICY - Payment of
Premiums).  Your initial premium payment must be at least as much as the minimum
monthly  premium  shown on your  illustration  for the Policy.  Minimum  monthly
premium  payments  must be made for the first 24  policy  months  (except  where
prohibited  by state  law).  Increases  in the face  amount of the Policy  cause
increases in the minimum monthly premium.

Your net premiums are allocated to divisions of the Separate  Account and/or the
Fixed  Account.  Your  initial  net  premium is  allocated  to the Money  Market
division at the end of the  valuation  date we receive the  premium.  Twenty-one
days after the effective date of the Policy, the money is reallocated using your
allocation instructions (see THE POLICY - Allocation of Premiums).

Policy Value
Your Policy value is:
o the  value(s)  of your  Investment  Account(s)
o plus the value of your Fixed Account
o plus the value of your Loan Account.

Investment Account
An  Investment  Account  is set up for  each  division  to  which  you  make  an
allocation.   The  value  of  an  Investment  Account  reflects  the  investment
experience of the division.

Fixed Account
The Company  guarantees  that net premiums  allocated to the Fixed  Account earn
interest at a guaranteed rate. In no event will the guaranteed  interest rate be
less than 3% compounded annually.

Transfers
You may  transfer  amounts  between  the  Investment  Accounts  and/or the Fixed
Account  subject  to  certain  limitations.  Transfers  in and out of the  Fixed
Account  are  subject to specific  limitations  described  in THE POLICY - Fixed
Account Transfers.

We reserve the right to charge a transfer fee on each unscheduled transfer after
the 12th such  transfer in a policy year.  The fee will not be more than $25 per
unscheduled transfer.

Policy Loans
You may borrow against your policy value any time the Policy has a net surrender
value. The minimum amount of a loan is $500.

Loan Account
When you take a policy loan, we establish a Loan Account. An amount equal to the
amount  of the  policy  loan  is  transferred  to the  Loan  Account  from  your
Investment Accounts and/or Fixed Account.  Interest is paid on the amount in the
Loan Account.

Surrenders (total and partial)
Total Surrender
o    You may surrender your Policy and receive the net surrender value.
o    We calculate the net surrender value as of the date we receive your written
     request.
o    A surrender charge is imposed on total  surrenders  within ten years of the
     policy date  (another  date may apply if the Policy has been  reinstated or
     the face amount increased).

Partial  Surrender
o    After the second  policy  year,  you may request a partial
     surrender of the net surrender value.
o    The minimum amount of partial surrender is $500.
o    The  total of your  partial  surrenders  during  a  policy  year may not be
     greater than 75% of the net surrender  value (as of the date of the request
     for the first partial surrender in that policy year).
o    Surrenders  are taken  from  premiums  paid into the  Policy on a  last-in,
     first-out basis.
o    Partial surrenders are limited to no more than two in each policy year.

Charges and  Deductions  Deductions  from  Premiums
o    Sales  load of 2.75% of  premiums  less  than or equal to  target  premiums
     (0.75% of premiums in excess of target premiums) made:
     o   during each of the first ten years, and
     o   with respect to premiums made because of a face amount increase, during
         the first ten years after the increase.
o    2.20% for state and local taxes.
o    1.25% for federal taxes.

Surrender Charges
A surrender  charge is imposed on Policy  termination or total surrender  during
the first ten policy years (and ten years after an increase in the face amount).
The charge is:
o    deferred administrative charge of $3 per $1,000 of face amount (but no more
     than $1,500 per Policy), plus
o    deferred sales charge of 47.25% times premiums paid (up to a maximum of two
     target   premiums)  (see  CHARGES  AND  DEDUCTIONS  -  Surrender   Charge),
     multiplied by
o    the applicable surrender charge percentage shown below:

                        Surrender Charge Percentage Table


   Number of years since policy                 The following percentage of
  date and/or the adjustment date               surrender charge is payable

            1 through 5                                   100.00%
                 6                                         95.24
                 7                                         85.71
                 8                                         71.43
                 9                                         52.38
                10                                         28.57
           11 and later                                    00.00

   
Monthly Policy Charges
o    Administration charge:
     o    During first policy year:  1/12 x ($.40 for each $1,000 of face 
          amount) but not less than $6.00/month and not more than $16.67/month.
     o    During every policy year after the first, the monthly administration
          charge is $6.00.
o    Cost of insurance charge.
o    Mortality and expense risks charge of 0.90% of your Investment Accounts per
     year.  (After the 9th policy year,  the  mortality and expense risks charge
     will not be more than 0.27% per year.)
o    Supplemental benefit rider(s) charge(s).
    

Other Charges
o    Transaction charge of the lesser of $25 or 2% of the amount surrendered for
     each partial surrender.
o    Investment  management  fees  and  other  operating  expenses  for the fund
     underlying the Investment Accounts.

Death Benefits and Proceeds
The death proceeds are paid to the beneficiary(ies) when the insured dies. Death
proceeds are  calculated  as of the insured's  date of death.  The amount of the
death proceeds are:
o    the death benefit plus interest (as explained in DEATH  BENEFITS AND RIGHTS
     - Death Proceeds)
o    plus proceeds from any benefit riders
o    minus policy loans and unpaid loan interest
o    minus any overdue monthly policy charges.

The  Policy  provides  for two  death  benefit  options - a level  amount  and a
variable amount.  You choose an option on your  application.  Subject to certain
conditions, you may change your option after the Policy has been issued.

Death proceeds are paid in cash or applied under a benefit  payment  option.  We
pay interest on the death  proceeds  from the date of death of the insured until
the date of payment or application under a benefit payment option.

Maturity Proceeds
If the insured is living on the  maturity  date,  we will pay you (the owner) an
amount  equal  to the  death  proceeds  as  described  above.  The  Policy  then
terminates.  Maturity  proceeds  are paid in cash  lump sum or  applied  under a
benefit payment option.

Adjustment Options
You may send us a written request to increase or decrease the face amount of the
Policy.  No request is approved if the Policy is in a grace period or if monthly
policy charges are being waived under a rider.

The minimum  amount of a face  amount  increase is $50,000 and is subject to our
underwriting guidelines in effect at the time you request the increase.

You may only request a decrease in face amount:
o    after the second policy anniversary, and
o    if the request does not decrease the face amount below $50,000.

Termination and Reinstatement
The Policy terminates when:
o    you make a total policy surrender;
o    death proceeds are paid;
o    maturity proceeds are paid; or
o    you do not make  additional  premium  payments  (after the  expiration of a
     61-day grace period).

Subject  to certain  conditions,  you may  reinstate  a Policy  that  terminated
because of failure to pay minimum monthly premiums or insufficient values.

   
Ten Day Examination Offer (Free-look Provision)
o    You may return the Policy during the free-look  period that is generally 10
     days from when the Policy is delivered to you. The free-look  period may be
     longer in certain states.
o    We return  either all  premiums  paid or the  policy  value,  whichever  is
     required by applicable state law.
    

CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Following are unit values for the policy for the periods ended December 31.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                    Number of
                                                             Accumulation Unit Value                       Accumulation Units
                                                                                                                  Outstanding
                                                Beginning             End         Percentage of Change          End of Period
                                                of Period          of Period        from Prior Period          (in thousands)
     Aggressive Growth Division
<S>                                              <C>                 <C>                <C>                     <C>    
   
         1998                                    $12.388             $14.744             19.02%                   966,076
         1997*                                    10.000              12.388             23.88                    316,073
     Asset Allocation Division
         1998                                     11.509              12.566              9.18                    126,757
         1997*                                    10.000              11.509             15.09                     48,811
     Balanced Division
         1998                                     11.555              12.932             11.92                    470,384
         1997*                                    10.000              11.555             15.55                    117,668
     Bond Division
         1998                                     10.973              11.816              7.68                    169,676
         1997*                                    10.000              10.973              9.73                     44,349
     Capital Value Division
         1998                                     12.519              14.219             13.58                  1,001,214
         1997*                                    10.000              12.519             25.19                    251,678
     Government Securities Division
         1998                                     10.927              11.830              8.26                    276,130
         1997*                                    10.000              10.927              9.27                      9,538
     Growth Division
         1998                                     12.133              14.724             21.35                    323,329
         1997*                                    10.000              12.133             21.33                     75,951
     International Division
         1998                                     10.959              12.053              9.98                    647,156
         1997*                                    10.000              10.959              9.59                    247,757
     International SmallCap Division
         1998**                                   10.000               9.053             (9.47)                    34,925
     MicroCap Division
         1998**                                   10.000               8.175            (18.25)                    18,274
     MidCap Division
         1998                                     12.027              12.470              3.68                  1,122,974
         1997*                                    10.000              12.027             20.27                    408,693
     MidCap Growth Division
         1998**                                   10.000               9.708             (2.92)                    32,540
     Money Market Division
         1998                                     10.469              11.021              5.27                    723,761
         1997*                                    10.000              10.469              4.69                    365,753
     Real Estate Division
         1998**                                   10.000               9.353             (6.47)                     3,390
     SmallCap Division
         1998**                                   10.000               7.995            (20.05)                    31,352
     SmallCap Growth Division
         1998**                                   10.000              10.264              2.64                     20,430
     SmallCap Value Division
         1998**                                   10.000               8.511            (14.89)                    16,935
     Utilities Division
         1998**                                   10.00               11.560             15.60                      3,944
     Fidelity Contrafund Division
         1998                                     12.114              15.746             29.98                    509,526
         1997*                                    10.000              12.114             21.14                    172,484
     Fidelity Equity-Income Division
         1998                                     12.263              13.688             11.62                    358,372
         1997*                                    10.000              12.263             22.63                     83,042
     Fidelity High Income Division
         1998                                     11.518              11.020             (4.32)                    96,628
         1997*                                    10.000              11.518             15.18                     28,608
     Putnam Global Asset Allocation Division
         1998**                                   10.000              10.299              2.99                      7,305
     Putnam Vista Division
         1998**                                   10.000              10.506              5.06                     11,712
     Putnam Voyager Division
         1998**                                   10.000              10.843              8.43                     82,965
<FN>

*    For the period from  February 7, 1997 date Policy first  available  through
     December 31, 1997.
**   For the period from May 1, 1998 (date Division first offered in the Policy)
     through December 31, 1998.
</FN>
</TABLE>
    






THE COMPANY
The Company is a stock life insurance company with its home office at: Principal
Financial Group,  Des Moines,  Iowa 50306. It is authorized to transact life and
annuity  business in all of the United States and the District of Columbia.  The
Company is a wholly owned subsidiary of a mutual insurance holding company named
"Principal Mutual Holding Company."

   
The  Company was  incorporated  on June 24, 1879 under Iowa law as a mutual life
insurance company named Bankers Life Association. It changed its name to Bankers
Life  Company in 1911 and then to  Principal  Mutual Life  Insurance  Company in
1986.  The name change to Principal Life  Insurance  Company and  reorganization
into a mutual holding company structure took place in 1998.
    

PRINCIPAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY VARIABLE LIFE SEPARATE ACCOUNT
The Separate Account was established  under Iowa law on November 2, 1987. It was
then  registered as a unit  investment  trust with the  Securities  and Exchange
Commission  ("SEC").  This  registration does not involve SEC supervision of the
investments or investment policies of the Separate Account.

The income, gains, and losses,  whether or not realized, of the Separate Account
are credited to or charged against the Separate  Account without regard to other
income,  gains, or losses of the Company.  Obligations  arising from the Policy,
including the promise to make benefit option payments, are our general corporate
obligations.  However,  the Policy  provides  that the  portion of the  Separate
Account's  assets equal to the reserves and other  liabilities  under the Policy
are not charged with any  liabilities  arising out of any other  business of the
Company.

There currently are twenty-five  divisions in the Separate Account  available to
you. The assets of each division invest in a  corresponding  account of a mutual
fund.  New  accounts  may be added  and  made  available.  Accounts  may also be
eliminated from the Separate Account.

THE FUNDS
The funds are mutual funds registered  under the Investment  Company Act of 1940
as open-end diversified  management investment companies.  The funds provide the
investment  vehicle for the Separate  Account.  A full description of the funds,
their investment objectives, policies and restrictions, charges and expenses and
other operational  information is contained in the attached  prospectuses (which
should be read carefully before investing). Additional copies of these documents
are available from a sales representative or our home office.

The following is a brief summary of the investment objectives of each division:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

     Division              Division Invests In               Investment Advisor               Investment Objective
<S>                     <C>                          <C>                               <C>
Aggressive Growth       Aggressive Growth Account    Morgan Stanley through a sub-     to provide long-term capital appreciation
                                                     advisory agreement                by investing primarily in growth-oriented
                                                                                       common stocks of medium and large
                                                                                       capitalization U.S. corporations and, to a
                                                                                       limited extent, foreign corporations.

Asset Allocation        Asset Allocation Account     Morgan Stanley through a sub-     to generate a total investment return
                                                     advisory agreement                consistent with the preservation of capital.
                                                                                       The Account intends to pursue a flexible
                                                                                       investment policy in seeking to achieve
                                                                                       this investment objective.

Balanced                Balanced Account             Invista Capital Management, LLC   to generate a total return consisting of
                                                     through a sub-advisory agreement  current income and capital appreciation
                                                                                       while assuming reasonable risks in
                                                                                       furtherance of this objective.

Bond                    Bond Account                 Principal Management Corporation  to provide as high a level of income as is
                                                                                       consistent with preservation of capital and
                                                                                       prudent investment risk.

Capital Value           Capital Value Account        Invista Capital Management, LLC   to provide long-term capital
                                                     through a sub-advisory agreement  appreciation and secondarily is growth of
                                                                                       investment income. The Account seeks to
                                                                                       achieve its investment objectives through
                                                                                       the purchase primarily of common stocks,
                                                                                       but the Account may invest in other
                                                                                       securities.

Government Securities   Government Securities        Invista Capital Management, LLC   to seek a high level of current income,
                        Account                      through a sub-advisory agreement  liquidity and safety of principal. The
                                                                                       Account seeks to achieve its objective
                                                                                       through the purchase of obligations
                                                                                       issued or guaranteed by the United States
                                                                                       Government or its agencies, with
                                                                                       emphasis on Government National
                                                                                       Mortgage Association Certificates
                                                                                       ("GNMA Certificates"). Account shares
                                                                                       are not guaranteed by the United States
                                                                                       Government.

Growth                  Growth Account               Invista Capital Management, LLC   to seek growth of capital. The Account
                                                     through a sub-advisory agreement  seeks to achieve
                                                                                       its objective through the
                                                                                       purchase primarily of common stocks, but
                                                                                       the Account may invest in other
                                                                                       securities.

International           International Account        Invista Capital Management, LLC   to seek long-term growth of capital by
                                                     through a sub-advisory agreement  investing in a portfolio of equity
                                                                                       securities domiciled in any of the nations
                                                                                       of the world.

International SmallCap  International SmallCap       Invista Capital Management, LLC   to seek long-term growth of capital. The
                        Account                      through a sub-advisory agreement  Account will attempt to achieve its
                                                                                       objective by investing primarily in equity
                                                                                       securities of non-United States companies
                                                                                       with comparatively smaller market
                                                                                       capitalizations.

MicroCap                MicroCap Account             Goldman Sachs Asset Management    to seek long-term growth of capital. The
                                                     through a sub-advisory agreement  Account will attempt to achieve its
                                                                                       objective by investing primarily in value
                                                                                       and growth oriented companies with
                                                                                       small market capitalizations, generally
                                                                                       less than $700 million.

MidCap                  MidCap Account               Invista Capital Management, LLC   to achieve capital appreciation by
                                                     through a sub-advisory agreement  investing primarily in securities of
                                                                                       emerging and other growth-oriented
                                                                                       companies.

MidCap Growth           MidCap Growth Account        Dreyfus Corporation through       to seek long-term growth of capital. The
                                                     a sub-advisory agreement          Account will attempt to achieve its
                                                                                       objective by investing primarily in growth
                                                                                       stocks of companies with market
                                                                                       capitalizations in the $1 billion to $10
                                                                                       billion range.

Money Market            Money Market Account         Principal Management Corporation  to seek as high a level of current income
                                                                                       available from short-term securities as is
                                                                                       considered consistent with preservation of
                                                                                       principal and maintenance of liquidity by
                                                                                       investing all of its assets in a portfolio of
                                                                                       money market instruments.

Real Estate             Real Estate Account          Principal Management Corporation  to seek to
                                                                                       generate a high total return. The
                                                                                       Account will attempt to achieve its
                                                                                       objective by investing primarily in equity
                                                                                       securities of companies principally
                                                                                       engaged in the real estate industry.

SmallCap                SmallCap Account             Invista Capital Management, LLC   to seek long-term growth of capital. The
                                                     through a sub-advisory agreement  Account will attempt to achieve its
                                                                                       objective by investing  primarily in equity
                                                                                       securities of both growth and value
                                                                                       oriented  companies  with  comparatively
                                                                                       smaller  market capitalizations.

SmallCap Growth         SmallCap Growth Account      Berger Associates through a       to seek long-term growth of capital. The
                                                     sub-advisory agreement            Account will attempt to achieve its
                                                                                       objective by investing primarily in equity
                                                                                       securities of small growth companies with
                                                                                       market capitalization of less than $1
                                                                                       billion.

   
SmallCap Value          SmallCap Value Account       J.P. Morgan Investment            to seek long-term growth of capital by
                                                     Management                        investing primarily in equity securities of
                                                                                       small companies through a sub-advisory
                                                                                       agreement with value characteristics and
                                                                                       market capitalizations of less than
                                                                                       $1 billion.

Stock Index 500         Stock Index 500 Account      Invista Capital Management, LLC   to seek long-term growth of capital.  The
                                                     through a sub-advisory agreement  Account attempts to mirror the investment
                                                                                       results of the Standard & Poor's Stock Index.

Utilities               Utilities Account            Invista Capital Management,  LLC  to seek to provide current income and long-
                                                     through a sub-advisory agreement  term growth of income and capital by
                                                                                       investing primarily through a sub-advisory
                                                                                       agreement in equity and fixed-income
                                                                                       securities of companies in the public 
                                                                                       utilities industry.

Fidelity Contrafund     Fidelity VIP II              FidelityManagement and            to seek long-term capital appreciation.
                        Contrafund Portfolio         Research Company

Fidelity Equity-Income  Fidelity VIP Equity-Income   Fidelity Management and           to seek reasonable income by investing
                        Portfolio                    Research Company                  primarily in income-producing equity
                                                                                       securities.

Fidelity High Income    Fidelity VIP High Income     Fidelity Management and           to seek a high level of current income by
                                                     Research Company                  investing primarily in high yielding, lower
                                                                                       quality, fixed income securities, while also
                                                                                       considering growth of capital.

Putnam Global Asset     Putnam VT Global Asset       Putnam Investment                 to seek a  high level of long-term total
Allocation              Allocation Fund              Management, Inc.                  return consistent with preservation of
                                                                                       capital.

Putnam  Vista           Putnam VT Vista Fund         Putnam Investment                 to   seek    capital appreciation.
                                                     Management, Inc.

Putnam  Voyager         Putnam VT Voyager Fund       Putnam Investment                 to   seek    capital appreciation.
                                                     Management, Inc.
</TABLE>
    

Principal  Management  Corporation (the "Manager") has executed  agreements with
various  sub-advisors.  Under those  sub-advisory  agreements,  the  sub-advisor
agrees to assume the obligations of the Manager to provide  investment  advisory
services for a specific Account. For these services,  each sub-advisor is paid a
fee by the Manager.

Account: Balanced, Capital Value, Government Securities,  Growth, International,
     International SmallCap, MidCap, SmallCap, Stock Index 500 and Utilities
Sub-Advisor:  Invista  Capital  Management,  LLC.  Invista  is a  subsidiary  of
     Principal Life Insurance  Company and an affiliate of the Manager.  Invista
     has managed  investments for institutional  investors,  including Principal
     Life,   since  1985.  As  of  December  31,  1998,  it  managed  assets  of
     approximately $31 billion. Invista's address is 1800 Hub Tower, 699 Walnut,
     Des Moines, Iowa 50309.

Account:         Aggressive Growth and Asset Allocation
Sub-Advisor:  Morgan Stanley Asset Management Inc. MSAM, with principal  offices
     at 1221 Avenue of the Americas,  New York, NY 10020, provides a broad range
     of portfolio  management  services to customers in the U.S. and abroad.  At
     December 31, 1998, MSAM managed investments  totaling  approximately $163.4
     billion.  On December 1, 1998 Morgan Stanley Asset  Management Inc. changed
     its name to Morgan  Stanley  Dean Witter  Investment  Management  Inc.  but
     continues to do business in certain instances using the name Morgan Stanley
     Asset Management.

Account:         MicroCap
Sub-Advisor:  Goldman Sachs Asset  Management.  Goldman  Sach's address is 1 New
     York Plaza,  42nd Floor,  New York,  NY 10004.  It is a separate  operating
     division of Goldman, Sachs & Co. ("Goldman Sachs").  Goldman Sachs provides
     a  wide  range  of  fully   discretionary   investment   advisory  services
     quantitatively  driven and active  managed  U.S. and  international  equity
     portfolios, U.S. and global fixed income portfolios, commodity and currency
     products,  and money market  mutual funds.  As of December 31, 1998,  GSAM,
     together with its affiliates, managed assets in excess of $195 billion.

Account:         MidCap Growth
Sub-Advisor: The Dreyfus  Corporation,  located at 200 Park Avenue, New York, NY
     10166,  was  formed in 1947.  The  Dreyfus  Corporation  is a  wholly-owned
     subsidiary  of Mellon Bank,  N.A.  which is a  wholly-owned  subsidiary  of
     Mellon Bank Corporation.  As of December 31, 1998, the Dreyfus  Corporation
     managed  or  administered   approximately  $118.5  billion  in  assets  for
     approximately 1.7 million investor accounts nationwide.

Account:         SmallCap Growth
Sub-Advisor:  Berger Associates.  Berger's address is 210 University  Boulevard,
     Suite 900, Denver, CO 80206. It serves as investment advisor,  sub-advisor,
     administrator  or  sub-administrator  to  mutual  funds  and  institutional
     investors.  Berger is a wholly  owned  subsidiary  of Kansas City  Southern
     Industries,  Inc. ("KCSI").  KCSI is a publicly traded holding company with
     principal  operations in rail  transportation,  through its  subsidiary the
     Kansas City  Southern  Railway  Company,  and  financial  asset  management
     businesses. Assets under management for Berger as of December 31, 1998 were
     approximately $3.4 billion.

Account:         SmallCap Value
Sub-Advisor: J.P. Morgan Investment  Management.  Morgan, with principal offices
     at 522 Fifth  Avenue,  New York, NY 10036 is a  wholly-owned  subsidiary of
     J.P. Morgan & Co. Incorporated ("J.P. Morgan") a bank holding company. J.P.
     Morgan,  through Morgan and its other subsidiaries,  offers a wide range of
     services to governmental, institutional, corporate and individual customers
     and acts as investment advisory to individual and institutional  customers.
     As of  December  31,  1998,  J.P.  Morgan  and its  subsidiaries  had total
     combined assets under management of approximately $300 billion.

The Company  purchases  and sells fund shares for the Separate  Account at their
net asset value without any sales or redemption charge. The Separate Account has
divisions that correspond to interests in the Investment Accounts. The assets of
each Investment  Account are separate from the others.  An Investment  Account's
performance has no effect on the investment  performance of any other Investment
Account.

The annual  expenses of  Investment  Accounts  (as a  percentage  of average net
assets) as of December 31, 1998 were:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                     Management          12b-1             Other             Total Account
               Account                                  Fees             Fees            Expenses           Annual Expenses


<S>                                                    <C>                <C>              <C>                   <C>  
   
Principal Variable Contracts Fund
     Aggressive Growth                                 0.77%              N/A              0.01%                 0.78%
     Asset Allocation                                  0.80               N/A              0.09                  0.89
     Balanced                                          0.57               N/A              0.02                  0.59
     Bond                                              0.49               N/A              0.02                  0.51
     Capital Value                                     0.43               N/A              0.01                  0.44
     Government Securities                             0.49               N/A              0.01                  0.50
     Growth                                            0.47               N/A              0.01                  0.48
     International                                     0.73               N/A              0.04                  0.77
     International SmallCap                            1.21               N/A              0.13                  1.34
     MicroCap                                          1.00               N/A              0.38                  1.38
     MidCap                                            0.61               N/A              0.01                  0.62
     MidCap Growth                                     0.90               N/A              0.37                  1.27
     Money Market                                      0.50               N/A              0.02                  0.52
     Real Estate                                       0.90               N/A              0.10                  1.00
     SmallCap                                          0.85               N/A              0.13                  0.98
     SmallCap Growth                                   1.00               N/A              0.31                  1.31
     SmallCap Value                                    1.10               N/A              0.46                  1.56
     Utilities                                         0.60               N/A              0.09                  0.69
    

Fidelity
     Fidelity Contrafund                               0.59               N/A              0.11                  0.70
     Fidelity Equity-Income                            0.49               N/A              0.09                  0.58
     Fidelity High Income                              0.58               N/A              0.12                  0.70

   
Putnam Class IB Shares
     Putnam Global Asset Allocation                    0.44               0.10%            0.09                  0.63*(1)
     Putnam Vista                                      0.44               0.10             0.08                  0.62*(2)
     Putnam Voyager                                    0.36               0.10             0.03                  0.49*(3)
<FN>
     * Actual  expenses  for Class IB  shares  for the  period  from May 1, 1998
     through  December 31, 1998.  (1) Based on  performance  of Class IA shares,
     estimated  annualized  expenses are 0.93% (2) Based on performance of Class
     IA shares, estimated annualized expenses are 0.92% (3) Based on performance
     of Class IA shares, estimated annualized expenses are 0.73%
</FN>
</TABLE>
    





THE POLICY

The  descriptions  that follow are based on provisions of the Policy  offered by
this prospectus.

To Buy a Policy
A completed application and required supplements must be submitted to us through
an agent or broker selling the Policy.

The minimum face amount of a Policy is:
o $50,000 for regular underwriting, or
o $25,000 for guaranteed issue,  expanded nonmedical and batch underwriting.
We reserve the right to increase or decrease the minimum face amount.

   
Generally, we do not issue policies for insureds who are:
o over age 85 for regular underwriting, or
o over age 70 for guaranteed issue, expanded nonmedical and batch underwriting.*
  *   Expanded  non-medical  and  batch  underwriting  are  special  programs
      offered to certain cases involving an employer.  Batch underwriting may
      be  available  on cases  involving at least 5 lives in which there is a
      possible  substandard  risk  and a  need  to  improve  that  rating  is
      essential to placing the case. Expanded non-medical underwriting may be
      available  on cases  involving  at  least  25  lives  in which  ease of
      enrollment and underwriting requirements are determining factors.
    

Applicants for the Policy must:
o furnish satisfactory  evidence of insurability for the insured, and
o meet our insurance underwriting guidelines and suitability rules.
We  reserve  the  right to reject  any  application  or  related  premium  if we
determine that our underwriting guidelines, suitability rules or procedures have
not been met.

If you  want  insurance  coverage  to  start  at the  time  the  application  is
submitted,  you must send a payment  of at least the  required  minimum  initial
premium amount with your completed  application.  The required  minimum  initial
premium amount is shown on the policy illustration.  If this amount is submitted
with the  application,  a  conditional  receipt  is given  to you.  The  receipt
acknowledges the initial payment and details any interim  conditional  insurance
coverage.

   
Policy Date
If we issue a Policy, a policy date is determined. Policies will not be dated on
the 29th,  30th or 31st of any month.  Policies that would otherwise be dated on
these dates are dated on the 28th of the same month.  Effective October 1, 1999,
policies that are issued on a COD basis and that would otherwise be dated on the
29th,  30th or 31st of a month  will be dated on the first day of the  following
month. Your policy date is shown on the current data pages.

Upon specific request and our approval,
o your Policy may be backdated, however:
     o   the policy date may not be more than three  months prior to the date of
         application (or shorter period if required by state law);
     o    payment of minimum required premium is required for the backdated
          period; and
     o    monthly  policy  charges are  deducted  from the policy  value for the
          backdated period and
     o    your  written  request (as  defined in the  glossary)  specifying  the
          backdated policy date must accompany the application.
o    in the case of related policies:
     o   issuance of policies may be delayed to provide a common policy date;
     o    we will set the common  policy date  following  the last  underwriting
          decision on all applications; and
     o    your written  request  regarding  the policy dates must  accompany the
          applications.

Effective Date
The policy date and the effective date are the same unless:
o    a backdated policy date is requested, or
o    a Policy is applied for on a COD basis (the  effective  date is the date we
     received at least the minimum monthly premium), or
o    the  application  was not  accompanied by a payment of at least the minimum
     monthly  premium  (the  effective  date is the date we receive at least the
     difference between the amount received and the minimum monthly premium), or
o    additional  premiums are required (the  effective  date is the date we
     receive, review and accept the required premium), or
o    application  amendments  are required  (the  effective  date is the date we
     receive, review and accept amendments).

If the  insured  was to die  before  the owner  actually  receives  the  Policy,
coverage is determined  solely under the terms of the  conditional  receipt,  if
any.  The  insurance  coverage  under the Policy does not take effect  until the
owner actually receives the Policy.
    

Payment of Premiums
The amount and frequency of your premium  payments affects the policy value, the
net surrender value and how long the Policy remains in force.  After the initial
premium,  you may determine the amount and timing of subsequent premium payments
within certain restrictions. You must pay premiums to us at our home office.

Where permitted by state law, you must pay a minimum premium during the first 24
policy months ("minimum  required  premium").  Within certain limits you can set
your premium schedule.  We send premium reminder notices to you if you establish
an annual,  semiannual  or quarterly  premium  payment  schedule.  Preauthorized
withdrawals  may be set up on a  monthly  basis  (to  allow us to  automatically
deduct  premium  payments  from your  checking  or other  financial  institution
account). You may also make unscheduled payments to us at our home office.

During the first 24 policy  months,  failure to make premium  payments  does not
cause the Policy to terminate if:
o any minimum  required premium is paid, and
o no policy loan is taken.

After the first 24 policy  months (or any time a policy  loan is taken),  making
premium payments under your planned periodic premium schedule does not guarantee
that your Policy will stay in force unless:
o    your  Policy's  net  surrender  value is at least equal to the monthly
     policy charge on the current monthly date, or
o    the death benefit guarantee rider is in effect.

During the twelve  month period ended  December  31, 1998,  we received  premium
payments totaling $75,322,153 for these Policies.

Premium Limitations
In no event may the total of all premiums paid, both scheduled and  unscheduled,
be more than the current  maximum  premium  payments  allowed for life insurance
under the Internal Revenue Code (the "Code"). If you make a premium payment that
would result in total premiums exceeding the current maximum limitation, we only
accept that portion of the payment that makes total  premiums equal the maximum.
Any excess will be returned and no further  premiums are accepted  until allowed
by the current maximum premium limitations.

Allocation of Premiums
Your  initial  net  premium  (and other net  premiums  we  receive  prior to the
effective  date and twenty days after the  effective  date) are allocated to the
Money Market division at the end of the valuation period we receive the premium.
Twenty-one  days  after the  effective  date,  the money is  reallocated  to the
divisions of the Separate Account and/or to the Fixed Account  according to your
instructions.  If the  twenty-first day is not a business day, the transfer will
occur  on the  first  business  day  following  the  twenty-first  day  from the
effective date.
     Example:    The  effective  date of your policy is February  1st.  Your net
                 premium is allocated to the Money Market division at the end of
                 the  valuation  period we receive the premium.  At the close of
                 business on February  21st,  the net premium is  reallocated to
                 the Investment Account and/or Fixed Account that you selected.

Net premium payments  received after the twenty-day  period are allocated to the
Investment Accounts or to the Fixed Account according to your instructions.  For
each division and the Fixed Account, the allocation percentage must be zero or a
whole  number  not  less  than 10.  The  total  of all the  percentages  for the
divisions and the Fixed Account must equal 100. The  percentage  allocation  for
future premium payments may be changed, without charge, at any time by sending a
written  request  to  us  or,  if  telephone  privileges  apply,  calling  us at
1-800-247-9988. The allocation changes are effective at the end of the valuation
period in which your new instructions are received.

Ten Day Examination Offer (Free-Look Provision)
Under state law,  you have the right to return the Policy for any reason  during
the  free-look  period and receive your  premiums  paid.  (If you apply for your
Policy in California,  the amount refunded is described below).  Your request to
return the Policy must be in writing.  The request and the Policy must be mailed
to us or returned to the agent (as determined by the postmark) no later than the
last day of the free-look period as shown below.

The free-look period is the later of:
o    10 days* after the Policy is delivered to you,
o    10 days* after a written  notice is  delivered  or mailed to you which
     tells about the cancellation right, or
o    45 days after you complete the application.

     *Different  free-look  periods  apply  if  your  Policy  is  issued  in:
     o    California and you are age 60 and over (30 day free-look period);
     o    Colorado (15 day free-look period); or
     o    Idaho or North Dakota (20 day free-look period).

If you applied  for your Policy in  California,  the amount  refunded  is:
o    the policy value as of the date we receive  your  written  request for
     cancellation
o    plus the premium expense charge(s) deducted from the premium
o    plus the monthly policy charge(s) deducted from the policy value.

NOTE:
o    If the purchase of this Policy is a replacement  for another life insurance
     policy or an annuity  contract,  different  free-look periods may apply. We
     reserve the right to keep the initial  premium  payment in the Money Market
     division  longer than 20 days to correspond  to the free-look  periods of a
     particular state's replacement requirements.
o    See GENERAL PROVISIONS - Delay of Payments.

Policy Values
Your policy value is equal to the sum of the values in your Investment Accounts,
Fixed  Account  and Loan  Account  (see THE FIXED  ACCOUNT and THE POLICY - Loan
Account).  The policy value reflects your premium payments,  partial surrenders,
policy loans and the Policy expenses.

There is no guaranteed  minimum Investment Account value. Its value reflects the
investment  experience  of the  Investment  Accounts.  It is  possible  that the
investment  performance could cause a loss of the entire amount allocated to the
Investment  Accounts.  Without additional premium payments or investments in the
Fixed Account or a death benefit  guarantee rider, this could result in no death
benefit upon the insured's death.

At the end of any valuation  period,  your value in an Investment  Account is:
o    the number of units you have in a division
o    multiplied by the value of a unit in the division.
The  number  of units is the  total  of  units  purchased  by allocations
to the division from:
o    your initial premium payment (less premium expense charges)
o    plus subsequent premium payments (less premium expense charges);
o    plus transfers from another  division or the Fixed Account minus units
     sold:
o    for partial surrenders from the division;
o    as part of a transfer to another  division,  the Fixed  Account or the
     Loan Account; and
o    to pay monthly policy charges and fees.

Unit values are calculated each valuation date. To calculate the unit value of a
division,  the unit value from the previous  valuation date is multiplied by the
division's net investment factor for the current valuation period. The number of
units does not change due to a change in unit value.

The net investment  factor  measures the  performance of each division.  The net
investment factor for a valuation period is calculated as follows:

     [{the share price of the underlying  mutual fund  account at the end of the
     valuation period before that day's transactions
                                      plus
     the per share amount of the dividend (or other distribution) made by the
     mutual fund account during the valuation period}
                                   divided by
     the share price of the  underlying  mutual fund  account at the end of the
     previous valuation period after that day's transactions].

When an investment owned by an Account pays a dividend,  the dividend  increases
the net asset  value of a share of the  Account as of the date the  dividend  is
recorded.  As the net asset value of a share of an Account  increases,  the unit
value of the  corresponding  division  also  reflects an increase.  Payment of a
dividend under these circumstances does not increase the number of units you own
in the Account.

   
Investment Account Transfers
You may request an unscheduled transfer or set up a periodic transfer by sending
us  a  written   request   or   calling  us  if   telephone   privileges   apply
(1-800-247-9988) (see OTHER MATTERS - Services Available by Telephone). You must
specify  the  dollar  amount or  percentage  to  transfer  from each  Investment
Account.  In states  where  allowed,  we  reserve  the right to reject  transfer
instructions  from someone  providing them for multiple Policies for which he or
she is not the owner.
    

You may not make a transfer to the Fixed Account if:
o    a  transfer  has been  made from the Fixed  Account  to an  Investment
     Account within six months, or
o    immediately after the transfer,  the Fixed Account value would be more
     than $1,000,000 (without our prior approval).

   
Unscheduled  Transfers  You may make  unscheduled  transfers  from an Investment
Account to another Investment  Account or to the Fixed Account.  The transfer is
made, and values  determined,  as of the end of the valuation period in which we
receive your request.
o    The  transfer  amount  must be equal to or greater  than the lesser of
     $100 or the value of your Investment Account.
o    We reserve the right to charge a transfer fee on each unscheduled  transfer
     after the 12th such  transfer  in a policy  year.  The fee will not be more
     than $25 per  unscheduled  transfer.  Unscheduled  transfers from the Fixed
     Account to an Investment  Account would count in  determining  any transfer
     fee.
    

Scheduled  Transfers  (dollar  cost  averaging  (DCA))  You  may  elect  to have
automatic transfers made on a periodic basis.
o    The amount of the transfer is:
     o   the dollar amount you select (the minimum is the lesser of $100 or the
         value of the Investment Account), or
     o   a percentage of the Investment Account value as of the date you specify
         (other than the 29th, 30th or 31st).
o    You select the  transfer  date (other than the 29th,  30th or 31st) and the
     transfer frequency (annually, semi-annually, quarterly or monthly).
o    If the  selected  date  is  not a  valuation  date,  the  transfer  is
     completed on the next valuation date.
o    The  value of the  Investment  Account  must be equal to or more  than
     $2,500 when your scheduled transfers begin.
o    Transfers continue until your interest in the Investment Account has a
     zero balance or we receive notice to stop them.
o    We reserve the right to limit the number of Separate Account divisions from
     which  simultaneous  transfers  are made.  In no event will it ever be less
     than two.
o    Scheduled transfers will not start until the end of your free-look period.

Fixed Account Transfers
Transfers  from  your  investment  in  the  Fixed  Account  to  your  Investment
Account(s)  are  subject to certain  limitations.  You may  transfer  amounts by
making either a scheduled or  unscheduled  Fixed Account  transfer.  You may not
make both a scheduled and unscheduled  Fixed Account transfer in the same policy
year.  In  states  where  allowed,  we  reserve  the  right to  reject  transfer
instructions  from someone  providing them for multiple Policies for which he or
she is not the owner.

Unscheduled  Transfers You may make one unscheduled Fixed Account transfer to an
Investment  Account(s)  within the 30 day period  following  the policy date and
each policy anniversary.  The transfer is made, and values determined, as of the
end of the valuation period in which we receive your request.

o    You must specify the dollar  amount or  percentage  to be  transferred
     (not to exceed 25% of the Fixed  Account value as of the latter of the
     policy date or the most recent policy anniversary).

o    The  minimum  transfer  amount  must be equal to or  greater  than the
     lesser of $100 or the entire value of your Fixed Account.

Scheduled  Transfers  (dollar  cost  averaging  (DCA))  You may  make  scheduled
transfers  on a  monthly  basis  from  the  Fixed  Account  to  your  Investment
Account(s)  as follows:
o    The value of your Fixed  Account  must be equal to or more than $2,500
     when your scheduled  transfers  begin.  We reserve the right to change
     this amount but it will never be more than $10,000.
o The amount of the transfer is:
     o   the dollar amount you select (minimum of $50), or
     o   a percentage  of the Fixed  Account  value (the  maximum  amount of the
         transfer is 2% of the Fixed Account value as of the specified dated) as
         of the date you specify which may be:
          o    the later of the policy date or most recent policy  anniversary
               date, or
          o    the date the Company receives your request.
o    Transfers  occur on a date you specify  (other than the 29th,  30th or
     31st of any month).
o    If the  selected  date  is  not a  valuation  date,  the  transfer  is
     completed on the next valuation  date. o Scheduled  transfers will not
     start until the end of your free-look period.

Scheduled  transfers  continue  until your value in the Fixed Account has a zero
balance or we receive your notice to stop them. You may change the amount of the
transfer once each policy year by sending us a written  request or calling us if
telephone privileges apply (1-800-247-9988).  If you stop the transfers, you may
not start them again until six months after the last scheduled transfer.


Automatic  Portfolio  Rebalancing  (APR) APR allows  you to  maintain a specific
percentage of your policy value in your Investment Accounts over time.

     EXAMPLE: You may choose to rebalance so that 50% of your policy  values are
          in the Bond division and 50% in the Capital Value division. At the end
          of the specified  period,  market  changes may have caused 60% of your
          value  to be in  the  Bond  division  and  40% in  the  Capital  Value
          division.  By  rebalancing,  units from the Bond division are sold and
          applied to purchase units in the Capital Value division so that 50% of
          the policy values are once again invested in each division.

   
You may  elect  APR at the time of  application  or after  the  Policy  has been
issued.  The transfers are made at the end of the next valuation period after we
receive your instruction. APR transfers:
o    do not begin until the expiration of the free-look period;
o    are done without charge (and are not counted as unscheduled  transfers
     when determining any transfer fee);
o    may be done on the frequency you specify:
     o    quarterly  APR transfers may be done on a calendar year or policy year
          basis,
     o    semiannual  or annual APR  transfers may only be done on a policy year
          basis.
o    may be done, if telephone privileges apply, by calling us at 1-800-247-9988
     or mailing us your written request.
    

APR is not  available  for values in the Fixed  Account.  If you have  scheduled
transfers from Investment  Accounts,  APR is not available for those  Investment
Accounts.

Policy Loans
While your  Policy is in effect and has a net  surrender  value,  you may borrow
money from us with the Policy as the security for the policy loan.
o    The minimum policy loan is $500.
o    The maximum amount you may borrow is 90% of the net surrender value as
     of the date we process the policy loan.
o    If telephone  privileges  apply, you may request a policy loan of $5,000 or
     less  by  calling  us at  1-800-247-9988.  If  you do  not  have  telephone
     privileges  or are  requesting  a policy  loan of more  than  $5,000,  your
     request must be made in writing.
o    Generally, policy loan proceeds are sent within five business days from the
     date we receive your request (see GENERAL PROVISIONS - Delay of Payments).
o    Requests  for  policy  loans from any joint  owner are  binding on all
     joint owners.

Loan Account
When a policy loan is taken,  an amount  equal to the loan is  transferred  from
your Investment Account(s) and Fixed Account to your Loan Account. Loan Accounts
are part of our General  Account.  You may instruct us on the  proportions to be
taken from your  accounts.  If you do not  provide  such  instruction,  the loan
amount is withdrawn in the same  proportion as the allocation  used for the most
recent monthly policy charge. Any loan interest due and unpaid is transferred in
the same manner.

Your Loan Account earns interest from the date of transfer. During the first ten
policy years,  the loan account  interest  rate is 6% per year.  After the tenth
policy year, the loan account interest rate is 7.75% per year.

You pay interest on your policy loan at the annual rate of 8%. Interest  accrues
daily and is due and payable at the end of the policy  year.  If interest is not
paid when due, it is added to the loan  amount.  Adding  unpaid  interest to the
policy loan amount  causes  additional  amounts to be withdrawn  from your Fixed
Account  and/or  Investment  Account(s)  and  transferred  to the Loan  Account.
Withdrawals are made in the same proportions as described above.

Policy loans and unpaid loan interest  reduce your net surrender  value.  If the
net surrender  value is less than the monthly  policy charges on a monthly date,
the  61-day  grace  period  provision   applies  (see  POLICY   TERMINATION  AND
REINSTATEMENT - Policy Termination).

While the Policy is in force and before the insured dies,  policy loans and loan
interest may be repaid as follows:
o    policy loans may be repaid totally or in part;
o    repayments  are  allocated  to the  Investment  Account(s)  and  Fixed
     Account in the  proportions  used for allocation of premium  payments;
     and
o    payments that we receive that are not  designated  as premium  payments are
     applied as loan repayments if a policy loan is outstanding.

A policy loan  generally has a permanent  effect on policy  values.  If a policy
loan had not been made, the policy value would reflect the investment experience
of the Investment  Account(s) and the interest credited to the Fixed Account. In
addition, policy loans and unpaid loan interest are subtracted from:
o    death proceeds at the insured's death;
o    surrender value upon total surrender or termination of a Policy; and
o    maturity proceeds payable at maturity.

Surrenders
You must send us a written request for any surrender. The request must be signed
by all owners, irrevocable beneficiary(ies), if any, and any assignees.

Total  surrender  You may  surrender  the Policy on or before the maturity  date
while the Policy is in effect. You receive the net surrender value at the end of
the valuation  period during which we receive your  surrender  request.  The net
surrender value is the total of the values of your Investment Accounts plus your
Fixed  Account plus your Loan Account  minus any  applicable  surrender  charge,
policy  loans and unpaid loan  interest  (see CHARGE AND  DEDUCTIONS - Surrender
Charge).
o    If the total  surrender  is within ten years of the  policy  date or a
     face amount increase a surrender charge is imposed.
o    The  written   consent  of  all   collateral   assignees  and   irrevocable
     beneficiaries must be obtained prior to surrender.
o    We  reserve  the right to  require  you to return the Policy to us prior to
     making  any  payment  though  this does not  affect  the amount of the cash
     surrender value.

Partial surrender After the second policy  anniversary and prior to the maturity
date,  you may surrender a part of the Fixed Account and/or  Investment  Account
value by sending us a written request.  The surrender is effective at the end of
the valuation period during which we receive your written request for surrender.
You may not request more than two partial surrenders in each policy year.

The minimum amount of a partial surrender is $500. The total of your two partial
surrenders during a policy year may not be greater than 75% of the net surrender
value (as of the date of the request  for the first  partial  surrender  in that
policy year).

You pay a transaction  fee on each partial  surrender.  The fee is the lesser of
$25 or 2% of the amount  surrendered.  It is withdrawn in the same proportion as
your monthly policy charge allocation.


Your policy value is reduced by the amount of the surrender and the  transaction
fee. We surrender units from the Investment Account divisions and/or values from
the Fixed  Account  to equal the  dollar  amount of the  surrender  request  and
transaction  fee. The surrender is deducted from your Fixed Account value and/or
your Investment Account(s) according to the surrender allocation percentages you
specify.  If surrender  allocation  percentages  are not specified,  we use your
monthly policy charge allocation  percentages.  The amount  surrendered is taken
from the premiums paid on a last-in,  first-out  basis.  No surrender  charge is
imposed on a partial surrender.

If the Option 1 death benefit is in effect and a partial  surrender is made, the
face amount of the policy is also reduced by the amount of the surrender and the
transaction fee. Total and partial surrenders from the Policy are generally paid
within five business days of our receipt of your request for surrender.  Certain
delays in payment are permitted (see GENERAL PROVISIONS - Delay of Payments).

DEATH BENEFITS AND RIGHTS

Death Proceeds
While the Policy  remains in force and before the  maturity  date,  we pay death
proceeds  upon the  insured's  death.

o    We must receive  proof of the insured's  death and all other  required
     documents.

o    Payments are made to your named beneficiary(ies) under your designated
     death benefit option (see GENERAL PROVISIONS - Beneficiary).

The  payments  are  made in cash  lump  sum or under a  benefit  payment  option
selected by the  beneficiary(ies).  Death proceeds are calculated as of the date
of the insured's death and include:
o    the death benefit described below;
o    plus proceeds from any benefit rider on the insured's life;
o    minus policy loans and unpaid loan interest;
o    minus any overdue  monthly policy charges if the insured died during a
     grace period;
o    plus  interest  on the  death  proceeds  from date of death  until  date of
     payment or application  under a benefit payment  option.  (We determine the
     interest  rate which will not be not less than the rate  required  by state
     law.)

Death Benefit Option
You choose death benefit Option 1 or Option 2 at the time of application.

Option 1 (level  amount  option)  The death  benefit  is the  greater  of 1) the
Policy's  current  face  amount,  or 2) the  policy  value  on the date of death
multiplied by the applicable  percentage.  The applicable percentage is 250% for
an insured age 40 or below and the percentage declines with increasing ages. The
death  benefit  remains level unless the  applicable  percentage of policy value
exceeds the current face amount (in which case the death  benefit  varies as the
policy value varies).

Illustration  of Option 1 Assume that the insured is under age 40 and that there
is no loan amount and that the policy face amount is $500,000.

Under  Option 1, the death  benefit  must be equal or  greater  than 250% of the
policy value.  If the policy value is more than  $200,000,  the death benefit is
greater than $500,000.  Each  additional  dollar added to the policy value above
$200,000  increases  the death  benefit by $2.50.  If the policy  value  exceeds
$200,000  and  increases by $100 because of  investment  performance  or premium
payments, the death benefit increases by $250.

Similarly,  if the policy value exceeds  $200,000,  each dollar taken out of the
policy value  reduces the death  benefit by $2.50.  For  example,  if the policy
value is reduced  from  $500,000  to  $450,000  because  of partial  surrenders,
charges or negative  investment  performance,  the death benefit is reduced from
$1,250,000 to $1,125,000. However, if at any time the policy value multiplied by
the applicable percentage is less than the face amount, the death benefit equals
the current face amount of the Policy.

The applicable percentage lowers as the insured's age increases.  If the current
age of  the  insured  in the  illustration  is 50  (rather  than  age  40),  the
applicable percentage would be 185%. The death benefit would not be greater than
the $500,000 face amount unless the policy value exceeded  $270,270  rather than
$200,000.  Each dollar added to or taken from the policy value changes the death
benefit by $1.85 (rather than $2.50).

Option 2 (variable  amount  option) The death benefit is equal to the greater of
1) the current face amount plus the policy value on the date of death, or 2) the
policy value on the date of death multiplied by the applicable percentage.

Illustration  of Option 2 Assume that the insured is under age 40 and that there
is no loan amount and that the policy face amount is $500,000.

A policy  with a policy  value  of  $100,000  has a death  benefit  of  $600,000
($500,000  plus  $100,000);  a policy value of $300,000  has a death  benefit of
$800,000  ($500,000 plus  $300,000).  The death benefit however must be at least
250% of the policy value. As a result, if the policy value exceeds $333,334, the
death benefit is greater than the face amount plus policy value. Each additional
dollar of policy value above $333,334  increases the death benefit by $2.50.  If
the policy value  exceeds  $333,334 and  increases by $100 because of investment
performance or premium payments, the death benefit increases by $250.

If the policy value exceeds $333,334,  each dollar taken out of the policy value
reduces the death  benefit by $2.50.  For  example,  the policy value is reduced
from  $400,000 to $340,000  because of partial  surrenders,  charges or negative
investment  performance,  the  death  benefit  is  reduced  from  $1,000,000  to
$850,000.  However, if the policy value multiplied by the applicable  percentage
is less than the  policy  face  amount  plus the  policy  value,  then the death
benefit is the current face amount plus the policy value.

The applicable percentage lowers as the insured's age increases.  If the current
age of  the  insured  in the  illustration  is 50  (rather  than  age  40),  the
applicable  percentage  would be 185%. The death benefit would be the sum of the
policy value plus $500,000 unless the policy value exceeded $588,237 rather than
$333,334.  Each dollar added to or taken from the policy value changes the death
benefit by $1.85 (rather than $2.50).

APPLICABLE PERCENTAGES* (For ages not shown, the applicable percentages decrease
by a pro rata portion for each full year.)
    Insured's attained age                        percentage

           40 and under                              250
           45                                        215
           50                                        185
           55                                        150
           60                                        130
           65                                        120
           70                                        115
           75 through 90                             105
           95                                        100
        *We  reserve the right,  where  allowed by law, to change or delete the
         percentages as required by changes to the Code.

Change in Death Benefit Option
You  may  change  the  death  benefit  option  on or  after  the  second  policy
anniversary. Up to two changes are allowed per policy year. Your request must be
made in writing and approved by us. The effective date of the change will be the
monthly  date that  coincides  with or next follows our  approval.  Changing the
death benefit option changes the future cost of insurance.

If you  change  from  Option 1 to Option 2, the new face  amount is the old face
amount  decreased by the policy value (as of the effective  date of the change).
The  change is not  allowed  if it would  result  in a face  amount of less than
$50,000. A change from Option 1 to Option 2 may require evidence of insurability
for the new death benefit if required by our underwriting guidelines in place at
the time of your request.

If you  change  from  Option 2 to Option 1, the new face  amount is the old face
amount increased by the policy value (as of the effective date of the change). A
change from Option 2 to Option 1 does not require evidence of insurability.

   
Adjustment Options
Increase in policy face amount You may request an increase at any time  provided
that the policy is not in a grace  period,  and monthly  policy  charges are not
being waived under a rider.  The minimum  increase in face amount is $50,000.  A
face amount  increase  request made in the first 24 policy  months will increase
the minimum monthly required premium for the remainder of the 24 months. If your
request is not approved, no changes are made to your Policy.
    

The request must be made on an adjustment  application.  The application must be
signed by the owner(s) and the insured.

We will approve your request if at the time of your request:
o    the insured is age 85 or less; and
o    we receive evidence  satisfactory to us that the insured is insurable under
     our underwriting guidelines then in place.

The increase in face amount is in a risk  classification  determined  by us. The
adjustment is effective on the monthly date on or next following our approval of
your request. No free-look period applies to an increase in face amount.

We calculate an adjustment  conditional  receipt  premium  deposit based on your
request for an increase. If you make a payment with your adjustment  application
of at least as much as the adjustment  conditional  receipt premium deposit,  we
issue a  conditional  receipt.  The  conditional  receipt  shows  receipt of the
payment and outlines any interim insurance coverage.

Any payment made with the adjustment  application is held in our General Account
without  interest.  If we approve  the  adjustment,  the  amount of the  premium
payment  being  held  minus  the  premium  expense  charge is  allocated  to the
Investment   Accounts  and/or  Fixed  Account  on  the  effective  date  of  the
adjustment.  Your current premium  allocation  percentages are used to make this
allocation.

Decrease in policy face amount After the first two policy years, you may request
a decrease in the policy face amount as follows:
o    the request must be made on an adjustment application;
o    the application must be signed by both the owner(s) and the insured;
o    the policy is not in a grace period;
o    monthly policy charges are not being waived under a waiver rider; and
o    the decrease may not reduce the policy face amount below $50,000.

CHARGES AND DEDUCTIONS
We make certain  charges and  deductions to support  operation of the Policy and
the Separate Account.  Some charges are deducted from premium payments when they
are  received.  Other  charges are deducted on a monthly  basis while others are
deducted  at  the  time  a  Policy  is  surrendered  or  terminated.   Fees  for
administrative  expenses are also charged on certain  transfers  and all partial
surrenders.

Premium Expense Charge
When we receive your premium payment,  we deduct a premium expense charge.  This
charge includes:
o    sales load of 2.75% of premiums less than or equal to target  premiums
     (0.75% of premiums in excess of target premiums) made:
     o   during each of the first ten years, and
     o   with respect to premiums made because of a face amount increase, during
         the first ten years after the increase.
o    2.20% for state and local taxes.
o    1.25% for federal taxes.

The sales load is intended to pay us for distribution  expenses.  These expenses
include commissions paid to registered representatives, printing of prospectuses
and sales  literature,  and advertising.  Sales loads charged in any policy year
are not necessarily  related to actual  distribution  expenses  incurred in that
year.  We expect that the  majority of these  expenses are incurred in the early
years of a Policy and that any deficit is made up during the life of the Policy.

If distribution  expenses are more than the sales load (including the sales load
portion of the surrender  charge),  the deficit is made up from our other assets
or surplus in our General Account.

For the twelve month period ending December 31, 1998, we collected $1,050,366 in
premium  expense  charges  and  $1,193,496  in premium  tax  charges  from these
Policies.

Monthly Policy Charge
The monthly  policy  charge is intended to cover  certain  charges and  expenses
incurred in connection with the Policy. Deductions are made up of:
o    a charge for the cost of insurance;
o    a charge for any optional benefit added by rider(s);
o    a monthly administration charge; and
o    a mortality and expense risks charge (applies only to Investment Accounts).

On the policy date and each monthly date  thereafter,  we deduct the charge from
your policy value in the Investment  Accounts and/or Fixed Account (but not your
Loan  Account).  The deduction is made using your current  monthly policy charge
allocation percentages. Your allocation percentages may be:
o    the same as allocation percentages for premium payments;
o    determined on a prorated basis; or
o    determined by any other allocation method which we agree upon.

The allocation  percentage for each Investment  Account and/or the Fixed Account
must be zero or a whole  number  not less than 10.  The total of the  allocation
percentages  must  equal 100.  Allocation  percentages  may be  changed  without
charge.  A request for an allocation  change is effective on the date we receive
your request.  If we cannot  follow your  instructions  because of  insufficient
value in any Investment  Account  and/or the Fixed  Account,  the monthly policy
charge is deducted on a prorated basis.

For the twelve month period ending December 31, 1998, administrative and cost of
insurance charges totaled $8,373,910 for these Policies.

Cost of Insurance Charge
Your monthly cost of insurance charge is (a) multiplied by (b minus c) where:
o    (a) is the cost of insurance rate described below divided by 1,000;
o    (b) is the death benefit at the  beginning of the policy month,  divided by
     1.0024663  (the  sum of one  plus  the  monthly  guaranteed  fixed  account
     interest rate); and
o    (c) is the policy value at the beginning of the policy month  calculated as
     if the monthly policy charge was zero.

The cost of insurance  rate is based on the gender*,  issue age,  duration since
issue,  smoking status, and risk classification of the insured. We determine the
rate based on our expectation as to mortality experience. Changes in the cost of
insurance  rates  apply to all  individuals  of the same age,  gender*,  smoking
status and risk classification. The rate will never exceed the rate shown in the
Table  of  Guaranteed  Maximum  Cost  of  Insurance  Rates  in the  Policy.  The
guaranteed  maximum  cost of  insurance  rate is based on the  gender*,  smoking
status, attained age and risk classification of the insured.

Different cost of insurance rates may apply to face amount  increases.  The cost
of insurance  for the  increase is based on the  insured's  gender*,  issue age,
duration since issue, smoking status, and risk classification at the time of the
increase.  The  guaranteed  maximum cost of  insurance  rate for the increase is
based  on  the  insured's  gender*,   smoking  status,  attained  age  and  risk
classification at the time of the increase.

     * The cost of insurance  rate for Policies  issued in states which  require
       unisex pricing or in connection  with  employment  related  insurance and
       benefit plans is not based on the gender of the insured.

Administration Charge
Current charges
o    The monthly  administration charge in the first policy year is 1/12 x ($.40
     per $1,000 of face  amount)  with a minimum  monthly  charge of $6.00 and a
     maximum monthly charge of $16.67.
o    After the first policy year, the monthly administration charge is $6.00.

Guaranteed administration charges
o    The  guaranteed  maximum  monthly  administration  charge in the first
     policy year is 1/12 x ($.60 per $1,000 of face  amount) with a minimum
     monthly charge of $25.
o    After  the  first  policy  year,   the  guaranteed   maximum   monthly
     administration charge is $10.00.

The Policy also has a contingent deferred  administration  charge as part of the
surrender charge.  The surrender charge applies to total surrender of the Policy
and to  termination  of the Policy at the end of a grace period (see CHARGES AND
DEDUCTIONS - Surrender Charge).

The  monthly  administration  charge  and  the  deferred  administration  charge
reimburse  us for the  administrative  expenses  of the Policy and the  Separate
Account.  Administration expenses do not include the cost of selling the Policy.
They do  include  the  costs of:  processing  applications;  conducting  medical
examinations;  determining  insurability;  establishing and maintaining records;
processing death benefit claims and policy changes;  reporting and overhead.  We
do not expect to collect  more from the  administration  charges than our actual
accumulated expenses.

Mortality and Expense Risks Charge
The mortality  risk we assume is that insureds may live for a shorter  period of
time than we  estimate.  As a result,  we would have to pay a greater  amount in
death benefits than we collect in premium  payments.  The expense risk we assume
is that expenses  incurred in issuing and  administering  the policy are greater
than we estimated.  The Company expects to make a profit from this charge to the
extent it is not needed to provide benefits and pay expenses under the Policies.

Each  month  during the first nine  policy  years,  we deduct a charge for these
risks at an  annual  rate of 0.90% of your  Investment  Account(s).  Each  month
thereafter,  we deduct a charge at an  annual  rate of 0.27% of your  Investment
Account(s).

We reserve the right to increase the annual rate but guarantee  that the maximum
annual rate will not exceed 0.90%.  If we increase the annual rate, the increase
will only apply to policies issued on or after the date of the increase.

During the twelve month period ending  December 31, 1998,  mortality and expense
risks charges totaled $509,501 for these Policies.

Transaction Fees
A transaction fee of the lesser of $25 or 2% of the surrender  amount applies to
each partial surrender and is withdrawn in the same proportion as the allocation
used for the most recent monthly policy charge.

We reserve the right to charge a transfer fee on each unscheduled transfer after
the 12th such  transfer in a policy year.  The fee will not be more than $25 per
unscheduled transfer.

Surrender Charge
Surrender  charges  vary  based on the  target  premium  of the  policy  and the
premiums  paid. The charge applies only during the first ten policy years unless
there is a face amount  increase.  A face amount  increase has its own surrender
charge period that begins on the adjustment  date. The total surrender charge on
the policy is the sum of the surrender  charges for the face amount at issue and
each face amount  increase.  The surrender charge has two parts - the contingent
deferred sales charge and a contingent deferred administration charge - that are
determined  separately.  The surrender charge is not affected by any decrease in
face amount or any change in face amount  resulting in a change of death benefit
options.

The  contingent  deferred  administration  charge  reimburses  us  for  expenses
incurred  in  issuing  the  Policy.   These  expenses  include   processing  the
application  (primarily  underwriting)  and setting up  records.  This charge is
intended to cover the average anticipated issue expenses for all Policies. There
may not be a direct relationship  between the amount of the charge for any given
Policy and the amount of expenses attributable to that Policy.

The contingent deferred sales charge compensates us for expenses relating to the
sale of the Policy.  These  include  commissions,  advertising  and  printing of
prospectuses and sales literature.

The surrender charge on an early surrender or Policy lapse is significant.  As a
result,  you should purchase a Policy only if you have the financial capacity to
keep it in force for a substantial period of time.

All or a portion of the  surrender  charge is waived on Policies  issued with an
accounting  benefit rider.  The waiver applies to total surrender of Policies in
early policy years.  An accounting  benefit rider is issued to a corporate owner
of a Policy.  The rider is designed to permit the corporation to reflect greater
policy  values on its  financial  statements  in early  policy  years than would
otherwise be permitted.

During the twelve month period ended December 31, 1998, we collected $316,435 in
surrender charges from these Policies.

Contingent  deferred sales charge The contingent  deferred sales charge is equal
to 47.25% of premium paid up to the number of target premiums shown below:

                            Number of Target Premiums

  Insured's Age          All States
   on Issue or          Except Oregon
 Adjustment Date        and New York            New York             Oregon

      0-45                2.00                     2.00               2.00
      46-50               2.00                     1.90               2.00
      51-55               2.00                     1.75               2.00
      56-60               2.00                     1.65               2.00
      61-65               2.00                     1.55               2.00
      66-70               1.50                     1.50               1.45
      71-75               1.08                     1.10               1.05
      76-80               0.80                     0.80               0.80
      81-85               0.48                     0.50               0.50

Contingent deferred administration charge The contingent deferred administration
charge is $3 per $1,000 of face amount subject to a maximum of $1,500.

Surrender charge  percentage The surrender charge during any policy year is (the
contingent  deferred  sales charge plus the contingent  deferred  administration
charge) multiplied by (the applicable surrender charge percentage shown below):

                        Surrender Charge Percentage Table

    Number of years since policy                  The following percentage of
   date and/or the adjustment date                surrender charge is payable

             1 through 5                                    100.00%
                 6                                           95.24
                 7                                           85.71
                 8                                           71.43
                 9                                           52.38
                10                                           28.57
            11 and later                                     00.00

Sales Charge Limitations
If you surrender your policy within two years of issue or of an increase in face
amount,  a sales charge refund is made to the extent that the total sales charge
deducted  exceeds (a) plus (b),  where
o    (a) is 30% of actual premium payments made up to the lesser of:
     o   one guideline annual premium, or
     o   the maximum amount of premiums subject to the deferred sales charge.
o    (b) is 10% of the premiums paid in excess of one guideline  annual premium,
     up to the lesser of:
     o    two guideline annual premiums, or
     o    the maximum amount of premiums subject to the deferred sales charge.

Other Charges
The Investment  Accounts  represent shares of divisions of the Separate Account.
The  assets of each  division  are used to  purchase  shares in a  corresponding
mutual fund at net asset value.  The net asset value of the mutual fund reflects
management fees and operating  expenses  already deducted from the assets of the
fund.  Current  management fees and operating  expenses for each mutual fund are
shown in the section entitled THE FUNDS.

Special Provisions for Group or Sponsored Arrangements
Where permitted by state law, Policies may be purchased under group or sponsored
arrangements  as well as on an individual  basis.
o    group arrangement - program under which a trustee, employer or similar
     entity purchases  Policies  covering a group of individuals on a group
     basis.
o    sponsored  arrangement  - program  under  which an employer  permits  group
     solicitation of its employees or an association  permits group solicitation
     of its members for the purchase of Policies on an individual basis.

Charges and  deductions may be reduced for Policies  purchased  under a group or
sponsored  arrangement  including  waiver of  premium  sales  load and waiver of
surrender  charge.  Reductions  may be  available  to:
o    employees, officers, directors, agents and immediate family members of
     the group or sponsored arrangement, and
o    employees of agents of the Company and its subsidiaries.

Reductions  are made under our rules in effect on the date a Policy  application
is approved and are based on certain criteria (size of group, expected number of
participants, anticipated premium payments).

Generally,  the sales  contacts and effort,  administrative  costs and mortality
cost per Policy vary based on the size of the arrangement, the purpose for which
the Policies  are  purchased  and certain  characteristics  of the members.  The
amount of the reduction and the criteria for reducing the charges and deductions
reflect:  a) our  reduced  sales  effort and  administrative  costs;  and b) the
different mortality experience expected from sales to arrangements.

We may  modify,  on a uniform  basis,  both the  amounts of  reductions  and the
criteria for  qualification.  Reductions in these charges will not  discriminate
unfairly against any person,  including the affected owners and all other policy
owners with policies funded with the Separate Account.

In addition,  groups and persons buying  Policies under a sponsored  arrangement
may apply for flexible  underwriting.  If flexible  underwriting is granted, the
cost of insurance  charge may increase because of higher  anticipated  mortality
experience.  Flexible underwriting  programs currently available include:  batch
underwriting,   expanded   non-medical   underwriting   and   guaranteed   issue
underwriting.

THE FIXED ACCOUNT

You may allocate net premiums and transfers from your  Investment  Account(s) to
the Fixed Account. The Fixed Account is part of our General Account.  Because of
exemptions  and  exclusions  contained  in the  Securities  Act of 1933  and the
Investment  Company Act of 1940, the Fixed Account has not been registered under
these acts.  Neither the Fixed  Account nor any interest in it is subject to the
provisions of these acts.  As a result the SEC has not reviewed the  disclosures
in this prospectus relating to the Fixed Account. However,  disclosures relating
to the Fixed  Account  are subject to  generally  applicable  provisions  of the
federal  securities laws relating to the accuracy and completeness of statements
made in  prospectuses.  You may  obtain  more  information  regarding  the Fixed
Account from our home office or from a sales representative.

Our  obligations  with respect to the Fixed Account are supported by our General
Account.  Subject to applicable law, we have sole discretion over the investment
of assets in the General Account.

We guarantee that net premiums  allocated to the Fixed Account  accrue  interest
daily at an effective annual rate of 3% compounded annually. We may, in our sole
discretion, credit interest at a higher rate.

The  mortality  and expense  risks charge is not imposed on amounts in the Fixed
Account. The value of your Fixed Account on any valuation day is:
o    net premiums allocated to the Fixed Account
o    plus transfers from the Investment Account(s)
o    plus interest credited to the Fixed Account
o    minus surrenders, surrender charges and monthly policy charges
o    minus transaction fees allocated to the Fixed Account
o    minus transfers to the Loan Account
o    minus transfers to the Separate Account.

POLICY TERMINATION AND REINSTATEMENT

Policy Termination
You must make an initial  minimum monthly premium payment to have coverage under
the Policy.  A minimum  premium is required  during the first 24 policy  months.
During the first 24 policy  months:
o    The sum of the  premiums  paid must be at least  equal to the  minimum
     required premium on a monthly date.
o    The  minimum  required  premium  on a  monthly  date is the sum of the
     minimum  monthly  premium  since the  policy  date to the most  recent
     monthly date.  The current  minimum  monthly  premium is shown on your
     current data pages.
o    We will send you a pending lapse notice if you have made  insufficient
     premium payments.

After the first 24 policy months or any time a policy loan is taken:
o    The net  surrender  value of your  policy  must at least  equal the monthly
     policy charge on a current monthly date.
o    If your Policy has a death benefit  guarantee  rider, its premium must
     be paid.
o    We will send you a pending lapse notice if you have made  insufficient
     premium payments.
o    Making premium  payments under your planned  periodic premium schedule
     does not guarantee that your Policy will stay in force.

Grace Period The grace period begins when we send you a notice of pending lapse.
The  notice:
o    is mailed to your last known post office address;
o    shows the minimum payment required to keep the Policy in force; and
o    shows the 61-day  period  during  which we will  accept  the  required
     payment.

If the grace period begins because the sum of the premiums paid is less than the
minimum required premium, the minimum payment is (a) minus (b) where:
     (a)  is the  minimum  required  premium  due on  the  second  monthly  date
     following  the  beginning  of the grace  period,  and
     (b) is the sum of the premiums paid since the policy date.

If the grace period ends before we receive the minimum payment,  we will pay you
any remaining policy value which is (a) minus (b) where:
     (a) is the net  surrender  value  on the  monthly  date  on or  immediately
     preceding the start of the grace period,  and 
     (b) is the two monthly policy charges during the grace period.

If the grace  period  begins  because the net  surrender  value is less than the
current  monthly  policy  charge,  the minimum  payment is equal to (a) plus (b)
divided by (c) where:
     (a) is the  amount by which the  surrender  charge is more than the  policy
     value on the  monthly  date on or  immediately  preceding  the start of the
     grace period, 
     (b) is three monthly policy charges, and 
     (c) is one minus the maximum premium expense charge percentage.

To cover past due policy charges, if the grace period ends before we receive the
minimum  payment,  we keep any  remaining  value in the Policy.  This payment is
intended to 1)  reimburse  us for the monthly  policy  charges  during the grace
period,  and 2) provide  enough policy value to pay the monthly policy charge on
the first monthly date after the grace period.

Due to possible  adverse  market  fluctuations,  there is no guarantee  that the
amount  requested  at the  beginning  of the  grace  period is enough to pay the
monthly policy charges as they are processed.  If the net surrender value is not
at least as much as the monthly  policy charge on any monthly date, a new 61-day
grace period starts.

The Policy is in force during a grace period.  If we do not receive the required
payment,  the  Policy  terminates  as of  the  monthly  date  on or  immediately
preceding  the start of the grace  period.  If the  insured  dies during a grace
period,  policy  proceeds are reduced by: o all monthly  policy  charges due and
unpaid at the insured's death, and o any policy loans and unpaid loan interest.

The Policy also terminates  when:
o    you make a total policy surrender;
o    death proceeds are paid; and
o    maturity proceeds are paid.

When the Policy terminates, all of your policy rights and privileges end.

Reinstatement
Subject  to certain  conditions,  you may  reinstate  a Policy  that  terminated
because of insufficient value. The Policy may only be reinstated:
o    prior to the maturity date and while the insured is alive;
o    upon our receipt of satisfactory  evidence of insurability  (according
     to our underwriting guidelines then in effect);
o    if you make a payment of a reinstatement premium which is equal to (a) plus
     (b) divided by (c) where:
     (a)is the  amount by which the  surrender  charge is more than the policy
     value on the monthly date at the start of the grace period  before the
     monthly policy charge is deducted,
     (b)is three monthly policy charges, and
     (c)is one  minus the  maximum  premium  expense  charge  percentage  (see
     CHARGES AND DEDUCTIONS - Premium Expense Charge); and
o    if the application for  reinstatement is mailed to us within three years of
     the Policy  termination (in some states, we must provide a longer period of
     time for Policy reinstatement).

If a policy loan or loan  interest  was unpaid when the Policy  terminated,  the
policy loan must be reinstated or repaid (loan interest is not collected for the
period the Policy was terminated).

We do not require payment of monthly policy charges during the period the Policy
was  terminated.  Reinstatement  is effective on the next monthly date following
our  approval of the  reinstatement  application.  Premiums  received  with your
reinstatement  application  are held without  interest  until the  reinstatement
date.  They are  allocated to your  selected  Investment  Accounts  and/or Fixed
Account  on  the  reinstatement   date.  We  will  use  the  premium  allocation
percentages  in effect  at the time of  termination  of the  Policy  unless  you
provide new allocation  instructions.  The reinstated Policy has the same policy
date as the original Policy. Your rights and privileges as owner(s) are restored
upon reinstatement.

If you  reinstate  your Policy and then it is totally  surrendered,  a surrender
charge may be imposed.  The charge, if any, is calculated based on the number of
years the Policy was in force.  The period of time  during  which the Policy was
terminated  is not  credited  toward  the  number of  policy  years to make this
calculation.

OTHER MATTERS

Voting Rights
We vote  Investment  Account shares held in the Separate  Account at shareholder
meetings.  We follow the voting  instructions  received  from people  having the
voting interest in the Account shares.

You have a voting  interest  under a Policy.  You have one vote for each $100 of
policy value in the  Investment  Accounts.  Fractional  votes are  allocated for
amounts  less  than  $100.  The  number  of votes on which you have the right to
instruct  us is  determined  as of a date  established  by the  mutual  fund for
setting the shareholders eligible to vote.

According to  procedures  adopted by the mutual fund,  voting  instructions  are
solicited by a written proxy  statement  before a shareholder  meeting.  We vote
other Account shares, for which no voting instructions are received, in the same
proportion  as the  shares  for which we receive  voting  instructions.  Account
shares held in our General Account are voted in proportion to instructions  that
are received with respect to the participating contracts.

If we determine,  under  applicable  law, that Account  shares need not be voted
according to the instructions  received,  we may vote Account shares held in the
Separate Account in our own right.

We may,  when  required by state  insurance  regulatory  authorities,  disregard
voting  instructions.  This may be done if the instructions would require shares
to be voted to:
o    change a subclassification or investment objective of the Account, or
o    disapprove an investment advisory contract of the fund or Account, or
o    approve  changes  initiated  by  an  owner  in  the  investment  policy  or
     investment  advisor  of  the  Account  or  mutual  fund  if  we  reasonably
     disapprove of the changes.

The change would be disapproved only if:
o    the proposed change is contrary to state law;
o    prohibited by state regulatory authorities; or
o    we determine the change is inconsistent with the investment objectives
     of the mutual fund.
If we disregard  voting  instructions,  a summary of the action and
the reason for the actions will be included in the next  semiannual  report from
the underlying fund to owners.

Statement of Values
You receive an annual  statement at the end of each policy year.  The  statement
will show:
o    current death benefit;
o    current policy value and surrender value;
o    all premiums paid since the last statement;
o    all charges since the last statement;
o    any policy loans and unpaid loan interest;
o    any partial surrenders since the last statement;
o    the number of units and unit value;
o    total value of each of your Investment Accounts and the Fixed Account;
o    designated beneficiary(ies); and
o    all riders included in the Policy.

You will also receive a statement as of the end of each calendar quarter. At any
time, you may request a current statement by telephoning 1-800-247-9988.

We also send you the reports required by the Investment Company Act of 1940.

Services Available by Telephone
Telephone   Instructions   Unless  you  decline  telephone   privileges  on  the
supplemental  application,  instructions  for the following  transactions may be
given to us via the telephone:
o    policy loans (loan proceeds are mailed only to the owner's  address of
     record);
o    changes in allocations of future premium payments;
o    changes in allocation of the monthly policy charge;
o    changes to your APR instructions;
o    changes to your DCA instructions; and
o    provide  instructions for unscheduled  Investment Account and/or Fixed
     Account transfers.

Telephone instructions:
o    may be given by calling us at 1-800-247-9988 between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m.
     Central Time on any day that the New York Stock Exchange is open;
o    must be received by us before the close of the New York Stock Exchange
     (generally 3:00 p.m. Central Time) to be effective the day you call;
o    are effective the next  valuation day if not received  until after the
     close of the New York Stock Exchange; and
o    from one joint owner are binding on all joint owners.

Although  neither the Separate  Account nor the Company is  responsible  for the
authenticity of telephone  transaction  requests,  the Separate  Account and the
Company reserve the right to refuse telephone orders.  You are liable for a loss
resulting  from a  fraudulent  telephone  order  that we  reasonably  believe is
genuine. We use reasonable procedures to assure instructions are genuine. If the
procedures are not followed,  we may be liable for loss due to  unauthorized  or
fraudulent  transactions.   The  procedures  include:  recording  all  telephone
instructions,   requesting  personal  identification  information  (name,  phone
number,   social  security  number,   birth  date,  etc.)  and  sending  written
confirmation to the owner's address of record.

Direct Dial You may receive  information  about your policy from our Direct Dial
system between 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m.  Central Time,  Monday through  Saturday.
The Direct Dial number is  1-800-247-9988.  Through this automated  system,  you
can:
o    obtain information about unit values and policy values,
o    initiate certain changes to your policy, and
o    change your personal identification number.
Instructions from one joint owner are binding on all joint owners.

GENERAL PROVISIONS

The Contract
The  entire  contract  is  made  up of:  applications,  amendments,  riders  and
endorsements  attached  to  the  Policy,  current  data  pages,  copies  of  any
supplemental applications,  amendments,  endorsements and revised Policy or data
pages which are mailed to you. No statement,  unless made in an application,  is
used to void a  Policy  (or  void an  adjustment  in the  case of an  adjustment
application).  Only our  corporate  officers  can  agree to  change or waive any
provisions of a Policy. Any change or waiver must be in writing and signed by an
officer of the Company.

Optional Insurance Benefits
Subject  to certain conditions, you may add one or more supplemental benefits to
your Policy. These include:
o    term insurance options
o    accidental death coverage
o    waiver  of  monthly  policy  charges
o    waiver  of  premium payments upon disability
o    accelerated benefits in the event o extended coverage of terminal illness
o    death benefit guarantees
o    cost of living increases
o    riders that apply only to business owned Policies

Detailed information  concerning  supplemental  benefits may be obtained from an
authorized agent or our home office. Not all supplemental benefits are available
in all states. The cost, if any, of an optional insurance benefit is deducted as
part of your monthly policy charge.

Death  Benefit  Guarantee  Rider (also known as the "no lapse  guarantee")  This
rider provides that if the rider premium is paid, the Policy does not lapse even
if the net surrender  value is not enough to pay the monthly policy charges on a
monthly  date.  This  rider is  automatically  made a part of the  policy if the
planned periodic premium is equal to or greater than the death benefit guarantee
premium.

The death benefit (no lapse) guarantee premium  requirement is met if:
o    the sum of all premiums paid
o    minus any partial surrenders
o    minus any policy loans and unpaid loan interest
is at least as much as the sum of death benefit  guarantee monthly premiums from
the policy date to the most recent monthly date.  Your most recent death benefit
(no lapse) guarantee premium is shown on your current data page.

The death benefit (no lapse) guarantee premium is based on the issue age, gender
(where  permitted by law) and risk  classification  of the insured.  The monthly
death  benefit (no lapse)  guarantee  premium is  considered  to be zero for any
month that deductions are being waived. This premium may change if:
o    the Policy face amount is changed,
o    the death benefit option is changed,
o    a rider is added or deleted, or
o    an adjustment is made to your Policy.
As a result of a change,  an  additional  premium may be required to satisfy the
new death benefit (no lapse) guarantee premium.

If on  any  monthly  date,  the  death  benefit  (no  lapse)  guarantee  premium
requirement  is not met, we send you a notice  stating  the premium  required to
reinstate  the rider.  If the premium  required to maintain the guarantee is not
received in our home office  before the  expiration  of the 61-day  grace period
(which begins when the notice is mailed), the death benefit (no lapse) guarantee
is no longer in effect and the rider is terminated.  If the rider terminates, it
may not be reinstated.

If the rider is in effect on the policy maturity date, we pay you the excess, if
any, of the face amount over the maturity proceeds.

This rider is not available in Massachusetts.

Extended Coverage Rider This rider allows, under certain conditions,  the Policy
to remain in force until the  insured's  death.  This rider is not  available in
Massachusetts.

Misstatement of Age or Gender
If the age or, where  applicable,  gender of the insured has been misstated,  we
adjust the death  benefit  payable  under your Policy to reflect the amount that
would have been payable at the correct age and gender.

Assignment
You may assign your Policy.  Each  assignment is subject to any payments made or
action taken by the Company  prior to our  notification  of the  assignment.  We
assume no responsibility for the validity of any assignment.

An assignment must be made in writing and filed with us at our home office.  The
irrevocable beneficiary(ies),  if any, must authorize any assignment in writing.
Your  rights,  as well as  those of the  beneficiary(ies),  are  subject  to any
assignment on file with us.

Ownership
You may change your ownership  designation at any time.  Your request must be in
writing and  approved by us. After  approval,  the change is effective as of the
date you signed the request for change. We reserve the right to require that you
send us the Policy so that we can record the change.

Unless changed,  the owner(s) is as named in the  application.  The owner(s) may
exercise  every right and privilege of the Policy,  subject to the rights of any
irrevocable beneficiary(ies) and any assignee(s).

All  rights  and  privileges  of  ownership  of a Policy  end if the  Policy  is
surrendered,  death or maturity  proceeds are paid,  or if the grace period ends
without  our  receiving  the payment  required to keep the Policy in force.  The
rights and privileges end as of the monthly date on or immediately preceding the
start of the grace period.

If an owner dies before the Policy terminates,  the surviving owner(s),  if any,
succeed to that person's ownership interest,  unless otherwise specified. If all
owners die before the policy  terminates,  ownership of the Policy passes to the
insured.  With  our  consent,  you  may  specify  a  different  arrangement  for
contingent ownership.

Beneficiary
You have the right to name a beneficiary(ies)  and contingent  beneficiary(ies).
This may be done as part of the  application  process or by sending us a written
request. Unless you have named an irrevocable  beneficiary,  you may change your
beneficiary  designation by sending us a written  request.  After approval,  the
change is effective as of the date you signed the request for change. We reserve
the  right to  require  that you send us the  Policy so that we can  record  the
change.

If no  beneficiary(ies)  survives the death of the surviving insured,  the death
proceeds  are  paid to the  owner(s)  or the  estate  of the  owner(s)  in equal
percentages unless otherwise specified.

Benefit Instructions
While the insured is alive,  you may give us  instructions  for payment of death
proceeds under one of the benefit  options of the Policy.  The  instructions  or
changes  to  the   instructions   must  be  in   writing.   If  you  change  the
beneficiary(ies), prior benefit instructions are revoked.

   
Benefit Payment Options
While the insured is alive,  you may arrange for death  proceeds to be paid in a
lump sum or under one of several fixed benefit  payment  options.  These choices
are also available if the Policy is surrendered or matures.
    

o    Option A - Special Benefit Arrangement
     A specially  designed  benefit option may be arranged with our approval.
o    Option B - Proceeds left at interest
     We hold the amount of the benefit on deposit.  Interest  payments  are made
     annually, semiannually, quarterly or monthly as selected.
o    Option C - Fixed Income
     We pay income of a fixed amount for a fixed period(not exceeding 30 years).
o    Option D - Life Income
     We pay income during a person's  lifetime.  A minimum guaranteed period may
     be used.
o    Option E - Joint and Survivor Life Income
     We pay income  during the  lifetime  of two people and  continue  until the
     death of the survivor.  This option includes a minimum guaranteed period of
     10 years.
o    Option F - Joint and Two-thirds Survivor Life Income
     We pay an income  during the lifetime of two people and  two-thirds  of the
     original amount during the remaining lifetime of the survivor.

   
Interest  will be applied to calculate  the above benefit  payment  options.  We
determine  the  interest  rate which will not be less than the rate  required by
state law.
    

Right to Exchange Policy
During the first 24 months after the policy date (except during a grace period),
you have the right to exchange  your Policy for any other form of fixed  benefit
individual  life  insurance  policy  (other  than term  insurance)  that we make
available for this purpose. No charge is imposed on this exchange. Your exchange
request must be postmarked or delivered to our home office before the end of the
24-month  period.  The  exchange is  effective  when we receive 1) your  written
request,  2) any amount  required  as an  adjustment,  and 3)  surrender  of the
Policy.

You may also exchange the Policy for a fixed-benefit, flexible premium policy we
make available for this purpose if there is a material  change in the investment
policy  of  a  division  (see  GENERAL   PROVISIONS  -  Addition,   Deletion  or
Substitution of Investments). In addition, you have the right to exchange a face
amount increase for a  fixed-benefit,  flexible premium policy we make available
for this purpose at any time during the first 24 months after the increase  (but
not during a grace period) (see DEATH BENEFITS AND RIGHTS - Adjustment Options).

The new policy:
o    at your option,  provides  either the same death benefit or the same amount
     at risk as the Policy did at the time of your request;
o    has the same insured as the original Policy;
o    premiums are based on the same gender, issue age and risk classification;
o    payments  and cash  values or policy  values  may be  adjusted  to  reflect
     variances,  if any, in the payments and policy  values under the Policy and
     the new policy;
o    minimum benefits are fixed and guaranteed;
o    does not  participate  in the  investment  experience  of the Separate
     Account; and
o    does not require evidence of insurability.

Any policy loan and loan interest must be:
o    repaid before the exchange, or
o    transferred to the new policy.

Benefit  riders  included  as a part of the  Policy  may be  exchanged,  without
evidence of  insurability,  for similar  benefit  riders on the new policy.  Two
conditions  must be met:
o    in your written  request for the exchange,  you must indicate that the
     rider(s) should be part of the new policy; and
o    the  similar  benefit  rider(s)  is  available  for the new  policy  on the
     effective  date of the benefit rider for the Policy based on the same issue
     age, gender and risk classification of the insured under the Policy.

Participating Policy
Policies issued in certain states share in any divisible surplus of the Company.
The Company will determine each Policy's share of the surplus and will credit it
as a dividend at the end of each policy year. The Company does not expect to pay
any dividends under the Policy. Dividends, if any, will be paid in cash.

Policies issued in certain other states will not share in any divisible  surplus
of the Company.  A current list of which  category  your state falls into may be
obtained from a sales representative or our home office.

Incontestability
We will not contest the insurance  coverage  provided by the Policy,  except for
any  increases  in face  amount,  after the Policy has been in force  during the
lifetime of either  insured for a period of two years from the policy date.  Any
face amount increase has its own two-year  contestability  period that begins on
the effective  date of the  adjustment.  The time limit in the  incontestability
period does not apply to fraudulent misrepresentations.

Suicide
Death  proceeds  are not paid if the  insured  dies by  suicide,  while  sane or
insane,  within two years of the policy date (or two years from the date of face
amount increase with respect to such  increase).  In the event of the suicide of
the insured  within two years of the policy date, our only liability is a refund
of  premiums  paid,  without  interest,  minus any policy  loans and unpaid loan
interest and partial  surrenders.  In the event of suicide within two years of a
face amount  increase,  our only  liability  with respect to that  increase is a
refund of the cost of insurance for the increase. Any refund will be paid to the
beneficiary(ies).

Delay of Payments
Payment  due  to  exercise  of  your  rights  under  the  free-look   provision,
surrenders,  policy loans, death or maturity proceeds,  and transfers to or from
an Investment  Account are generally made within five days after we receive your
instructions  in a form  acceptable  to us.  This  period may be  shorter  where
required by law. However, payment of any amount upon return of the Policy, total
or partial surrender,  policy loan, death, maturity or the transfer to or from a
division of the  Separate  Account  may be  deferred  during any period when the
right to sell mutual fund shares is suspended as permitted  under  provisions of
the Investment Company Act of 1940 (as amended).

The right to sell shares may be suspended during any period when:
o    trading on the New York Stock  Exchange is  restricted as determined by the
     SEC or when the Exchange is closed for other than weekends and holidays, or
o    an emergency  exists,  as  determined  by the SEC, as a result of which:
     o    disposal  by a  fund  of  securities  owned  by it is  not  reasonably
          practicable;
     o    it is  not  reasonably  practicable  for a  fund  to  fairly
          determine the value of its net assets; or
     o    the SEC permits suspension for the protection of security holders.

If  payments  are  delayed  and your  instruction  is not  canceled by your
written instruction,  the amount of the transaction is determined the first
valuation  date  following  the  expiration  of the  permitted  delay.  The
transaction is made within five days thereafter.

In addition,  payments on surrenders  attributable  to a premium payment made by
check may be delayed up to 15 days.  This permits payment to be collected on the
check.


Addition, Deletion or Substitution of Investments
We reserve the right to make  certain  changes if, in our  judgement,  they best
serve your  interests  or are  appropriate  in  carrying  out the purpose of the
Policy.  Any changes are made only to the extent and in the manner  permitted by
applicable laws. Also, when required by law, we will obtain your approval of the
changes and approval from any appropriate  regulatory  authority.  Approvals may
not be required in all cases.  Examples of the changes we may make  include:
o    transfer  assets in any  division to another  division or to the Fixed
     Account;
o    add, combine or eliminate divisions in the Separate Account; or
o    substitute  the shares of an  Investment  Account  for the  Investment
     Account shares in any division:
     o    if  shares  of an  Investment  Account  are no  longer  available  for
          investment; or
     o    if in our  judgement,  investment  in an  Investment  Account  becomes
          inappropriate considering the purposes of the Separate Account.

If we  eliminate  or combine  existing  divisions  or  transfer  assets from one
division to another,  you may change  allocation  percentages  and  transfer any
value in an affected division to another Investment  Account(s) and/or the Fixed
Account without charge.  In the  alternative,  you may exchange the Policy for a
fixed-benefit, flexible premium life insurance policy we offer for this purpose.
You may exercise this exchange  privilege  until the latter of 60 days after: 1)
the  effective  date of the  change;  or 2) the date you receive a notice of the
options  available.  You may only exercise this right if you have an interest in
the affected division(s). The face amount of the new policy is the death benefit
of the Policy on the date of the exchange.

DISTRIBUTION OF THE POLICY
We intend to sell the Policies in all jurisdictions  where we are licensed.  The
Policies  will be sold by  licensed  insurance  agents  who are also  registered
representatives  of broker-dealers  registered with the SEC under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 who are members of the National  Association  of Securities
Dealers, Inc. (NASD).

The Policies will be distributed by the general  distributor,  Princor Financial
Services  Corporation  (Princor),  which is an affiliate  of ours.  Princor is a
securities  broker-dealer  registered with the SEC and a member of the NASD. The
Policies may also be sold through other broker-dealers authorized by Princor and
applicable law to do so. Registered  representatives of such  broker-dealers may
be paid on a different basis than described below.

For Policies sold through  Princor,  commissions  generally will be no more than
50% of premium received in the first policy year, or the first year following an
adjustment,  up the planned periodic premium (not to exceed target premium).  In
addition,  a  commission  of up to 3% of  premium  above the  lesser of  planned
periodic  or target  premium  received  in the first  policy year (or first year
following  an  adjustment)  may be  paid.  In the  second  through  tenth  years
following the policy date (or adjustment date),  commissions range from 0% to 2%
of premiums  received.  A service  fee of up to 2% is paid on premiums  received
after the  second  policy  year.  Expense  allowances  may be paid to agents and
brokers based on premiums received.

For the twelve month period ended December 31, 1998, we paid Princor $12,022,076
to compensate registered representatives of Princor for sale of these Policies.

OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS OF PRINCIPAL MANAGEMENT CORPORATION
The  officers and  directors of the  investment  advisor,  Principal  Management
Corporation,  are  shown  below.  This  list  includes  some of the same  people
(designated  by *),  who are  serving in the same  capacities  as  officers  and
directors  of the  underwriter,  Princor  Financial  Services  Corporation.  The
principal business address for each officer and director is: Principal Financial
Group, Des Moines, Iowa 50392.

*JOHN E. ASCHENBRENNER      Director
CRAIG R. BARNES             Vice President
*CRAIG L. BASSETT           Treasurer
*MICHAEL J. BEER            Executive Vice President
*MARY L. BRICKER            Assistant Corporate Secretary
*DAVID J. DRURY             Director
*RALPH C. EUCHER            Director and President
*ARTHUR S. FILEAN           Vice President
*DENNIS P. FRANCIS          Director
*PAUL N. GERMAIN            Vice President - Mutual Fund Operations
*ERNEST H. GILLUM           Vice President - Compliance and Product Development
*THOMAS J. GRAF             Director
*J. BARRY GRISWELL          Chairman of the Board and Director
*JOYCE N. HOFFMAN           Vice President and Corporate Secretary
*ELLEN Z. LAMALE            Director
*JULIA M. LAWLER            Director
*GREGG R. NARBER            Director
*RICHARD L. PREY            Director
*LAYNE A. RASMUSSEN         Controller - Mutual Funds
*ELIZABETH R. RING          Controller
*MICHAEL J. ROUGHTON        Counsel
*JEAN B. SCHUSTEK           Product Compliance Officer - Registered Products
DEWAIN A. SPARRGROVE        Vice President

OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS OF PRINCIPAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

Principal  Life  Insurance  Company  is  managed  by a Board of  Directors.  The
directors  and  executive  officers of the  Company,  their  positions  with the
Company,  including Board Committee memberships,  and their principal occupation
during the last five years, are as follows:

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS (OTHER THAN DIRECTORS):

JOHN EDWARD ASCHENBRENNER    Senior Vice President
PAUL FRANCIS BOGNANNO        Senior Vice President
CHARLES ROBERT DUNCAN        Senior Vice President
DENNIS PAUL FRANCIS          Senior Vice President
THOMAS JEFFERSON GAARD       Senior Vice President
MICHAEL HARRY GERSIE         Senior Vice President
THOMAS JOHN GRAF             Senior Vice President
ROBB BRYAN HILL              Senior Vice President
GREGG ROSS NARBER            Senior Vice President and General Counsel
MARY AGNES O'KEEFE           Senior Vice President
RICHARD LEO PREY             Senior Vice President
ROBERT ALLEN SLEPICKA        Senior Vice President
NORMAN RAUL SORENSEN         Senior Vice President
CARL CHANSON WILLIAMS        Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer
<TABLE>

DIRECTORS:
<CAPTION>
Name, Positions and Offices                          Principal Occupation During Last 5 Years

<S>                                   <C>                                               
BETSY  JEAN BERNARD                   Executive Vice President,  U.S. West since 1998. President and Chief Executive Officer, since
Director                              1998. President and Chief Executive Officer, AVIRNEX Communications Group since 1997.
                                      President and Chief Executive Officer, Pacific Bell Communications since 1995.

JOCELYN CARTER-MILLER                 Corporate Vice President and Chief Marketing  Officer, Motorola, Inc. since 1999. Vice
Director                              President, 1998-1999. Vice President and General Manager, since 1997. Prior thereto,  Vice
                                      President of Latin American and Caribbean Operations of Motorola.

RUTH MARGARET DAVIS                   President and Chief Executive Officer, The Pymatuning Group, Inc.
Director
Member, Nominating Committee

DAVID JAMES DRURY                     Chairman and Chief Executive  Officer,  Principal Life Insurance  Company since 1995.
Director                              President  and Chief  Executive  Officer from  1994-1995;  President from 1993-1994;
Chairman of the Board                 Executive Vice President from 1992-1993.
Chair, Executive Committee

CHARLES DANIEL GELATT, JR.            President, NMT Corporation.
Director
Member, Executive Committee
Chair, Human Resources Committee

JOHN BARRY GRISWELL                   President,  Principal Life Insurance  Company since 1998.  Executive Vice President
Director                              1996-1998. Senior Vice President 1988-1996.

GERALD DAVID HURD                     Retired.  Chairman  and  Chief  Executive  Officer,  Principal  Life  Insurance Company
Director                              1989-1994.
Member, Executive and
Nominating Committees
       

CHARLES SAMUEL JOHNSON                Chairman,  President and Chief  Executive  Officer,  Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. since
Director                              1996.    President   and   Chief   Executive Officer 1995-1996. President and Chief
Member, Audit Committee               Operating Officer 1995. Executive Vice President  1993-1995.

WILLIAM TURNBALL KERR                 Chairman, President & Chief Executive Officer, Meredith Corporation since 1998.
Director                              President  and Chief  Executive  Officer,  1997-1998.  President and Chief Operating Officer
Member, Executive Committee and       1994-1997.  Prior  thereto,  Executive  Vice President.
Chair, Nominating Committee

LEE LIU                               Chairman Alliant Energy  Corporation since 1998.  Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, IES
Director                              Industries, Inc., 1996-1998. Prior thereto, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer.
Member, Executive and Human
Resources Committees

VICTOR HENDRIK LOEWENSTEIN            Managing Partner, Egon Zehnder International
Director
Member, Audit Committee

RONALD DALE PEARSON                   Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, Hy-Vee, Inc.
Director
Member, Human Resources Committee

JOHN ROY PRICE                        Managing  Director, The Chase Manhattan Corporation since 1996. Prior thereto,
Director                              Managing Director, Chemical Banking Corporation.
Member, Nominating Committee

DONALD MITCHELL STEWART               President, The College Board.
Director
Member, Human Resources Committee

ELIZABETH EDITH TALLETT               President & CEO of Dioscor, Inc. & Serex, Inc. since 1996. President and Chief Executive
Director                              Officer,   Transcell  Technologies, Inc. 1992-1996.
Chair, Audit Committee

DEAN DICKSON THORNTON                 Retired since 1993. Prior thereto President, Boeing Commercial Airplane Group.
Director
Member, Audit Committee

FRED WILLIAM WEITZ                    President, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, Essex Meadows, Inc. since
Director                              1995.  Prior  thereto,  President,  Chairman of the Board, and Chief Executive Officer, The
Member, Human Resources Committee     Weitz  Corporation  and its subsidiaries.
</TABLE>

STATE REGULATION
The  Company  is subject  to the laws of the State of Iowa  governing  insurance
companies and to regulation by the Insurance Department of the State of Iowa. An
annual  statement  in a  prescribed  form  must be filed by March 1 in each year
covering our operations  for the preceding  year and our financial  condition on
December 31 of the prior year.  Our books and assets are subject to  examination
by the Commissioner of Insurance of the State of Iowa or her  representatives at
all times. A full examination of our operations is conducted periodically by the
National Association of Insurance  Commissioners.  Iowa law and regulations also
prescribe permissible investments,  but this does not involve supervision of the
investment management or policy of the Company.

In  addition,  we are subject to the  insurance  laws and  regulations  of other
states and  jurisdictions  where we are  licensed  to  operate.  Generally,  the
insurance  departments of these states and  jurisdictions  apply the laws of the
state of domicile in determining the field of permissible investments.

FEDERAL TAX MATTERS

The  following  description  is a general  summary of the tax  rules,  primarily
related to federal  income taxes,  which in our opinion are currently in effect.
These rules are based on laws,  regulations and interpretations that are subject
to change at any time. This summary is not  comprehensive and is not intended as
tax  advice.  While we  reserve  the  right to  change  the  Policy to assure it
continues  to qualify as life  insurance  for tax  purposes,  we cannot make any
guarantee regarding the future tax treatment of any Policy. You should consult a
qualified  tax  adviser  about the tax  implications  of taking  action  under a
Policy.

Tax Status of the Company and the Separate Account
We are  taxed as an  insurance  company  under  subchapter  L of the  Code.  The
Separate Account is not a separate taxable entity. Its operations are taken into
account by us in determining our tax liability.  All Separate Account investment
income and realized net capital gains are  reinvested  and taken into account in
determining  policy  values and are  automatically  applied to increase the book
reserves associated with the Policies.

Charges for Taxes
We impose a federal  tax charge  equal to 1.25% of premiums  received  under the
Policy to compensate us for the federal  income tax liability we incur by reason
of  receiving  those  premiums.  We believe  that this charge is  reasonable  in
relation to the increased  tax burden the Company  incurs as a result of Section
848 of the Code. No other charge is currently  made to the Separate  Account for
federal  income  taxes of the Company that may be  attributable  to the Separate
Account.  Periodically, we review the appropriateness of charges to the Separate
Account  for  federal  income  taxes.  In the  future,  a charge may be made for
federal income taxes incurred by us and attributable to the Separate Account. In
addition,  depending  on the method of  calculating  interest  on policy  values
allocated to the Fixed  Account,  a charge may be imposed for the Policy's share
of our federal income taxes attributable to the Fixed Account.

Under  current  law, we may incur  state or local taxes (in  addition to premium
taxes) in several states. At present, these taxes are not significant.  If there
is a material change  attributable to state or local taxes, we reserve the right
to charge the Separate Account for the portion of taxes, if any, attributable to
the Separate Account.

Diversification Standards
The Policy should qualify as a life insurance contract as long as the underlying
investments  for the  Policy  satisfy  diversification  requirements  of Section
817(h) of the Code.

IRS Definition of Life Insurance
The Policy should qualify as a life  insurance  contract as long as it satisfies
certain  tests under  Section  7702 of the Code.
o    The Policy qualifies if it satisfies a cash value accumulation test or
     a  guideline  premium  requirement  and  falls  within  a  cash  value
     corridor.
o    If at any time a premium  is paid  which  would  result  in total  premiums
     exceeding the current maximum premium allowed,  we only accept that portion
     of the premium which would make the total premiums equal the maximum.

Modified Endowment Contract Status
Section 7702A of the Code sets forth a classification of life insurance policies
known as "Modified  Endowment  Contracts."  Policy loans and partial  surrenders
from a policy that is classified as a modified endowment contract are taxable as
ordinary  income to the owner in an amount  equal to the lesser of the amount of
the  loan/partial  surrender  or the  excess of policy  value  over the  owner's
investment in the Policy.  Additionally,  taxable distributions are subject to a
federal income tax penalty of 10% unless the payment is:
o    made after the owner attains age 59 1/2;
o    attributable to the taxpayer becoming disabled; or
o    part of a series of  substantially  equal periodic  payments (made not less
     frequently  than  annually)  made  for the life or life  expectancy  of the
     taxpayer.

Modified endowment contract classification may be avoided by limiting the amount
of premiums paid under the Policy.  If you  contemplate a large premium  payment
under this Policy, and you wish to avoid modified endowment contract status, you
may contact us before making the payment and we will tell you the maximum amount
which can be paid into the Policy  before it would  become a modified  endowment
contract.

Policy Surrenders and Partial Surrenders
A  surrender  or lapse of the Policy  may have  income  tax  consequences.  Upon
surrender,  the owner(s) is not taxed on the cash surrender value except for the
amount, if any, that exceeds the gross premiums paid less the untaxed portion of
any prior surrenders. The amount of any policy loan, upon surrender or lapse, is
added to the cash surrender  value and treated,  for this purpose,  as if it had
been received.  A loss incurred upon surrender is generally not deductible.  The
tax  consequences  of a surrender may differ if the proceeds are received  under
any income payment settlement option.

A total  surrender of the Policy will, and a partial  surrender may, be included
in your gross income to the extent that the distribution exceeds your investment
in the Policy.  Partial surrenders generally are not taxable unless the total of
such  surrenders  exceeds total  premiums paid to the date of partial  surrender
less the untaxed  portion of any prior partial  surrenders.  During the first 15
policy years,  an amount may be taxable prior to your tax-free  recovery of your
investment in the Policy if the partial  surrender results in or is necessitated
by a reduction in death  benefits.  A qualified tax advisor  should be consulted
regarding  the tax  consequences  of any partial  surrender  during the first 15
policy years.

The  increase  in policy  value of the Policy is not  included  in gross  income
unless  and until  there is a total  surrender  or partial  surrender  under the
Policy. A complete surrender of the Policy will, and a partial surrender may, be
included  in your  gross  income to the  extent the  distribution  exceeds  your
investment in the Policy.  Transfers between the Investment  Accounts and/or the
Fixed Account are not considered as distributions  from the Policy and would not
be considered taxable income.

Policy Loans and Loan Interest
Loans  received  under the  Policy  are  generally  recognized  as loans for tax
purposes and are not  considered to be  distributions  subject to tax.  Interest
paid to us as a result of a policy loan may or may not be  deductible  depending
on a number of  factors.  Due to the  complexity  of these  factors,  you should
consult a competent  tax  advisor as to the  deductibility  of interest  paid on
policy loans. If the Policy is a modified endowment  contract,  a policy loan is
taxable to an amount equal to the lesser of the amount of the loan or the excess
of policy value over the owner's investment in the Policy.

Corporate Alternative Minimum Tax
Ownership of a Policy by certain corporations may affect the owner's exposure to
the corporate  alternative  minimum tax. In determining whether it is subject to
alternative minimum tax, the corporate owner must make two computations.  First,
the corporation  must take into account a portion of the current year's increase
in the built-in gain in its corporate  owned policies.  Second,  the corporation
must take  into  account a  portion  of the  amount by which the death  benefits
received  under any Policy exceed the sum of 1) the premiums paid on that Policy
in the year of death, and 2) the corporation's  basis in the Policy (as measured
for  alternative  minimum tax purposes) as of the end of the  corporation's  tax
year immediately  preceding the year of death. The corporate alternative minimum
tax does not  apply to S  corporations.  Such tax also  does not apply to "Small
Corporations" as defined by section 55(c) of the Code.  Corporations  with gross
receipts  of  $5,000,000  or less for their first  taxable  year after 1996 with
gross receipts not exceeding  $7,500,000  after the first taxable year will meet
this definition.

Exchange or Assignment of Policies
A change of policy or insured, or an exchange or assignment of a Policy may have
tax consequences.  An assignment or exchange may result in taxable income to the
transferring owner. For complete  information with respect to policy assignments
and exchanges, a qualified tax advisor should be consulted.

Withholding
Withholding  is  generally  required  on  certain  taxable  distributions  under
insurance  contracts.  In the case of periodic  payments,  the withholding is at
graduated rates.  With respect to non-periodic  distributions,  withholding is a
flat rate of 10%. You may elect to have either non-periodic or periodic payments
made without  withholding except if your tax identification  number has not been
furnished to us or if the IRS has  notified us that the number you  furnished is
incorrect.

Taxation of Accelerated Death Benefits
We provide  accelerated  death  benefits  on a lien  basis.  It is unclear as to
whether  benefits paid under this rider are taxable.  For information  regarding
taxation  of  accelerated  death  benefits,  a qualified  tax advisor  should be
consulted.

Other Tax Issues
Federal estate taxes and state and local estate, inheritance and other taxes may
become  due  depending  on  applicable  law  and  your   circumstances   or  the
circumstances  of the policy  beneficiary(ies)  if you or the insured dies.  Any
person  concerned  about the estate  implications of the Policy should consult a
competent tax advisor.

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
The United States Supreme Court has held that optional  annuity benefits under a
qualified deferred compensation plan cannot vary on the basis of gender. Polices
are available for use in connection with employment related insurance or benefit
plans which do not vary between male and female  insured of a particular age and
underwriting  classification.  A competent  tax advisor  should be  consulted on
these matters.

LEGAL OPINIONS
Legal matters  applicable  to the issue and sale of the Policies,  including our
right to issue Policies under Iowa Insurance Law, have been passed upon by Gregg
R. Narber, Senior Vice President and General Counsel.

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
There are no legal proceedings  pending to which the Separate Account is a party
or which would materially affect the Separate Account.

REGISTRATION STATEMENT
This prospectus omits some information  contained in the registration  statement
that we have filed with the SEC.  Statements  contained in this  prospectus  are
summaries of the contents of the Policy and other legal documents.

   
OTHER VARIABLE INSURANCE CONTRACTS
The Company  currently  offers other variable life contracts that participate in
the  Separate  Account.  In the future,  we may  designate  additional  group or
individual  variable  insurance  contracts  as  participating  in  the  Separate
Account.
    

RESERVATION OF RIGHTS
The Company reserves the right to amend or terminate the special plans described
in this prospectus.  Such plans include preauthorized  premium payments,  dollar
cost averaging (DCA) and automatic portfolio rebalancing (APR).
You would be notified of any such action to the extent required by law.

YEAR 2000 READINESS DISCLOSURE
Starting in early 1995, as a corporate effort,  the Company  recognized the Year
2000  could  have a  significant  impact  on our  operations.  With  the  strong
commitment  from the  Board of  Directors,  Chief  Executive  Officer  and Chief
Information Officer, we initiated a comprehensive plan to ensure our systems and
facilities would function correctly regardless of the date on the calendar.

Assessments of our computer systems were completed in 1996. We identified 35,000
programs  comprising  40 million  lines of  mainframe  code,  1,300 PC  software
packages,  and 400,000+  end-user PC applications  that could be affected by the
Year 2000.

Our  analysis  didn't stop  there.  We  requested  Year 2000  compliance  status
information  from hardware and software vendors of over 1,000 PC systems and 450
mainframe systems. New purchase agreements,  along with renewal agreements, have
included a "Year 2000" warranty clause since 1997.

In 1997, we contacted  critical service and product  suppliers such as banks and
utility  companies  regarding their Year 2000  readiness.  To further assess the
stability of our external supply chain, we conducted another survey in 1998, and
a third evaluation of our most critical suppliers will take place in 1999.

As of December 31, 1998, 100 percent of our identified  mission  critical system
renovations were completed,  tested and in production. We expect to complete the
remaining  identified  changes by June 30,  1999 (when we  receive  and  install
updated software releases from our outside vendors).

Full-scale  testing  of our  systems  began in  March  1998  using an  in-house,
isolated  testing  facility.  We include  "system date  manipulation"  and "file
aging" processes to verify a wide variety of dates before, on, and after January
1, 2000, including February 29, 2000 (leap day).

Our  objective  is to  complete  full-scale  testing of all  identified  mission
critical systems in second quarter 1999, with significant attentions to year-end
and leap-year processing.  Verification will continue through 1999, and into the
early part of 2000, to ensure no new date related  problems are introduced  into
previously tested or newly developed systems.

We believe our thorough  systems  testing process should  eliminate  significant
date related  problems that could affect our systems.  We will have staff onsite
during  critical  times to ensure a timely and accurate  response to  unforeseen
issues which may arise.

Contingency plan development  began July 1998. The methodology was documented in
November 1998. We expect initial plans to be completed by March 31, 1999.  These
plans are being developed to address  external  systems and  non-systems  events
that  could  affect  our  operations.  Many of those  scenarios  are  beyond our
control,  so we are  identifying  possible  options,  which will minimize  their
impact.  We are also  communicating  with other  entities  involved to encourage
their  Year  2000  preparedness.  We  will  re-evaluate  our  contingency  plans
throughout the Year 2000 experience.

The cost  associated  with  completing  our Year 2000 readiness for the business
unit of the  Company  which  issues  the Policy is  estimated  to be $1.3 - $1.6
million.

Additional   corporate  Y2K   information   can  be  found  on  our  website  at
www.principal.com/general/faqy2k.htm

   
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
The financial  statements of the Principal Life Insurance  Company Variable Life
Separate  Account and the  financial  statements  of  Principal  Life  Insurance
Company are included in this  prospectus.  Those statements have been audited by
Ernst & Young LLP,  independent  auditors,  801 Grand Avenue,  Des Moines,  Iowa
50309, for the periods indicated in their reports.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The consolidated  financial statements of Principal Life Insurance Company which
are included in this  prospectus  should be considered only as it relates to our
ability  to meet  our  obligations  under  the  Policy.  They do not  relate  to
investment performance of the assets held in the Separate Account.

CUSTOMER  INQUIRIES
Your questions  should be directed to:  PrinFlex  Life(R),  Principal  Financial
Group, P.O. Box 9296, Des Moines, Iowa 50306-9296, 1-800-247-9988.
    

   
                         Report of Independent Auditors





Board of Directors and Participants
Principal Life Insurance Company


We have  audited the  accompanying  statement  of net assets of  Principal  Life
Insurance Company Variable Life Separate Account (comprising,  respectively, the
Balanced,  Bond,  Capital Value  [formerly  Capital  Accumulation],  High Yield,
MidCap [formerly  Emerging Growth],  and Money Market Divisions;  and, beginning
February 1, 1997 [date  operations  commenced],  the  Aggressive  Growth,  Asset
Allocation,  Fidelity Contrafund,  Fidelity Equity Income, Fidelity High Income,
Government Securities, Growth and International [formerly World] Divisions; and,
beginning May 1, 1998 [date operations commenced],  the International  SmallCap,
MicroCap,  MidCap Growth,  Putnam Global Asset Allocation,  Putnam Vista, Putnam
Voyager, Real Estate,  SmallCap,  SmallCap Growth,  SmallCap Value and Utilities
Divisions) as of December 31, 1998, and the related statements of operations and
changes  in net assets for each of the three  years in the  period  then  ended.
These financial  statements are the responsibility of the Company's  management.
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial  statements based
on our audits.

We  conducted  our  audits  in  accordance  with  generally   accepted  auditing
standards.  Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement.  An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included
confirmation of securities owned as of December 31, 1998, by correspondence with
the transfer agent. An audit also includes  assessing the accounting  principles
used and  significant  estimates made by  management,  as well as evaluating the
overall financial statement  presentation.  We believe that our audits provide a
reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion,  the financial  statements  referred to above present fairly, in
all  material  respects,  the  financial  position of Principal  Life  Insurance
Company  Variable Life Separate Account at December 31, 1998, and the results of
its  operations and the changes in its net assets for each of the three years in
the  period  then  ended,  in  conformity  with  generally  accepted  accounting
principles.

/s/Ernst & Young LLP

Des Moines, Iowa
January 29, 1999



<PAGE>



                        Principal Life Insurance Company
                         Variable Life Separate Account

                             Statement of Net Assets

                                December 31, 1998




Assets
Investments:
   Aggressive Growth Division:
     Aggressive Growth Account - 777,089 shares at net asset value of $18.33 
     per share (cost - $13,352,172)    
                                                        $14,244,041
   Asset Allocation Division:
     Asset Allocation Account - 129,498 shares at net asset value of $12.30 
     per share (cost - $1,606,648)     
                                                          1,592,829
   Balanced Division:
     Balanced Account - 607,950 shares at net asset value of $16.25 per share 
     (cost -  $9,341,735)              
                                                          9,879,189
   Bond Division:
     Bond Account - 328,889 shares at net asset value of $12.02 per share 
     (cost - $3,926,791)               
                                                          3,953,245
   Capital Value Division:
     Capital Value Account - 617,691 shares at net asset value of $37.19 per 
     share (cost - $21,049,295)        
                                                         22,971,942
   Fidelity Contrafund Division:
     Fidelity Variable Insurance Products Fund II: Contrafund Portfolio. 
     - 328,273 shares at net asset value of $24.44 per share 
     (cost - $6,667,740)               
                                                          8,023,001
   Fidelity Equity Income Division:
     Fidelity Variable Insurance Products Fund: Equity Income Portfolio - 
     192,980 shares at net asset value of $25.42 per share 
     (cost - $4,613,703)               
                                                          4,905,541
   Fidelity High Income Division:
     Fidelity Variable Insurance Products Fund: High Income Portfolio - 
     92,350 shares at net asset value of $11.53 per share 
     (cost - $1,125,224)               
                                                          1,064,791
   Government Securities Division:
     Government Securities Account - 296,704 shares at net asset value
       of $11.01 per share (cost - $3,276,232)
                                                          3,266,712
   Growth Division:
     Growth Account - 232,690 shares at net asset value of $20.46 per share 
     (cost - $4,292,826)               
                                                          4,760,835
   High Yield Division:
     Principal High Yield Account - 281,526 shares at net asset value of 
     $8.06 per share (cost - $2,513,399)
                                                         2,269,099
   International Division:
     International Account - 537,577 shares at net asset value of $14.51
       per share (cost - $7,973,977)   
                                                          7,800,249


See accompanying notes.


<PAGE>













Assets (continued)
Investments (continued):
   International SmallCap Division:
     International SmallCap Account - 35,132 shares at net asset value of $9.00 
     per share (cost - $301,178)       
                                                      $       316,190
   MicroCap Division:
     MicroCap Account - 18,284 shares at net asset value of $8.17 per share 
     (cost - $148,285)                 
                                                                  149,378
   MidCap Division:
     MidCap Account - 740,867 shares at net asset value of $34.37 per share 
     (cost - $23,362,591)              
                                                               25,463,610
   MidCap Growth Division:
     MidCap Growth Account - 32,736 shares at net asset value of $9.65 per share
     (cost - $287,894)                 
                                                                315,903
   Money Market Division:
     Money Market Account - 8,335,116 shares at net asset value (cost) of $1.00
     per share                         
                                                              8,335,116
   Putnam Global Asset Allocation Division:
     Putnam VT Global Asset Allocation Fund - 3,968 shares at net asset value of
       $18.96 per share (cost - $70,918)
                                                                75,231
   Putnam Vista Division:
     Putnam VT Vista Fund - 8,354  shares at net asset value of $14.73 per share
     (cost - $102,314)                 
                                                                123,051
   Putnam Voyager Division:
     Putnam VT Voyager Fund - 19,636 shares at net asset value of $45.81 per
     share (cost - $793,947)           
                                                                899,548
   Real Estate Division:
     Real  Estate  Account - 3,496  shares at net asset value of $9.07 per share
     (cost - $32,029)                  
                                                                   31,709
   SmallCap Division:
     SmallCap Account - 30,528 shares at net asset value of $8.21 per share 
     (cost - $238,669)                 
                                                                  250,636
   SmallCap Growth Division:
     SmallCap Growth Account - 20,762 shares at net asset value of $10.10 per
     share (cost - $177,725)           
                                                                209,695
   SmallCap Value Division:
     SmallCap Value Account - 17,283 shares at net asset value of $8.34 per
     share (cost - $138,722)           
                                                                144,138
   Utilities Division:
     Utilities Account - 4,172 shares at net asset value of $10.93 per share 
     (cost - $43,259)                  
                                                                   45,596
                                                            -----------------
Net assets                                                   $121,091,275
                                                            =================


<PAGE>



                        Principal Life Insurance Company
                         Variable Life Separate Account

                       Statement of Net Assets (continued)

                                December 31, 1998


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                   Unit
                                                                     Units         Value
                                                                     ------------------------
                                                                     ------------------------
<S>                                                                  <C>          <C>              <C>
Net assets are represented by:
   Aggressive Growth Division - PrinFlex Life                          966,076    $14.74           $14,244,041

   Asset Allocation Division - PrinFlex Life                           126,757     12.57             1,592,829

   Balanced Division:
     Flex Variable Life                                                128,004     29.66             3,796,104
     PrinFlex Life                                                     470,384     12.93             6,083,085
                                                                                                   -----------
                                                                                                     9,879,189
   Bond Division:
     Flex Variable Life                                                 81,499     23.91             1,948,335
     PrinFlex Life                                                     169,676     11.82             2,004,910
                                                                                                   -----------
                                                                                                     3,953,245
   Capital Value Division:
     Flex Variable Life                                                230,405     37.92             8,736,005
     PrinFlex Life                                                   1,001,214     14.22            14,235,937
                                                                                                   -----------
                                                                                                    22,971,942

   Fidelity Contrafund Division - PrinFlex Life                        509,526     15.75             8,023,001

   Fidelity Equity Income Division - PrinFlex Life                     358,372     13.69             4,905,541

   Fidelity High Income Division - PrinFlex Life                        96,628     11.02             1,064,791

   Government Securities Division - PrinFlex Life                      276,130     11.83             3,266,712

   Growth Division - PrinFlex Life                                     323,329     14.72             4,760,835

   High Yield Division - Flex Variable Life                            106,040     21.40             2,269,099

   International Division - PrinFlex Life                              647,156     12.05             7,800,249

   International SmallCap Division - PrinFlex Life                      34,925      9.05               316,190

   MicroCap Division - PrinFlex Life                                    18,274      8.17               149,378

   MidCap Division:
     Flex Variable Life                                                279,181     41.05            11,460,175
     PrinFlex Life                                                   1,122,974     12.47            14,003,435
                                                                                                   -----------
                                                                                                    25,463,610

   MidCap Growth Division - PrinFlex Life                               32,540      9.71               315,903


See accompanying notes.
</TABLE>


<PAGE>



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                   Unit
                                                                       Units       Value
                                                                     -----------------------
                                                                     -----------------------
<S>                                                                    <C>        <C>              <C>
Net assets are represented by (continued):
   Money Market Division:
     Flex Variable Life                                                 22,133    $16.40           $    362,873
     PrinFlex Life                                                     723,761     11.02              7,972,243
                                                                                                   ------------
                                                                                                      8,335,116

   Putnam Global Asset Allocation Division - PrinFlex Life
                                                                         7,305     10.30                 75,231

   Putnam Vista Division - PrinFlex Life                                11,712     10.51                123,051

   Putnam Voyager Division - PrinFlex Life                              82,965     10.84                899,548

   Real Estate Division - PrinFlex Life                                  3,390      9.35                 31,709

   SmallCap Division - PrinFlex Life                                    31,352      7.99                250,636

   SmallCap Growth Division - PrinFlex Life                             20,430     10.26                209,695

   SmallCap Value Division - PrinFlex Life                              16,935      8.51                144,138

   Utilities Division - PrinFlex Life                                    3,944     11.56                 45,596
                                                                                                   ------------
Net assets                                                                                         $121,091,275
                                                                                                   ============

</TABLE>


<PAGE>



                        Principal Life Insurance Company
                         Variable Life Separate Account

                            Statements of Operations

                  Years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                               Aggressive
                                                                                                 Growth
                                                                                 Combined     Division (1)
                                                                               -------------- --------------
<S>                                                                            <C>            <C>
Year ended December 31, 1998 Investment income (loss) Income:
   Dividends                                                                    $1,927,629    $     25,269
   Capital gains distributions                                                   3,545,632         576,813
                                                                               -------------- --------------
                                                                                 5,473,261         602,082
Expenses:
   Mortality and expense risks                                                     736,803          74,911
                                                                               -------------- --------------
Net investment income (loss)                                                     4,736,458         527,171

Realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments
Net realized gains (losses) on investments                                       1,677,430          11,214
Change in net unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments                1,393,781         947,122
                                                                               ============== ==============
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations                 $7,807,669      $1,485,507
                                                                               ============== ==============

Year ended December 31, 1997 Investment income (loss) Income:
   Dividends                                                                   $   980,811    $      8,174
   Capital gains distributions                                                   2,062,456         410,207
                                                                               -------------- --------------
                                                                                 3,043,267         418,381
Expenses:
   Mortality and expense risks                                                     323,452          12,033
                                                                               -------------- --------------
Net investment income (loss)                                                     2,719,815         406,348

Realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments
Net realized gains on investments                                                1,992,490           2,207
Change in net unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments                2,414,101         (55,253)
                                                                               -------------- --------------
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations                 $7,126,406     $   353,302
                                                                               ============== ==============

Year ended December 31, 1996 Investment income Income:
   Dividends                                                                   $   576,069    $        -
   Capital gains distributions                                                   1,240,739             -
                                                                               -------------- --------------
                                                                                 1,816,808             -
Expenses:
   Mortality and expense risks                                                     160,075             -
                                                                               -------------- --------------
Net investment income                                                            1,656,733             -

Realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments
Net realized gains on investments                                                  196,669             -
Change in net unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments                1,785,917             -
                                                                               -------------- --------------
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations                            $3,639,319    $        -
                                                                               ============== ==============

(1)   Commenced operations February 1, 1997.
(2)   Commenced operations May 1, 1998.

See accompanying notes.
</TABLE>


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                              Asset                                   Capital
                                                                            Allocation      Balanced      Bond         Value
                                                                           Division (1)     Division    Division      Division
                                                                        -------------------------------------------------------
                                                                        -------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                        <C>            <C>          <C>          <C>
Year ended December 31, 1998 Investment income (loss) Income:
   Dividends                                                               $37,595        $278,168     $200,418     $  398,541 
   Capital gains distributions                                              39,061         298,323        2,083        748,100 
                                                                        -------------------------------------------------------
                                                                            76,656         576,491      202,501      1,146,641 
Expenses:
   Mortality and expense risks                                               9,173          63,126       24,494        136,738 
                                                                        -------------------------------------------------------
Net investment income (loss)                                                67,483         513,365      178,007      1,009,903 

Realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments
Net realized gains (losses) on investments                                  (1,770)        161,523       33,503        281,655 
Change in net unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments           10,057         118,060      (19,726)       461,090 
                                                                        =======================================================
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations            $75,770        $792,948     $191,784     $1,752,648 
                                                                        =======================================================
Year ended December 31, 1997 Investment income (loss) Income:
   Dividends                                                               $11,857        $150,137     $136,267     $  211,818 
   Capital gains distributions                                              42,154         346,134            -        794,643 
                                                                        -------------------------------------------------------
                                                                            54,011         496,271      136,267      1,006,461 
Expenses:
   Mortality and expense risks                                               1,700          38,702       14,802         69,600 
                                                                        -------------------------------------------------------
Net investment income (loss)                                                52,311         457,569      121,465        936,861 

Realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments
Net realized gains on investments                                              549         236,637       18,598        342,684 
Change in net unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments          (23,876)        104,396       55,567        895,157 
                                                                        =======================================================
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations            $28,984        $798,602     $195,630     $2,174,702 
                                                                        =======================================================
Year ended December 31, 1996 Investment income Income:
   Dividends                                                               $     -        $110,439    $  92,610     $  118,875 
   Capital gains distributions                                                   -         244,144            -        745,903 
                                                                        -------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                 -         354,583       92,610        864,778 
Expenses:
   Mortality and expense risks                                                   -          25,360        8,256         36,169 
                                                                        -------------------------------------------------------
Net investment income                                                            -         329,223       84,354        828,609 
Realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments
Net realized gains on investments                                                -          20,387        2,798         36,486 
Change in net unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments                -          77,334      (53,168)       247,560 
                                                                        =======================================================
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations                       $     -        $426,944     $ 33,984     $1,112,655 
                                                                        =======================================================


(1)   Commenced operations February 1, 1997.
(2)   Commenced operations May 1, 1998.

See accompanying notes.
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                             Fidelity           Fidelity Equity    Fidelity High
                                                                            Contrafund              Income           Income    
                                                                            Division (1)           Division(1)      Division (1)
                                                                        ------------------------------------------------------ 
                                                                        ------------------------------------------------------ 
<S>                                                                         <C>                  <C>              <C>
Year ended December 31, 1998 Investment income (loss) Income:
   Dividends                                                                $   17,790           $ 18,251         $ 31,106
   Capital gains distributions                                                 130,883             64,952           19,765
                                                                        ------------------------------------------------------
                                                                               148,673             83,203           50,871
Expenses:
   Mortality and expense risks                                                  37,872             24,478            7,171
                                                                        ------------------------------------------------------
Net investment income (loss)                                                   110,801             58,725           43,700

Realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments
Net realized gains (losses) on investments                                      12,594              5,628          (11,177)
Change in net unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments            1,240,221            219,300          (81,364)
                                                                        ======================================================
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations             $1,363,616           $283,653         $(48,841)
                                                                        ======================================================

Year ended December 31, 1997 Investment income (loss) Income:
   Dividends                                                                $        -           $      -         $      -
   Capital gains distributions                                                       -                  -                -
                                                                        ------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     -                  -                -
Expenses:
   Mortality and expense risks                                                   6,014              3,260            1,353
                                                                        ------------------------------------------------------
Net investment income (loss)                                                    (6,014)            (3,260)          (1,353)

Realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments
Net realized gains on investments                                                  850                630            3,224
Change in net unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments              115,040             72,538           20,931
                                                                        ======================================================
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations             $  109,876           $ 69,908         $ 22,802
                                                                        ======================================================
Year ended December 31, 1996 Investment income Income:
   Dividends                                                                $        -           $      -         $      -
   Capital gains distributions                                                       -                  -                -

Expenses:                                                                ------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     -                  -                -
   Mortality and expense risks                                                       -                  -                -
                                                                         ------------------------------------------------------
Net investment income                                                                -                  -                -

Realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments
Net realized gains on investments                                                    -                  -                -
Change in net unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments                    -                  -                -
                                                                        ======================================================
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations                        $        -           $      -         $      -
                                                                        ======================================================


(1)   Commenced operations February 1, 1997.
(2)   Commenced operations May 1, 1998.

See accompanying notes.
</TABLE>



<PAGE>
                        Principal Life Insurance Company
                         Variable Life Separate Account

                      Statements of Operations (continued)

                  Years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                 Government
                                                                                 Securities        Growth
                                                                                Division (1)      Division (1)
                                                                               ----------------  --------------
<S>                                                                                <C>             <C>
Year ended December 31, 1998 Investment income (loss) Income:
   Dividends                                                                       $111,671        $ 46,962
   Capital gains distributions                                                            -          44,586
                                                                               ----------------  --------------
                                                                                    111,671          91,548
Expenses:
   Mortality and expense risks                                                       14,161          22,163
                                                                               ----------------  --------------
Net investment income (loss)                                                         97,510          69,385

Realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments
Net realized gains (losses) on investments                                            1,370           8,386
Change in net unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments                    (6,358)        437,013
                                                                               ================  ==============
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations                    $ 92,522        $514,784
                                                                               ================  ==============

Year ended December 31, 1997 Investment income (loss) Income:
   Dividends                                                                       $  5,365        $  9,349
   Capital gains distributions                                                            -           5,271
                                                                               ----------------  --------------
                                                                                      5,365          14,620
Expenses:
   Mortality and expense risks                                                          138           2,499
                                                                               ----------------  --------------
Net investment income (loss)                                                          5,227          12,121

Realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments
Net realized gains on investments                                                        15             299
Change in net unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments                    (3,162)         30,996
                                                                               ----------------  ----------------
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations                    $  2,080        $ 43,416
                                                                               ================  ==============

Year ended December 31, 1996 Investment income Income:
   Dividends                                                                       $      -        $      -
   Capital gains distributions                                                            -               -
                                                                               ----------------  --------------
                                                                                          -               -
Expenses:
   Mortality and expense risks                                                            -               -
                                                                               ----------------  --------------
Net investment income                                                                     -               -

Realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments
Net realized gains on investments                                                         -               -
Change in net unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments                         -               -
                                                                               ----------------  --------------

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations                               $      -        $      -
                                                                               ================  ==============

(1)   Commenced operations February 1, 1997.
(2)   Commenced operations May 1, 1998.

See accompanying notes.
</TABLE>



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                   High                           International  
                                                                                  Yield        International      SmallCap       
                                                                                 Division       Division(1)       Division(2)    
                                                                            -----------------------------------------------------
                                                                            -----------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                             <C>              <C>              <C>
Year ended December 31, 1998 Investment income (loss) Income:
   Dividends                                                                    $202,766         $118,274         $  851         
   Capital gains distributions                                                         -          238,049              -         
                                                                            -----------------------------------------------------
                                                                                 202,766          356,323            851         
Expenses:
   Mortality and expense risks                                                    16,917           47,404            732         
                                                                            -----------------------------------------------------
Net investment income (loss)                                                     185,849          308,919            119         

Realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments
Net realized gains (losses) on investments                                        (1,713)           5,582            (148)       
Change in net unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments               (222,572)          (8,068)         15,012        
                                                                            =====================================================
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations                 $(38,436)        $306,433         $14,983        
                                                                            =====================================================
Year ended December 31, 1997 Investment income (loss) Income:
   Dividends                                                                    $162,794         $ 44,308         $    -         
   Capital gains distributions                                                         -           73,919              -         
                                                                            -----------------------------------------------------
                                                                                 162,794          118,227              -         
Expenses:
   Mortality and expense risks                                                    11,434            9,278              -         
                                                                            -----------------------------------------------------
Net investment income (loss)                                                     151,360          108,949              -         

Realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments
Net realized gains on investments                                                 19,548              678              -         
Change in net unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments                (27,928)        (165,660)             -         
                                                                            =====================================================
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations                 $142,980         $(56,033)        $    -         
                                                                            =====================================================


Year ended December 31, 1996 Investment income Income:
   Dividends                                                                    $107,701         $      -         $    -         
   Capital gains distributions                                                         -                -              -         
                                                                            -----------------------------------------------------
                                                                                 107,701                -              -         
Expenses:
   Mortality and expense risks                                                     7,858                -              -         
                                                                            -----------------------------------------------------
Net investment income                                                             99,843                -              -         

Realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments
Net realized gains on investments                                                     70                -              -         
Change in net unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments                 34,507                -              -         
                                                                            =====================================================
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations                            $134,420         $      -         $    -         
                                                                            =====================================================


(1)   Commenced operations February 1, 1997.
(2)   Commenced operations May 1, 1998.

See accompanying notes.
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                       MidCap         Money
                                                                        MicroCap        MidCap         Growth         Market
                                                                        Division(2)    Division       Division(2)    Division
                                                                        ------------------------------------------------------
                                                                        ------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                     <C>          <C>             <C>             <C>
Year ended December 31, 1998 Investment income (loss) Income:
   Dividends                                                            $ 620        $  146,679      $    -          $290,641
   Capital gains distributions                                              -         1,383,017           -               -
                                                                        ------------------------------------------------------
                                                                          620         1,529,696           -           290,641
Expenses:
   Mortality and expense risks                                            326           185,626          637           67,849
                                                                        ------------------------------------------------------
Net investment income (loss)                                              294         1,344,070         (637)         222,792

Realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments
Net realized gains (losses) on investments                                (681)       1,170,701          249              -
Change in net unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments        1,093       (1,927,129)      28,009              -
                                                                        ======================================================
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations         $  706       $  587,642      $27,621         $222,792
                                                                        ======================================================
Year ended December 31, 1997 Investment income (loss) Income:
   Dividends                                                            $   -        $  121,340      $    -          $119,402
   Capital gains distributions                                              -           390,128           -               -
                                                                        ------------------------------------------------------
                                                                            -           511,468           -           119,402
Expenses:
   Mortality and expense risks                                              -           127,942           -            24,697
                                                                        ------------------------------------------------------
Net investment income (loss)                                                -           383,526           -            94,705

Realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments
Net realized gains on investments                                           -         1,366,571           -               -
Change in net unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments           -         1,395,355           -               -
                                                                        ======================================================
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations         $   -        $3,145,452      $    -          $ 94,705
                                                                        ======================================================


Year ended December 31, 1996 Investment income Income:
   Dividends                                                            $   -        $   99,423      $    -          $ 47,021
   Capital gains distributions                                              -           250,692           -               -
                                                                        ------------------------------------------------------
                                                                            -           350,115           -            47,021
Expenses:
   Mortality and expense risks                                              -            74,424           -             8,008
                                                                        ------------------------------------------------------
Net investment income                                                       -           275,691           -            39,013

Realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments
Net realized gains on investments                                           -           136,928           -               -
Change in net unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments           -         1,479,684           -               -
                                                                        ======================================================
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations                    $   -        $1,892,303      $    -          $ 39,013
                                                                        ======================================================


(1)   Commenced operations February 1, 1997.
(2)   Commenced operations May 1, 1998.

See accompanying notes.
</TABLE>
<PAGE>



                        Principal Life Insurance Company
                         Variable Life Separate Account

                      Statements of Operations (continued)

                          Year ended December 31, 1998


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          Putnam Global           Putnam
                                                                         Asset Allocation          Vista
                                                                           Division(2)          Division(2)
                                                                        -----------------      -----------
<S>                                                                         <C>                <C>        
Year ended December 31, 1998 Investment income (loss) Income:                                         
   Dividends                                                                $    -             $     -
   Capital gains distributions                                                   -                   -
                                                                        -----------------      -----------
                                                                                 -                   -
Expenses:                                                                                             
   Mortality and expense risks                                                 120                 174
                                                                        -----------------      -----------
Net investment income (loss)                                                  (120)               (174)
                                                                                                      
Realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments                                                 
Net realized gains (losses) on investments                                     140                 252
Change in net unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments            4,313              20,737
                                                                        =================      ===========
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations             $4,333             $20,815
                                                                        =================      ===========


(2) Commenced operations May 1, 1998.


See accompanying notes.
</TABLE>




<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                              Putnam                                        
                                                                              Voyager          Real Estate      SmallCap    
                                                                              Division (2)     Division (2)    Division (2) 
                                                                          --------------------------------------------------
                                                                          --------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                           <C>              <C>            <C>
Year ended December 31, 1998 Investment income (loss) Income:
   Dividends                                                                  $      -         $867           $    24       
   Capital gains distributions                                                       -            -                 -       
                                                                          --------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     -          867                24       
Expenses:
   Mortality and expense risks                                                   1,414           56               557       
                                                                          --------------------------------------------------
Net investment income (loss)                                                    (1,414)         811              (533)      

Realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments
Net realized gains (losses) on investments                                          45          (64)              (75)      
Change in net unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments              105,601         (320)           11,967       
                                                                          ==================================================
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations               $104,232         $427           $11,359       
                                                                          ==================================================


(2) Commenced operations May 1, 1998.


See accompanying notes.
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                               SmallCap          SmallCap 
                                                                                Growth            Value         Utilities
                                                                              Division(2)       Division(2)    Division(2)
                                                                          ---------------------------------------------
                                                                          ---------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                           <C>              <C>            <C>
Year ended December 31, 1998 Investment income (loss) Income:
   Dividends                                                                  $     -          $  512          $ 624
   Capital gains distributions                                                      -               -              -
                                                                          ---------------------------------------------
                                                                                    -             512            624
Expenses:
   Mortality and expense risks                                                    385             255             64
                                                                          ---------------------------------------------
Net investment income (loss)                                                     (385)            257            560

Realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments
Net realized gains (losses) on investments                                        (20)           (136)           372
Change in net unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments              31,970           5,416          2,337
                                                                          =============================================
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations               $31,565          $5,537         $3,269
                                                                          =============================================


(2) Commenced operations May 1, 1998.


See accompanying notes.
</TABLE>
<PAGE>

                        Principal Life Insurance Company
                         Variable Life Separate Account

                       Statements of Changes in Net Assets

                          Year ended December 31, 1998


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                               Aggressive
                                                                                                 Growth 
                                                                                 Combined      Division (1)
                                                                           ---------------------------------
<S>                                                                           <C>             <C>
Net assets at January 1, 1998                                                 $  57,094,676   $  3,915,455

Increase (decrease) in net assets
Operations:
   Net investment income (loss)                                                  4,736,458        527,171
   Net realized gains (losses) on investments                                    1,677,430         11,214
   Change in net unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments             1,393,781        947,122
                                                                           ---------------------------------
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations                  7,807,669      1,485,507

Policy related transactions:
   Net premium payments, less sales charges and applicable
     premium taxes                                                             120,735,689     11,625,624
   Contract terminations and surrenders                                         (9,524,969)      (103,562)
   Death benefit payments                                                          (30,033)        (2,799)
   Policy loan transfers                                                        (1,569,958)      (179,094)
   Transfers to other contracts                                                (42,264,927)    (1,075,297)
   Cost of insurance and administration charges                                (10,698,734)    (1,364,250)
   Surrender charges                                                              (458,138)       (57,543)
                                                                           ---------------------------------
Increase in net assets from policy related transactions                         56,188,930      8,843,079
                                                                           ---------------------------------
Total increase                                                                  63,996,599     10,328,586
                                                                           ---------------------------------
Net assets at December 31, 1998                                               $121,091,275    $14,244,041
                                                                           =================================


(1)   Commenced operations February 1, 1997.
(2)   Commenced operations May 1, 1998.


See accompanying notes.

</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                              Asset                                    Capital    
                                                                           Allocation    Balanced        Bond           Value     
                                                                           Division(1)   Division      Division        Division   
                                                                           -------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                       <C>         <C>            <C>            <C>           
Net assets at January 1, 1998                                             $  561,781  $5,707,028     $2,270,847     $11,822,941   

Increase (decrease) in net assets
Operations:
   Net investment income (loss)                                               67,483     513,365        178,007       1,009,903   
   Net realized gains (losses) on investments                                 (1,770)    161,523         33,503         281,655   
   Change in net unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments          10,057     118,060        (19,726)        461,090   
                                                                        ----------------------------------------------------------
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations               75,770     792,948        191,784       1,752,648   

Policy related transactions:
   Net premium payments, less sales charges and applicable
     premium taxes                                                         1,591,693   7,040,409      3,302,871      16,284,235   
   Contract terminations and surrenders                                       (4,085) (1,368,274)      (302,397)     (2,480,693)  
   Death benefit payments                                                          -        (517)        (1,856)         (6,646)  
   Policy loan transfers                                                     (10,991)   (244,822)       (81,085)       (170,516)  
   Transfers to other contracts                                             (480,701) (1,287,295)    (1,034,053)     (2,543,349)  
   Cost of insurance and administration charges                             (138,368)   (718,018)      (377,536)     (1,611,497)  
   Surrender charges                                                          (2,270)    (42,270)       (15,330)        (75,181)  
                                                                        ----------------------------------------------------------
Increase in net assets from policy related transactions                      955,278   3,379,213      1,490,614       9,396,353   
                                                                        ----------------------------------------------------------
Total increase                                                             1,031,048   4,172,161      1,682,398      11,149,001   
                                                                        ----------------------------------------------------------
Net assets at December 31, 1998                                           $1,592,829  $9,879,189     $3,953,245     $22,971,942   
                                                                        ==========================================================


(1)   Commenced operations February 1, 1997.
(2)   Commenced operations May 1, 1998.


See accompanying notes.

</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                             Fidelity     Fidelity Equity    Fidelity High
                                                                            Contrafund       Income              Income
                                                                            Division (1)    Division(1)        Division (1)
                                                                         -----------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                       <C>              <C>              <C>
Net assets at January 1, 1998                                             $2,089,509       $1,018,314       $  329,510

Increase (decrease) in net assets
Operations:
   Net investment income (loss)                                              110,801           58,725           43,700
   Net realized gains (losses) on investments                                 12,594            5,628          (11,177)
   Change in net unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments       1,240,221          219,300          (81,364)
                                                                         --------------------------------------------------
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations            1,363,616          283,653          (48,841)

Policy related transactions:
   Net premium payments, less sales charges and applicable
     premium taxes                                                         6,142,338        4,698,442        1,259,486
   Contract terminations and surrenders                                      (74,844)         (17,461)          (4,697)
   Death benefit payments                                                       (402)          (3,431)          (1,170)
   Policy loan transfers                                                    (145,298)         (69,698)         (53,013)
   Transfers to other contracts                                             (678,221)        (572,136)        (318,315)
   Cost of insurance and administration charges                             (632,111)        (422,440)         (95,559)
   Surrender charges                                                         (41,586)          (9,702)          (2,610)
                                                                         --------------------------------------------------
Increase in net assets from policy related transactions                    4,569,876        3,603,574          784,122
                                                                         --------------------------------------------------
Total increase                                                             5,933,492        3,887,227          735,281
                                                                         --------------------------------------------------
Net assets at December 31, 1998                                           $8,023,001       $4,905,541       $1,064,791
                                                                         ==================================================


(1)   Commenced operations February 1, 1997.
(2)   Commenced operations May 1, 1998.


See accompanying notes.

</TABLE>
<PAGE>



                        Principal Life Insurance Company
                         Variable Life Separate Account

                 Statements of Changes in Net Assets (continued)

                          Year ended December 31, 1998



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                             Government
                                                                             Securities    Growth Division
                                                                            Division (1)         (1)
                                                                           ---------------------------------
<S>                                                                            <C>             <C>
Net assets at January 1, 1998                                                  $  104,221      $  921,533

Increase (decrease) in net assets
Operations:
   Net investment income (loss)                                                    97,510          69,385
   Net realized gains (losses) on investments                                       1,370           8,386
   Change in net unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments               (6,358)        437,013
                                                                           ---------------------------------
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations                    92,522         514,784

Policy related transactions:
   Net premium payments, less sales charges and applicable premium taxes
                                                                                3,283,931       4,050,726
   Contract terminations and surrenders                                            (1,547)        (24,252)
   Death benefit payments                                                               -               -
   Policy loan transfers                                                           (9,130)        (33,585)
   Transfers to other contracts                                                   (93,010)       (235,746)
   Cost of insurance and administration charges                                  (109,416)       (419,150)
   Surrender charges                                                                 (859)        (13,475)
                                                                           ---------------------------------
Increase in net assets from policy related transactions                         3,069,969       3,324,518
                                                                           ---------------------------------
Total increase                                                                  3,162,491       3,839,302
                                                                           =================================
Net assets at December 31, 1998                                                $3,266,712      $4,760,835
                                                                           =================================


(1)   Commenced operations February 1, 1997.
(2)   Commenced operations May 1, 1998.


See accompanying notes.
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                            International   
                                                                             High Yield     International      SmallCap     
                                                                              Division      Division (1)     Division (2)   
                                                                          --------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                          <C>             <C>              <C>           
Net assets at January 1, 1998                                                $2,092,182      $2,716,270       $     -       

Increase (decrease) in net assets
Operations:
   Net investment income (loss)                                                 185,849         308,919            119      
   Net realized gains (losses) on investments                                    (1,713)          5,582           (148)     
   Change in net unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments           (222,572)         (8,068)        15,012      
                                                                          --------------------------------------------------
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations                 (38,436)        306,433         14,983      

Policy related transactions:
   Net premium payments, less sales charges and applicable
     premium taxes                                                              654,374       6,275,718        334,028      
   Contract terminations and surrenders                                        (223,218)        (52,096)          (509)     
   Death benefit payments                                                             -          (2,388)             -      
   Policy loan transfers                                                         (2,756)        (93,812)             -      
   Transfers to other contracts                                                 (82,650)       (623,489)       (18,167)     
   Cost of insurance and administration charges                                (126,865)       (697,441)       (13,862)     
   Surrender charges                                                             (3,532)        (28,946)          (283)     
                                                                          --------------------------------------------------
Increase in net assets from policy related transactions                         215,353       4,777,546        301,207      
                                                                          --------------------------------------------------
Total increase                                                                  176,917       5,083,979        316,190      
                                                                          --------------------------------------------------
Net assets at December 31, 1998                                              $2,269,099      $7,800,249       $316,190      
                                                                          ==================================================

(1)   Commenced operations February 1, 1997.
(2)   Commenced operations May 1, 1998.


See accompanying notes.
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                      MidCap Growth   Money Market
                                                                          MicroCap    MidCap Division  Division (2)     Division
                                                                        Division (2)
                                                                        -----------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                        <C>          <C>              <C>          <C>         
Net assets at January 1, 1998                                              $     -      $19,216,629      $     -      $ 4,328,456

Increase (decrease) in net assets
Operations:
   Net investment income (loss)                                                 294       1,344,070          (637)        222,792
   Net realized gains (losses) on investments                                  (681)      1,170,701           249               -
   Change in net unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments          1,093      (1,927,129)       28,009               -
                                                                        -----------------------------------------------------------
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations                 706         587,642        27,621         222,792

Policy related transactions:
   Net premium payments, less sales charges and applicable
     premium taxes                                                          158,559      15,747,739       306,597      36,243,366
   Contract terminations and surrenders                                           -      (4,608,554)          (24)       (258,565)
   Death benefit payments                                                         -          (9,498)            -          (1,326)
   Policy loan transfers                                                     (2,410)       (462,004)            -          (8,878)
   Transfers to other contracts                                              (2,484)     (2,445,385)       (4,378)    (30,709,128)
   Cost of insurance and administration charges                              (4,993)     (2,424,710)      (13,899)     (1,455,420)
   Surrender charges                                                              -        (138,249)          (14)        (26,181)
                                                                        -----------------------------------------------------------
Increase in net assets from policy related transactions                     148,672       5,659,339       288,282       3,783,868
                                                                        -----------------------------------------------------------
Total increase                                                              149,378       6,246,981       315,903       4,006,660
                                                                        -----------------------------------------------------------
Net assets at December 31, 1998                                            $149,378     $25,463,610      $315,903     $ 8,335,116
                                                                        ===========================================================

(1)   Commenced operations February 1, 1997.
(2)   Commenced operations May 1, 1998.


See accompanying notes.
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
                        Principal Life Insurance Company
                         Variable Life Separate Account

                 Statements of Changes in Net Assets (continued)

                          Year ended December 31, 1998

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                   Putnam Global       Putnam Vista
                                                                                  Asset Allocation      Division (2)
                                                                                   Division (2)
                                                                           ------------------------   ----------
<S>                                                                               <C>                 <C>
Net assets at January 1, 1998                                                     $     -             $      -

Increase (decrease) in net assets
Operations:
   Net investment income (loss)                                                      (120)                (174)
   Net realized gains (losses) on investments                                         140                  252
   Change in net unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments                4,313               20,737
                                                                           ------------------------   ----------
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations                     4,333               20,815

Policy related transactions:
   Net premium payments, less sales charges and applicable 
     premium taxes                                                                 76,196              114,287
   Contract terminations and surrenders                                                 -                    -
   Death benefit payments                                                               -                    -
   Policy loan transfers                                                                -                    -
   Transfers to other contracts                                                    (1,426)              (7,306)
   Cost of insurance and administration charges                                    (3,872)              (4,745)
   Surrender charges                                                                    -                    -
                                                                           ------------------------   ----------
Increase in net assets from policy related transactions                            70,898              102,236
                                                                           ------------------------   ----------
Total increase                                                                     75,231              123,051
                                                                           ------------------------   ----------
Net assets at December 31, 1998                                                   $75,231             $123,051
                                                                           ========================   ==========


(2) Commenced operations May 1, 1998.


See accompanying notes.
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                 Putnam Voyager      Real Estate        SmallCap   
                                                                                  Division (2)       Division (2)      Division (2)
                                                                           --------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                             <C>                <C>               <C>
Net assets at January 1, 1998                                                   $      -           $     -           $      -      

Increase (decrease) in net assets
Operations:
   Net investment income (loss)                                                   (1,414)              811               (533)     
   Net realized gains (losses) on investments                                         45               (64)               (75)     
   Change in net unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments             105,601              (320)            11,967      
                                                                           --------------------------------------------------------
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations                  104,232               427             11,359      

Policy related transactions:
   Net premium payments, less sales charges and applicable
     premium taxes                                                               868,001            33,346            251,162      
   Contract terminations and surrenders                                              (93)              (23)               (25)     
   Death benefit payments                                                              -                 -                  -      
   Policy loan transfers                                                          (2,429)                -               (241)     
   Transfers to other contracts                                                  (32,669)             (406)            (3,354)     
   Cost of insurance and administration charges                                  (37,442)           (1,622)            (8,251)     
   Surrender charges                                                                 (52)              (13)               (14)     
                                                                           --------------------------------------------------------
Increase in net assets from policy related transactions                          795,316            31,282            239,277      
                                                                           --------------------------------------------------------
Total increase                                                                   899,548            31,709            250,636      
                                                                           --------------------------------------------------------
Net assets at December 31, 1998                                                 $899,548           $31,709           $250,636      
                                                                           ========================================================


(2) Commenced operations May 1, 1998.


See accompanying notes.
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                  SmallCap Growth    SmallCap Value     Utilities
                                                                                   Division (2)       Division (2)     Division (2)
                                                                              ----------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                             <C>                <C>               <C>
Net assets at January 1, 1998                                                   $    -             $      -          $     -

Increase (decrease) in net assets
Operations:
   Net investment income (loss)                                                     (385)               257              560
   Net realized gains (losses) on investments                                        (20)              (136)             372
   Change in net unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments              31,970              5,416            2,337
                                                                              ----------------------------------------------------
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations                   31,565              5,537            3,269

Policy related transactions:
   Net premium payments, less sales charges and applicable
     premium taxes                                                               193,803            145,362           53,396
   Contract terminations and surrenders                                              (22)               (28)               -
   Death benefit payments                                                              -                  -                -
   Policy loan transfers                                                               -                  -             (196)
   Transfers to other contracts                                                   (6,641)              (828)          (8,493)
   Cost of insurance and administration charges                                   (8,998)            (5,889)          (2,380)
   Surrender charges                                                                 (12)               (16)               -
                                                                              ----------------------------------------------------
Increase in net assets from policy related transactions                          178,130            138,601           42,327
                                                                              ----------------------------------------------------
Total increase                                                                   209,695            144,138           45,596
                                                                              ----------------------------------------------------
Net assets at December 31, 1998                                                 $209,695           $144,138          $45,596
                                                                              ====================================================


(2) Commenced operations May 1, 1998.


See accompanying notes.
</TABLE>
<PAGE>



                        Principal Life Insurance Company
                         Variable Life Separate Account

                 Statements of Changes in Net Assets (continued)

                     Years ended December 31, 1997 and 1996

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                Aggressive
                                                                                                  Growth
                                                                                 Combined      Division (1)
                                                                             --------------------------------
<S>                                                                             <C>               <C>
Net assets at January 1, 1996                                                   $16,678,135       $       -

Increase (decrease) in net assets
Operations:
   Net investment income                                                          1,656,733               -
   Net realized gains on investments                                                196,669               -
   Change in net unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments              1,785,917               -
                                                                             --------------------------------
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations                              3,639,319               -

Policy related transactions:
   Net premium payments, less sales charges and applicable premium taxes         18,395,810               -
   Contract terminations and surrenders                                            (722,867)              -
   Death benefit payments                                                           (37,233)              -
   Policy loan transfers                                                           (473,677)              -
   Transfers to other contracts                                                  (5,580,579)              -
   Cost of insurance and administration charges                                  (2,456,536)              -
   Surrender charges                                                                (97,354)              -
                                                                             --------------------------------
Increase in net assets from policy related transactions                           9,027,564               -
                                                                             --------------------------------
Total increase                                                                   12,666,883               -
                                                                             --------------------------------
Net assets at December 31, 1996                                                  29,345,018               -

Increase (decrease) in net assets
Operations:
   Net investment income (loss)                                                   2,719,814         406,348
   Net realized gains on investments                                              1,992,490           2,207
   Change in net unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments              2,414,102         (55,253)
                                                                             --------------------------------
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations                   7,126,406         353,302

Policy related transactions:
   Net premium payments, less sales charges and applicable premium taxes         51,193,569       3,869,959
   Contract terminations and surrenders                                         (10,340,289)         (5,409)
   Death benefit payments                                                           (35,772)              -
   Policy loan transfers                                                           (990,280)        (12,314)
   Transfers to other contracts                                                 (14,297,011)        (56,802)
   Cost of insurance and administration charges                                  (4,726,082)       (225,959)
   Surrender charges                                                               (180,883)         (7,322)
                                                                             --------------------------------
Increase in net assets from policy related transactions                          20,623,252       3,562,153
                                                                             --------------------------------
Total increase                                                                   27,749,658       3,915,455
                                                                             --------------------------------
Net assets at December 31, 1997                                                  57,094,676       3,915,455


(1)   Commenced operations February 1, 1997.
(2)   Commenced operations May 1, 1998.

See accompanying notes.
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                              Asset                                       Capital   
                                                                           Allocation        Balanced        Bond          Value    
                                                                            Division         Division      Division       Division  
                                                                               (1)
                                                                           ---------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                        <C>         <C>             <C>           <C>
Net assets at January 1, 1996                                              $     -     $ 2,794,881     $  922,511    $3,975,025    

Increase (decrease) in net assets
Operations:
   Net investment income                                                         -        329,223         84,354        828,609     
   Net realized gains on investments                                             -         20,387          2,798         36,486     
   Change in net unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments             -         77,334        (53,168)       247,560     
                                                                           ---------------------------------------------------------
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations                             -        426,944         33,984      1,112,655     

Policy related transactions:
   Net premium payments, less sales charges and applicable premium taxes         -      1,743,079        953,519      2,993,788     
   Contract terminations and surrenders                                          -        (98,967)       (23,277)      (167,257)    
   Death benefit payments                                                        -        (11,941)           (81)       (17,425)    
   Policy loan transfers                                                         -         (9,028)       (21,841)      (153,962)    
   Transfers to other contracts                                                  -       (161,403)      (115,001)      (217,253)    
   Cost of insurance and administration charges                                  -       (325,580)      (103,879)      (481,237)    
   Surrender charges                                                             -        (13,328)        (3,135)       (22,526)    
                                                                           ---------------------------------------------------------
Increase in net assets from policy related transactions                          -      1,122,832        686,305      1,934,128     
                                                                           ---------------------------------------------------------
Total increase                                                                   -      1,549,776        720,289      3,046,783     
                                                                           ---------------------------------------------------------
Net assets at December 31, 1996                                                  -      4,344,657      1,642,800      7,021,808     

Increase (decrease) in net assets
Operations:
   Net investment income (loss)                                             52,311        457,569        121,465        936,861     
   Net realized gains on investments                                           549        236,637         18,598        342,684     
   Change in net unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments       (23,876)       104,396         55,567        895,157     
                                                                           ---------------------------------------------------------
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations             28,984        798,602        195,630      2,174,702     

Policy related transactions:
   Net premium payments, less sales charges and applicable premium taxes   562,968      3,035,179      1,595,001      6,782,066     
   Contract terminations and surrenders                                        (15)    (1,398,821)      (414,701)    (2,651,564)    
   Death benefit payments                                                        -              -              -         (8,829)    
   Policy loan transfers                                                    (6,314)      (145,315)       (55,770)      (183,175)    
   Transfers to other contracts                                               (690)      (454,671)      (434,583)      (441,824)    
   Cost of insurance and administration charges                            (23,132)      (450,585)      (250,798)      (827,795)    
   Surrender charges                                                           (20)       (22,018)        (6,732)       (42,448)    
                                                                           ---------------------------------------------------------
Increase in net assets from policy related transactions                    532,797        563,769        432,417      2,626,431     
                                                                           ---------------------------------------------------------
Total increase                                                             561,781      1,362,371        628,047      4,801,133     
                                                                           ---------------------------------------------------------
Net assets at December 31, 1997                                            561,781      5,707,028      2,270,847     11,822,941     


(1)   Commenced operations February 1, 1997.
(2)   Commenced operations May 1, 1998. 

See accompanying notes.
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                    Fidelity      Fidelity Equity     Fidelity High
                                                                                   Contrafund     Income Division        Income
                                                                                  Division (1)          (1)           Division (1)
                                                                            ------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                            <C>               <C>                  <C>
Net assets at January 1, 1996                                                  $       -         $       -            $     -

Increase (decrease) in net assets
Operations:
   Net investment income                                                               -                 -                  -
   Net realized gains on investments                                                   -                 -                  -
   Change in net unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments                   -                 -                  -
                                                                            ------------------------------------------------------
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations                                   -                 -                  -

Policy related transactions:
   Net premium payments, less sales charges and applicable premium taxes               -                 -                  -
   Contract terminations and surrenders                                                -                 -                  -
   Death benefit payments                                                              -                 -                  -
   Policy loan transfers                                                               -                 -                  -
   Transfers to other contracts                                                        -                 -                  -
   Cost of insurance and administration charges                                        -                 -                  -
   Surrender charges                                                                   -                 -                  -
                                                                            ------------------------------------------------------
Increase in net assets from policy related transactions                                -                 -                  -
                                                                            ------------------------------------------------------
Total increase                                                                         -                 -                  -
                                                                            ------------------------------------------------------
Net assets at December 31, 1996                                                        -                 -                  -

Increase (decrease) in net assets 
Operations:
   Net investment income (loss)                                                   (6,014)           (3,260)            (1,353)
   Net realized gains on investments                                                 850               630              3,224
   Change in net unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments             115,040            72,538             20,931
                                                                            ------------------------------------------------------
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations                  109,876            69,908             22,802

Policy related transactions:
   Net premium payments, less sales charges and applicable premium taxes       2,125,905         1,018,045            369,108
   Contract terminations and surrenders                                             (666)             (740)              (262)
   Death benefit payments                                                              -                 -                  -
   Policy loan transfers                                                          (9,953)             (800)           (26,280)
   Transfers to other contracts                                                  (24,082)           (9,962)           (20,415)
   Cost of insurance and administration charges                                 (110,670)          (57,135)           (15,088)
   Surrender charges                                                                (901)           (1,002)              (355)
                                                                            ------------------------------------------------------
Increase in net assets from policy related transactions                        1,979,633           948,406            306,708
                                                                            ------------------------------------------------------
Total increase                                                                 2,089,509         1,018,314            329,510
                                                                            ------------------------------------------------------
Net assets at December 31, 1997                                                2,089,509         1,018,314            329,510


(1)   Commenced operations February 1, 1997.
(2)   Commenced operations May 1, 1998.

See accompanying notes.
</TABLE>
<PAGE>




                        Principal Life Insurance Company
                         Variable Life Separate Account

                 Statements of Changes in Net Assets (continued)

                     Years ended December 31, 1997 and 1996

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                   Government
                                                                                   Securities       Growth
                                                                                   Division (1)    Division (1)
                                                                             --------------------------------
<S>                                                                               <C>              <C>
Net assets at January 1, 1996                                                     $     -          $     -

Increase (decrease) in net assets
Operations:
   Net investment income                                                                -                -
   Net realized gains on investments                                                    -                -
   Change in net unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments                    -                -
                                                                             --------------------------------
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations                                    -                -

Policy related transactions:
   Net premium payments, less sales charges and applicable premium taxes                -                -
   Contract terminations and surrenders                                                 -                -
   Death benefit payments                                                               -                -
   Policy loan transfers                                                                -                -
   Transfers to other contracts                                                         -                -
   Cost of insurance and administration charges                                         -                -
   Surrender charges                                                                    -                -
                                                                             --------------------------------
Increase in net assets from policy related transactions                                 -                -
                                                                             --------------------------------
Total increase                                                                          -                -
                                                                             --------------------------------
Net assets at December 31, 1996                                                         -                -

Increase (decrease) in net assets
Operations:
   Net investment income (loss)                                                     5,227           12,121
   Net realized gains on investments                                                   15              299
   Change in net unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments               (3,162)          30,996
                                                                             --------------------------------
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations                     2,080           43,416

Policy related transactions:
   Net premium payments, less sales charges and applicable premium taxes          109,941          938,351
   Contract terminations and surrenders                                                 -             (168)
   Death benefit payments                                                               -                -
   Policy loan transfers                                                                -              (73)
   Transfers to other contracts                                                    (1,786)          (1,396)
   Cost of insurance and administration charges                                    (6,014)         (58,369)
   Surrender charges                                                                    -             (228)
                                                                             --------------------------------
Increase in net assets from policy related transactions                           102,141          878,117
                                                                             --------------------------------
Total increase                                                                    104,221          921,533
                                                                             --------------------------------
Net assets at December 31, 1997                                                   104,221          921,533

(1)   Commenced operations February 1, 1997.
(2)   Commenced operations May 1, 1998.

See accompanying notes.
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                  High                       International    
                                                                                  Yield        International     SmallCap     
                                                                                Division       Division (1)    Division (2)   
                                                                             -------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                             <C>            <C>                   <C>      
Net assets at January 1, 1996                                                   $ 854,028      $       -             $-       

Increase (decrease) in net assets
Operations:
   Net investment income                                                           99,843              -              -       
   Net realized gains on investments                                                   70              -              -       
   Change in net unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments               34,507              -              -       
                                                                             -------------------------------------------------
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations                              134,420              -              -       

Policy related transactions:
   Net premium payments, less sales charges and applicable premium taxes          507,382              -              -       
   Contract terminations and surrenders                                           (15,620)             -              -       
   Death benefit payments                                                               -              -              -       
   Policy loan transfers                                                            3,597              -              -       
   Transfers to other contracts                                                   (56,488)             -              -       
   Cost of insurance and administration charges                                   (99,942)             -              -       
   Surrender charges                                                               (2,104)             -              -       
                                                                             -------------------------------------------------
Increase in net assets from policy related transactions                           336,825              -              -       
                                                                             -------------------------------------------------
Total increase                                                                    471,245              -              -       
                                                                             -------------------------------------------------
Net assets at December 31, 1996                                                 1,325,273              -              -       

Increase (decrease) in net assets
Operations:
   Net investment income (loss)                                                   151,360        108,949              -       
   Net realized gains on investments                                               19,548            678              -       
   Change in net unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments              (27,928)      (165,660)             -       
                                                                             -------------------------------------------------
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations                   142,980        (56,033)             -       

Policy related transactions:
   Net premium payments, less sales charges and applicable premium taxes        1,100,347      3,053,987              -       
   Contract terminations and surrenders                                          (254,148)        (1,601)             -       
   Death benefit payments                                                          (1,913)             -              -       
   Policy loan transfers                                                          (38,855)       (20,879)             -       
   Transfers to other contracts                                                   (56,489)      (102,897)             -       
   Cost of insurance and administration charges                                  (121,092)      (154,140)             -       
   Surrender charges                                                               (3,921)        (2,167)             -       
                                                                             -------------------------------------------------
Increase in net assets from policy related transactions                           623,929      2,772,303              -       
                                                                             -------------------------------------------------
Total increase                                                                    766,909      2,716,270              -       
                                                                             -------------------------------------------------
Net assets at December 31, 1997                                                 2,092,182      2,716,270              -       

(1)   Commenced operations February 1, 1997.
(2)   Commenced operations May 1, 1998.

See accompanying notes.
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                              MidCap       Money
                                                                                 MicroCap        MidCap       Growth       Market
                                                                                Division(2)     Division     Division(2)  Division
                                                                                ---------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                              <C>        <C>               <C>      <C>
Net assets at January 1, 1996                                                    $-          $7,728,821       $-       $   402,869

Increase (decrease) in net assets
Operations:
   Net investment income                                                          -             275,691         -           39,013
   Net realized gains on investments                                              -             136,928         -                -
   Change in net unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments              -           1,479,684         -                -
                                                                                ---------------------------------------------------
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations                              -           1,892,303         -           39,013

Policy related transactions:
   Net premium payments, less sales charges and applicable premium taxes          -           6,727,306         -        5,470,736
   Contract terminations and surrenders                                           -            (390,394)        -          (27,352)
   Death benefit payments                                                         -              (7,786)        -                -
   Policy loan transfers                                                          -            (276,069)        -          (16,374)
   Transfers to other contracts                                                   -            (785,468)        -       (4,244,966)
   Cost of insurance and administration charges                                   -          (1,131,138)        -         (314,760)
   Surrender charges                                                              -             (52,577)        -           (3,684)
                                                                                ---------------------------------------------------
Increase in net assets from policy related transactions                           -           4,083,874         -          863,600
                                                                                ---------------------------------------------------
Total increase                                                                    -           5,976,177         -          902,613
                                                                                ---------------------------------------------------
Net assets at December 31, 1996                                                   -         13,704,998          -        1,305,482

Increase (decrease) in net assets
Operations:
   Net investment income (loss)                                                   -             383,525         -           94,705
   Net realized gains on investments                                              -           1,366,571         -                -
   Change in net unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments              -           1,395,356         -                -
                                                                                ---------------------------------------------------
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations                   -           3,145,452         -           94,705

Policy related transactions:
   Net premium payments, less sales charges and applicable premium taxes          -          11,608,767         -       15,023,945
   Contract terminations and surrenders                                           -          (5,304,517)        -         (307,677)
   Death benefit payments                                                         -             (25,030)        -                -
   Policy loan transfers                                                          -            (430,694)        -          (59,858)
   Transfers to other contracts                                                   -          (1,619,014)        -      (11,072,400)
   Cost of insurance and administration charges                                   -          (1,777,795)        -         (647,510)
   Surrender charges                                                              -             (85,538)        -           (8,231)
                                                                                ---------------------------------------------------
Increase in net assets from policy related transactions                           -           2,366,179         -        2,928,269
                                                                                ---------------------------------------------------
Total increase                                                                    -           5,511,631         -        3,022,974
                                                                                ---------------------------------------------------
Net assets at December 31, 1997                                                   -          19,216,629         -        4,328,456

(1)   Commenced operations February 1, 1997.
(2)   Commenced operations May 1, 1998.

See accompanying notes.
</TABLE>
<PAGE>



                        Principal Life Insurance Company
                         Variable Life Separate Account

                          Notes to Financial Statements

                                December 31, 1998


1. Investment and Accounting Policies

Principal Life Insurance  Company  Variable Life Separate  Account (the Separate
Account) is a segregated  investment account of Principal Life Insurance Company
(Principal  Life,  formerly  Principal  Mutual Life  Insurance  Company)  and is
registered under the Investment  Company Act of 1940 as a unit investment trust,
with no stated  limitations  on the number of authorized  units.  As directed by
eligible  contractholders,   each  division  of  the  Separate  Account  invests
exclusively  in shares  representing  interests  in a  corresponding  investment
option. As of December 31, 1998,  contractholder  investment options include the
following  diversified  open-end  management  investment  companies:   Principal
Variable  Contracts Fund, Inc.,  organized by Principal Life:  Aggressive Growth
Account, Asset Allocation Account, Balanced Account, Bond Account, Capital Value
Account,  Government  Securities  Account,  Growth Account,  High Yield Account,
International Account,  International SmallCap Account, MicroCap Account, MidCap
Account,  MidCap Growth  Account,  Money Market  Account,  Real Estate  Account,
SmallCap Account,  SmallCap Growth Account, SmallCap Value Account and Utilities
Account;  Fidelity Variable  Insurance  Products Fund II: Contrafund  Portfolio;
Fidelity Variable  Insurance  Products Fund:  Equity Income Portfolio;  Fidelity
Variable Insurance  Products Fund: High Income Portfolio;  Putnam Variable Trust
Global  Asset  Allocation  Fund,  Putnam  Variable  Trust  Vista Fund and Putnam
Variable  Trust  Voyager Fund.  Investments  are stated at the closing net asset
values per share on December 31, 1998.

The Principal  Variable Contracts Fund, Inc. (the Fund) was formed on January 1,
1998.  Prior to that date the  accounts  of the Fund were  reported  as separate
mutual  funds.  This  reorganization  resulted  in  changes  to the names of the
following investment options:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                Former Name                                 Name Subsequent to Reorganization
      ------------------------------------------            ---------------------------------
      <S>                                                   <C>
      Principal Aggressive Growth Fund, Inc.                Aggressive Growth Account
      Principal Asset Allocation Fund, Inc.                 Asset Allocation Account
      Principal Balanced Fund, Inc.                         Balanced Account
      Principal Bond Fund, Inc.                             Bond Account
      Principal Capital Accumulation Fund, Inc.             Capital Accumulation Account
      Principal Emerging Growth Fund, Inc.                  Emerging Growth Account
      Principal Government Securities Fund, Inc.            Government Securities Account
      Principal Growth Fund, Inc.                           Growth Account
      Principal High Yield Fund, Inc.                       High Yield Account
      Principal Money Market Fund, Inc.                     Money Market Account
      Principal World Fund, Inc.                            World Account

Effective  May 1,  1998,  the  following  names  within the  Principal  Variable
Contracts Fund, Inc. were changed:
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                Former Name                                      Name as Changed
      ------------------------------------------            ---------------------------------
      <S>                                                   <C>
      Capital Accumulation Account                          Capital Value Account
      Emerging Growth Account                               MidCap Account
      World Account                                         International Account
</TABLE>
<PAGE>



                        Principal Life Insurance Company
                         Variable Life Separate Account

                    Notes to Financial Statements (continued)


1. Investment and Accounting Policies (continued)

On May 1, 1998,  Principal Life increased  contractholder  investment options to
include:   Principal  Variable  Contracts  Fund,  Inc.:  International  SmallCap
Account,  MicroCap Account, MidCap Growth Account, Real Estate Account, SmallCap
Account,  SmallCap Growth Account, SmallCap Value Account and Utilities Account;
Putnam Variable Trust Global Asset Allocation Fund,  Putnam Variable Trust Vista
Fund and Putnam Variable Trust Voyager Fund.

On February 1, 1997, Principal Life began offering a new product, PrinFlex Life.
This product  increased  the  contractholder  investment  options to include the
following  accounts of the Principal  Variable  Contracts Fund, Inc. (as renamed
pursuant to the  organization of the Fund):  Aggressive  Growth  Account,  Asset
Allocation Account, Government Securities Account, Growth Account, International
Account;  Fidelity Variable  Insurance  Products Fund II: Contrafund  Portfolio;
Fidelity Variable Insurance Products Fund: Equity Income Portfolio; and Fidelity
Insurance Products Fund: High Income Portfolio.

Effective July 1, 1998,  Principal  Mutual Life Insurance  Company (the Company)
formed  a  mutual  insurance  holding  company  and  converted  to a stock  life
insurance  company.  With the  conversion,  the  Company's  name was  changed to
Principal Life Insurance Company.

The  average  cost  method is used to  determine  realized  gains and  losses on
investments.  Dividends  are taken  into  income on an  accrual  basis as of the
ex-dividend date.

Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements

The preparation of the Separate Account's financial  statements and accompanying
notes  requires  management to make  estimates and  assumptions  that affect the
amounts reported and disclosed.  These estimates and assumptions could change in
the future as more  information  becomes  known,  which could impact the amounts
reported and disclosed in the financial statements and accompanying notes.


2. Expenses and Policy Charges

Principal Life is compensated for the following expenses and charges:

   Flex  Variable  Life  Contracts -  Mortality  and  expense  risks  assumed by
   Principal Life are compensated  for by a charge  equivalent to an annual rate
   of .75% of the asset value of each policy. An annual administration charge of
   $57 for each  policy and a cost of  insurance  charge,  which is based on the
   Company's expected future mortality  experience,  is deducted as compensation
   for administrative and insurance  expenses,  respectively.  The mortality and
   expense  risk,  annual  administration,  and  insurance  charges  amounted to
   $227,302,  $210,067,  and  $2,225,738,   respectively,   in  1998;  $236,727,
   $277,142, and $2,832,278,  respectively, in 1997; and $160,075, $231,648, and
   $2,224,888, respectively, in 1996. A sales charge of 5.0% and a tax charge of
   2.0% is deducted  from each payment made on behalf of each  participant.  The
   sales and tax charge is deducted from the payments by Principal Life prior to
   their transfer to the Separate Account. In addition, a surrender charge up to
   a maximum of 25% of the minimum  first year premium may be imposed upon total
   surrender or termination of a policy for insufficient value.

   PrinFlex  Life  Contracts  (beginning  in 1997) - Mortality and expense risks
   assumed by Principal Life are  compensated  for by a charge  equivalent to an
   annual  rate  of  .90%  of  the  asset  value  of  each  policy.   A  monthly
   administration  charge of $.40 for each  $1,000 of policy face amount will be
   deducted from policies in their first year.  After the first policy year, the
   monthly administration charge is $6.00 per month. A cost of insurance charge,
   which is based on the Company's expected future mortality experience, is also
   deducted as  compensation  for insurance  charges.  The mortality and expense
   risk, administration,  and insurance charges amounted to: $509,501,  $995,778
   and $7,267,150,  respectively, in 1998; and $86,725, $230,502 and $1,386,160,
   respectively, in 1997. A sales charge of 2.75% of premiums less than or equal
   to target  premium and .75% of premiums in excess of target is deducted  from
   each  payment on behalf of each  participant.  A tax charge of 2.2% for state
   and  local  taxes  and 1.25% for  federal  taxes is also  deducted  from each
   payment on behalf of each  participant.  The sales and tax charge is deducted
   from  contributions by Principal Life prior to their transfer to the Separate
   Account.


3. Federal Income Taxes

The operations of the Separate Account are a part of the operations of Principal
Life. Under current practice, no federal income taxes are allocated by Principal
Life to the operations of the Separate Account.


4. Purchases and Sales of Investment Securities

The aggregate units and cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of investments
were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         Year ended December 31, 1998
                                                 Units            Amount          Units           Amount
                                               Purchased        Purchased        Redeemed        Redeemed
                                            -------------- ----------------- -------------- -----------------
<S>                                            <C>             <C>              <C>             <C>
   Aggressive Growth Division:
     PrinFlex Life                               861,317       $12,227,704        211,314       $ 2,857,454
   Asset Allocation Division:
     PrinFlex Life                               131,206         1,668,350         53,260           645,589
   Balanced Division:
     Flex Variable Life                           36,816         1,264,339         71,643         2,030,576
     PrinFlex Life                               490,842         6,352,561        138,126         1,693,746
                                            -------------- ----------------- -------------- -----------------
                                                 527,658         7,616,900        209,769         3,724,322
   Bond Division:
     Flex Variable Life                           55,198         1,406,724         53,470         1,271,250
     PrinFlex Life                               174,764         2,098,649         49,437           565,502
                                            -------------- ----------------- -------------- -----------------
                                                 229,962         3,505,373        102,907         1,836,752
   Capital Value Division:
     Flex Variable Life                           69,516         2,942,517         96,955         3,533,172
     PrinFlex Life                             1,007,229        14,488,359        257,693         3,491,448
                                            -------------- ----------------- -------------- -----------------
                                               1,076,745        17,430,876        354,648         7,024,620

   Fidelity Contrafund Division:
     PrinFlex Life                               457,546       $  6,291,010       120,504       $ 1,610,333
   Fidelity Equity Income Division:
     PrinFlex Life                               361,409          4,781,646        86,079         1,119,347
   Fidelity High Income Division:
     PrinFlex Life                               109,968          1,310,358        41,948           482,536
   Government Securities Division:
     PrinFlex Life                               286,524          3,395,601        19,932           228,122
   Growth Division:
     PrinFlex Life                               303,006          4,142,276        55,628           748,373
   High Yield Division:
     Flex Variable Life                           29,675            857,141        20,132           455,939
   International Division:
     PrinFlex Life                               530,953          6,632,041       131,554         1,545,576
   International SmallCap Division:
     PrinFlex Life                                38,901            334,880         3,976            33,554
   MicroCap Division:
     PrinFlex Life                                19,585            159,179         1,311            10,213
   MidCap Division:
     Flex Variable Life                          103,942          4,846,657       183,301         7,449,571
     PrinFlex Life                               943,646         12,430,779       229,365         2,824,456
                                            -------------- ----------------- -------------- ----------------
                                               1,047,588         17,277,436       412,666        10,274,027

   Mid-Cap Growth Division:
     PrinFlex Life                                34,735            306,597         2,195            18,952
   Money Market Division:
     Flex Variable Life                           39,955            657,300        49,712           795,271
     PrinFlex Life                             3,322,020         35,876,706     2,964,012        31,732,075
                                            -------------- ----------------- -------------- ----------------
                                               3,361,975         36,534,006     3,013,724        32,527,346

   Putnam Global Asset Allocation
     Division:
     PrinFlex Life                                 7,867             76,195           562             5,417
   Putnam Vista Division;
     PrinFlex Life                                13,042            114,287         1,330            12,225
   Putnam Voyager Division:
     PrinFlex Life                                90,896            868,001         7,931            74,099
   Real Estate Division:
     PrinFlex Life                                 3,623             34,212           233             2,119
   SmallCap Division:
     PrinFlex Life                                33,031            251,186         1,679            12,442
   SmallCap Growth Division:
     PrinFlex Life                                22,252            193,803         1,822            16,058
   SmallCap Value Division:
     PrinFlex Life                                17,813            145,873           878             7,015
   Utilities Division:
     PrinFlex Life                                 4,976             54,019         1,032            11,132
                                            ============== ================= ============== ================
                                               9,602,253       $126,208,950     4,857,014       $65,283,562
                                            ============== ================= ============== ================

</TABLE>
<PAGE>



                        Principal Life Insurance Company
                         Variable Life Separate Account

                    Notes to Financial Statements (continued)




4. Purchases and Sales of Investment Securities (continued)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         Year ended December 31, 1997
                                                 Units            Amount          Units           Amount
                                               Purchased        Purchased        Redeemed        Redeemed
                                            -------------- ----------------- -------------- -----------------
<S>                                            <C>            <C>              <C>             <C>
   Aggressive Growth Division:
     PrinFlex Life                               343,834      $ 4,288,340         27,761       $   319,839
   Asset Allocation Division:
     PrinFlex Life                                51,667          616,979          2,856            31,871
   Balanced Division:
     Flex Variable Life                           67,360        2,010,011         95,006         2,391,024
     PrinFlex Life                               128,270        1,521,439         10,602           119,088
                                            -------------- ---------------- -------------- -----------------
                                                 195,630        3,531,450        105,608         2,510,112
   Bond Division:
     Flex Variable Life                           51,436        1,162,750         52,293         1,098,247
     PrinFlex Life                                51,729          568,518          7,380            79,139
                                            -------------- ---------------- -------------- -----------------
                                                 103,165        1,731,268         59,673         1,177,386
   Capital Value Division:
     Flex Variable Life                          119,379        4,364,014        127,882         3,865,122
     PrinFlex Life                               281,944        3,424,513         30,266           360,113
                                            -------------- ---------------- -------------- -----------------
                                                 401,323        7,788,527        158,148         4,225,235
   Fidelity Contrafund Division:
     PrinFlex Life                               185,497        2,125,905         13,013           152,286
   Fidelity Equity Income Division:
     PrinFlex Life                                89,263        1,018,045          6,221            72,899
   Fidelity High Income Division:
     PrinFlex Life                                34,237          369,108          5,629            63,753
   Government Securities Division:
     PrinFlex Life                                10,283          115,306            745             7,938
   Growth Division:
     PrinFlex Life                                81,327          952,971          5,376            62,733
   High Yield Division:
     Flex Variable Life                           52,320        1,263,141         23,011           487,852
   International Division:
     PrinFlex Life                               273,767        3,172,214         26,010           290,962
   MidCap Division:
     Flex Variable Life                          180,420        6,880,578        240,515         8,968,075
     PrinFlex Life                               442,300        5,239,657         33,607           402,455
                                            -------------- ---------------- -------------- -----------------
                                                 622,720       12,120,235        274,122         9,370,530
   Money Market Division:
     Flex Variable Life                          158,768        2,472,127        213,736         3,276,766
     PrinFlex Life                             1,225,077       12,671,220        859,324         8,843,607
                                            -------------- ---------------- -------------- -----------------
                                               1,383,845       15,143,347      1,073,060        12,120,373
                                            ============== ================ ============== =================
                                               3,828,878      $54,236,836      1,781,233       $30,893,769
                                            ============== ================ ============== =================

</TABLE>
<PAGE>



                        Principal Life Insurance Company
                         Variable Life Separate Account

                    Notes to Financial Statements (continued)




4. Purchases and Sales of Investment Securities (continued)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         Year ended December 31, 1996
                                                 Units            Amount          Units           Amount
                                               Purchased        Purchased        Redeemed        Redeemed
                                            -------------- ----------------- -------------- -----------------
<S>                                              <C>          <C>                <C>            <C>
   Balanced Division:
     Flex Variable Life                           82,222      $ 2,097,662         29,319        $  645,607
   Bond Division:
     Flex Variable Life                           48,357        1,046,130         13,728           275,471
   Capital Value Division:
     Flex Variable Life                          126,497        3,858,566         44,900         1,095,829
   High Yield Division:
     Flex Variable Life                           28,126          615,083          9,553           178,415
   MidCap Division:
     Flex Variable Life                          224,022        7,077,421         89,178         2,717,856
   Money Market Division:
     Flex Variable Life                          370,523        5,517,757        311,613         4,615,144
                                            ============== ================ ============== =================
                                                 879,747      $20,212,619        498,291        $9,528,322
                                            ============== ================ ============== =================
</TABLE>


5. Net Assets

Net assets at December 31, 1998 consisted of the following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                               Accumulated     Net Unrealized
                                                                                 Net            Appreciation
                                                                 Unit          Investment     (Depreciation) of
                                              Combined        Transactions      Incom           Investments
                                         --------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                         <C>             <C>              <C>              <C>
      Aggressive Growth Division:
        PrinFlex Life                       $ 14,244,041    $ 12,603,157     $  749,015       $  891,869
      Asset Allocation Division:
        PrinFlex Life                          1,592,829       1,522,712         83,936          (13,819)
      Balanced Division:
        Flex Variable Life                     3,796,104       2,805,763        510,067          480,274
        PrinFlex Life                          6,083,085       5,718,082        307,823           57,180
                                         --------------------------------------------------------------------
                                               9,879,189       8,523,845        817,890          537,454
      Bond Division:
        Flex Variable Life                     1,948,335       1,758,798        140,086           49,451
        PrinFlex Life                          2,004,910       1,939,366         88,541          (22,997)
                                         --------------------------------------------------------------------
                                               3,953,245       3,698,164        228,627           26,454
      Capital Value Division:
        Flex Variable Life                     8,736,005       5,950,992      1,178,313        1,606,700
        PrinFlex Life                         14,235,937      13,305,012        614,978          315,947
                                         --------------------------------------------------------------------
                                              22,971,942      19,256,004      1,793,291        1,922,647
      Fidelity Contra Fund Division:
        PrinFlex Life                          8,023,001       6,582,486         85,254        1,355,261
      Fidelity Equity Income Division:
        PrinFlex Life                          4,905,541       4,568,651         45,052          291,838

      Fidelity High Income Division:
        PrinFlex Life                       $  1,064,791    $  1,095,509     $   29,715       $  (60,433)
      Government Securities Division:
        PrinFlex Life                          3,266,712       3,180,086         96,146           (9,520)
      Growth Division:
        PrinFlex Life                          4,760,835       4,223,648         69,178          468,009
      High Yield Division:
        Flex Variable Life                     2,269,099       2,134,677        378,722         (244,300)
      International Division:
        PrinFlex Life                          7,800,249       7,630,149        343,828         (173,728)
      International SmallCap Division:
        PrinFlex Life                            316,190         301,071            107           15,012
      MicroCap Division:
        PrinFlex Life                            149,378         148,011            274            1,093
      Mid-Cap Division:
        Flex Variable Life                    11,460,175       8,300,875        599,642        2,559,658
        PrinFlex Life                         14,003,435      13,765,286        696,788         (458,639)
                                         --------------------------------------------------------------------
                                              25,463,610      22,066,161      1,296,430        2,101,019

      MidCap Growth Division:
        PrinFlex Life                            315,903         288,492           (598)          28,009
      Money Market Division:
        Flex Variable Life                       362,873         355,161          7,712                -
        PrinFlex Life                          7,972,243       7,927,870         44,373                -
                                         --------------------------------------------------------------------
                                               8,335,116       8,283,031         52,085                -

      Putnam Global Asset Allocation
        Division:
        PrinFlex Life                             75,231          71,030           (112)           4,313
      Putnam Vista Division:
        PrinFlex Life                            123,051         102,469           (155)          20,737
      Putnam Voyager Division:
        PrinFlex Life                            899,548         795,242         (1,295)         105,601
      Real Estate Division:
        PrinFlex Life                             31,709          31,269            760             (320)
      SmallCap Division:
        PrinFlex Life                            250,636         239,177           (508)          11,967
      SmallCap Growth Division:
        PrinFlex Life                            209,695         178,079           (354)          31,970
      SmallCap Value Division:
        PrinFlex Life                            144,138         138,477            245            5,416
      Utilities Division:
        PrinFlex Life                             45,596          42,810            449            2,337
                                         ====================================================================
                                            $121,091,275    $107,704,407     $6,067,982       $7,318,886
                                         ====================================================================
</TABLE>
<PAGE>



                        Principal Life Insurance Company
                         Variable Life Separate Account

                    Notes to Financial Statements (continued)




6. Year 2000 Issues (Unaudited)

Like  other  investment   funds,   financial  and  business   organizations  and
individuals  around the world, the Separate Account could be adversely  affected
if the computer  systems used by Principal  Life and other service  providers do
not properly  process and calculate  date-related  information and data from and
after January 1, 2000. In 1995, Principal Life began investigating the potential
impact of the Year  2000 on its  systems,  procedures,  customers  and  business
processes.  The  Year  2000  assessment  that  was  completed  in 1996  provided
information used to determine what system components must be changed or replaced
to minimize the impact of the calendar change from 1999 to 2000.

Principal  Life will continue to use internal and external  resources to modify,
replace  and test  its  systems.  Management  estimates  100% of the  identified
modifications   to  mission   critical   systems  and  99%  of  the   identified
modifications  to other  systems have been  completed for its Year 2000 project.
The project  completion is scheduled to occur prior to any anticipated impact on
Principal Life's operations.

Principal  Life and the  Separate  Account face the risk that one or more of its
critical  suppliers or customers  (external  relationships)  will not be able to
interact  with them due to the third  party's  inability to resolve its own Year
2000  issues.   Principal   Life  has   completed   its  inventory  of  external
relationships  and is attempting to determine the overall Year 2000 readiness of
its external  relationships.  Principal Life is engaged in discussions  with the
third parties and is requesting information as to those parties' Year 2000 plans
and  state of  readiness.  Principal  Life,  however,  does not have  sufficient
information  at the  current  time  to  predict  whether  all  of  its  external
relationships will be Year 2000 ready.

While  Principal  Life believes  that it has  addressed its Year 2000  concerns,
Principal Life has begun to develop contingency/recovery plans aimed at ensuring
the continuity of critical business  functions before, on and after December 31,
1999. Principal Life expects  contingency/recovery  planning to be substantially
complete  by April 1, 1999.  The Year 2000  contingency  plans will be  reviewed
periodically throughout 1999 and revised as needed.  Principal Life believes its
Year 2000  contingency  plans  coupled with  existing  "disaster  recovery"  and
"business resumption" plans minimize the impact Year 2000 issues may have on the
organization.


                         Report of Independent Auditors




The Board of Directors
Principal Life Insurance Company


We have audited the accompanying  consolidated  statements of financial position
of Principal  Life  Insurance  Company (the  Company,  an indirect  wholly-owned
subsidiary of Principal Mutual Holding Company),  formerly Principal Mutual Life
Insurance  Company,   as  of  December  31,  1998  and  1997,  and  the  related
consolidated  statements of operations,  stockholder's equity and cash flows for
each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1998.  These  financial
statements are the responsibility of the Company's management.
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial  statements based
on our audits.

We  conducted  our  audits  in  accordance  with  generally   accepted  auditing
standards.  Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement.  An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements.  An audit also includes
assessing the  accounting  principles  used and  significant  estimates  made by
management,  as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion,  the financial  statements  referred to above present fairly, in
all material  respects,  the consolidated  financial  position of Principal Life
Insurance Company at December 31, 1998 and 1997, and the consolidated results of
its  operations  and its cash  flows for each of the three  years in the  period
ended  December 31, 1998,  in  conformity  with  generally  accepted  accounting
principles.

/s/Ernst & Young LLP

Des Moines, Iowa
January 29, 1999




                        Principal Life Insurance Company

                      Consolidated Statements of Operations




                                              Year ended December 31
                                         1998          1997          1996
                                        ---------------------------------------
                                                   (In Millions)
Revenue
Premiums and annuity and other 
     considerations                      $3,409        $4,668        $5,121
Policy and contract charges                 780           682           572
Net investment income                     2,821         2,948         2,905
Net realized capital gains                  466           176           388
Commissions and other income                208           199           150
Contribution from the closed block           13             -             -
                                        ---------------------------------------
Total revenue                             7,697         8,673         9,136

Expenses
Benefits, claims and settlement 
     expenses                             4,777         5,632         6,087
Dividends to policyholders                  155           299           299
Operating expenses                        2,026         2,047         1,920
                                        ---------------------------------------
                                        ---------------------------------------
Total expenses                            6,958         7,978         8,306
                                        ---------------------------------------

Income before income taxes                  739           695           830

Income taxes                                 44           241           304
                                        ---------------------------------------
                                        =======================================
Net income                              $   695       $   454       $   526
                                        =======================================



See accompanying notes.


<PAGE>


                        Principal Life Insurance Company

                  Consolidated Statements of Financial Position




                                                   December 31
                                                1998         1997
                                            ---------------------------
                                            ---------------------------
                                                  (In Millions)

Assets
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale           $21,006      $21,546
Equity securities, available-for-sale            1,102        1,273
Mortgage loans                                  12,091       13,286
Real estate                                      2,691        2,632
Policy loans                                        25          749
Other investments                                  349          130
Cash and cash equivalents                          461          546
Accrued investment income                          375          457
Deferred policy acquisition costs                  456        1,057
Property held for Company use                      246          232
Closed block assets                              4,251            -
Separate account assets                         29,009       23,627
Other assets                                     1,881        1,519
                                            ---------------------------
                                            ===========================
Total assets                                   $73,943      $67,054
                                            ===========================
                                            ===========================

Liabilities
Contractholder funds                           $23,339      $23,179
Future policy benefits and claims                7,082       11,239
Other policyholder funds                           249          314
Policyholder dividends payable                      44          444
Debt                                               671          459
Income taxes currently payable                      27          298
Deferred income taxes                              497          803
Closed block liabilities                         5,299            -
Separate account liabilities                    29,009       23,560
Other liabilities                                2,257        1,474
                                            ---------------------------
                                            ---------------------------
Total liabilities                               68,474       61,770

Stockholder's equity
Common stock, par value $1 per share - authorized  5,000,000 shares,  issued and
   outstanding 2,500,000 shares (wholly owned indirectly by Principal Mutual
   Holding Company)                                             3            -
Retained earnings                                           4,749        4,257
Accumulated other comprehensive income:
   Net unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities      746        1,038
   Net foreign currency translation adjustment                (29)         (11)
                                                         -----------------------
                                                         -----------------------
Total stockholder's equity                                  5,469        5,284
                                                         -----------------------
                                                         =======================
Total liabilities and stockholder's equity                $73,943      $67,054
                                                         =======================


See accompanying notes.


<PAGE>


                        Principal Life Insurance Company

                 Consolidated Statements of Stockholder's Equity


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    Net Unrealized     Net Foreign
                                                                       Gains on         Currency          Total
                                            Common     Retained   Available-for-Sale   Translation    Stockholder's
                                             Stock     Earnings       Securities       Adjustment         Equity
                                          ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                         (In Millions)

<S>                                          <C>        <C>              <C>               <C>            <C>   
   Balances at January 1, 1996               $ -        $3,277           $1,336            $ (7)          $4,606
   Comprehensive income:
     Net income                                -           526                -               -              526
     Decrease in unrealized appreciation
       on fixed maturities,                    -             -             (543)              -             (543)
       available-for-sale
     Decrease in unrealized appreciation
       on equity securities,                   -             -             (262)              -             (262)
       available-for-sale
     Adjustments for assumed changes in 
          amortization patterns:
       Deferred policy acquisition costs       -             -               83               -               83
       Unearned revenue reserves               -             -              (11)              -              (11)
     Provision for deferred income tax         -             -              257               -              257
       benefit
     Change in net foreign currency
       translation adjustment                  -             -                -              (2)              (2)
                                                                                                          ------------
   Comprehensive income                        -                                                              48
                                          ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Balances at December 31, 1996               -         3,803              860              (9)           4,654
   Comprehensive income:
     Net income                                -           454                -               -              454
     Increase in unrealized appreciation
       on fixed maturities,                    -             -              197               -              197
       available-for-sale
     Increase in unrealized appreciation
       on equity securities,                   -             -              118               -              118
       available-for-sale
     Adjustments for assumed changes in
       amortization patterns:                  -
       Deferred policy acquisition costs       -             -              (44)              -              (44)
       Unearned revenue reserves               -             -                4               -                4
     Provision for deferred income taxes       -             -              (97)              -              (97)
     Change in net foreign currency
       translation adjustment                  -             -                -              (2)              (2)
                                                                                                          ------------
   Comprehensive income                                                                                      630
                                          ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Balances at December 31, 1997               -         4,257            1,038             (11)           5,284
</TABLE>



<PAGE>


                        Principal Life Insurance Company

           Consolidated Statements of Stockholder's Equity (continued)



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    Net Unrealized       Net Foreign
                                                                       Gains on           Currency            Total
                                            Common     Retained   Available-for-Sale     Translation      Stockholder's
                                             Stock     Earnings       Securities         Adjustment          Equity
                                          -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                          (In Millions)

<S>                                          <C>        <C>              <C>                 <C>               <C>   
   Balances at January 1, 1998               $ -        $4,257           $1,038              $(11)             $5,284
   Comprehensive income:
     Net income                                -           695               -                  -                 695
     Decrease in unrealized appreciation
       on fixed maturities,                    -             -            (203)                 -                (203)
       available-for-sale
     Decrease in unrealized appreciation
       on equity securities,
       available-for-sale, including
       seed money in separate accounts         -             -            (292)                 -                (292)
     Adjustments for assumed changes in
       amortization patterns:
       Deferred policy acquisition costs       -             -              37                  -                  37
       Unearned revenue reserves               -             -              (4)                 -                  (4)
     Provision for deferred income tax         -             -             170                  -                 170
       benefit
     Change in net foreign currency
       translation adjustment                  -             -               -                (18)                (18)
     Issuance of 2,500,000 shares of
       common stock to parent holding          3            (3)              -                  -                   -
       company
     Dividend to parent holding company        -          (200)              -                  -                (200)
                                                                                                               ----------
   Comprehensive income                                                                                           185
                                          ===============================================================================
   Balances at December 31, 1998             $ 3        $4,749            $746               $(29)             $5,469
                                          ===============================================================================


See accompanying notes.
</TABLE>

<PAGE>


                        Principal Life Insurance Company

                      Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                              Year ended December 31
                                                                          1998         1997         1996
                                                                      ---------------------------------------
                                                                                  (In Millions)
<S>                                                                   <C>            <C>         <C>      
Operating activities
Net income                                                            $     695      $   454     $     526
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by
   operating activities:
   Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs                        114          170           178
   Additions to deferred policy acquisition costs                          (173)        (213)         (215)
   Gain on sales of subsidiaries                                             (6)         (14)            -
   Accrued investment income                                                 24            7            15
   Contractholder and policyholder liabilities and dividends
                                                                          1,538        1,401         1,667
   Current and deferred income taxes                                       (265)          96            20
   Net realized capital gains                                              (466)        (176)         (388)
   Depreciation and amortization expense                                    133          117           112
   Other                                                                   (197)        (403)         (253)
   Change in closed block operating assets and
     liabilities, net                                                       230            -             -
                                                                      ---------------------------------------
                                                                      ---------------------------------------
Net adjustments                                                             932          985         1,136
                                                                      ---------------------------------------
Net cash provided by operating activities                                 1,627        1,439         1,662

Investing activities Available-for-sale securities:
   Purchases                                                             (7,141)      (7,478)      (11,876)
   Sales                                                                  5,684        7,475         9,089
   Maturities                                                             1,377        1,204         2,796
Mortgage loans acquired or originated                                   (14,162)      (9,925)       (2,955)
Mortgage loans sold or repaid                                            14,414        8,977         1,619
Real estate acquired                                                       (436)        (309)         (166)
Real estate sold                                                            662          198           253
Proceeds from sales of subsidiaries                                          96           35             -
Purchases of interest in subsidiaries, net of cash acquired                (218)         (99)          (51)
Net change in policy loans                                                  (12)         (13)          (25)
Net change in property held for Company use                                 (57)         (11)          (18)
Net change in other investments                                            (270)         (68)          (74)
Change in closed block investments, net                                    (201)           -             -
                                                                      ---------------------------------------
Net cash used in investing activities                                      (264)         (14)       (1,408)

</TABLE>


<PAGE>


                        Principal Life Insurance Company

                Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (continued)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                              Year ended December 31
                                                                          1998         1997         1996
                                                                      ---------------------------------------
                                                                                  (In Millions)
<S>                                                                    <C>           <C>        <C> 
Financing activities
Issuance of debt                                                       $     243     $     75   $       43
Principal repayments of debt                                                 (51)         (28)         (29)
Proceeds of short-term borrowings                                          8,628        5,089        1,451
Repayment of short-term borrowings                                        (8,924)      (4,974)      (1,282)
Dividend paid to parent holding company                                     (140)           -            -
Investment contract deposits                                               5,854        4,134        4,221
Investment contract withdrawals                                           (7,058)      (5,446)      (4,682)
                                                                      ---------------------------------------
Net cash used in financing activities                                     (1,448)      (1,150)        (278)
                                                                      ---------------------------------------

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents                         (85)         275          (24)

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year                               546          271          295
                                                                      =======================================
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year                               $     461      $   546    $     271
                                                                      =======================================
</TABLE>

Schedule of noncash  operating and investing  activities  The following  noncash
assets and liabilities were transferred to the
   Closed  Block  as a  result  of the  July  1,  1998  mutual  holding  company
   formation:
   Operating activities:
     Accrued investment income                   $      59
     Deferred policy acquisition costs                 697
     Other assets                                       12
     Future policy benefits and claims              (4,545)
     Other policyholder funds                           (7)
     Policyholder dividends payable                   (388)
     Other liabilities                                (173)
                                                 ------------
   Total noncash operating activities (4,345) Investing activities:
     Fixed maturities, available-for-sale            1,562
     Mortgage loans                                  1,027
     Policy loans                                      736
     Other investments                                   1
                                                 ------------
   Total noncash investing activities                3,326
                                                 ============
   Total noncash operating and investing activities $(1,019)
                                                 =============

Net transfer of noncash assets and liabilities of Principal Health
   Care Inc. on April 1, 1998 in exchange for common shares of
   Coventry Health Care, Inc.                      $   (160)
                                                 =============


See accompanying notes.


<PAGE>


                        Principal Life Insurance Company

                   Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

                                December 31, 1998




1. Nature of Operations and Significant Accounting Policies

Reorganization

Effective July 1, 1998,  Principal Mutual Life Insurance Company formed a mutual
insurance holding company  (Principal Mutual Holding Company) and converted to a
stock life insurance  company  (Principal  Life Insurance  Company).  All of the
shares  of  Principal  Life  Insurance  Company  (the  Company)  were  issued to
Principal Mutual Holding Company through two newly formed  intermediate  holding
companies,  Principal  Financial Group, Inc. and Principal  Financial  Services,
Inc. The  reorganization  itself did not have a material financial impact on the
Company.

Description of Business

The Company is a  diversified  financial  services  organization  engaged in the
marketing and management of life insurance,  annuity,  health, pension and other
financial products and services, primarily in the United States.

Basis of Presentation

The  accompanying  consolidated  financial  statements  of the  Company  and its
majority-owned  subsidiaries  have been  prepared in conformity  with  generally
accepted  accounting  principles (GAAP).  Less than  majority-owned  entities in
which the Company has at least a 20%  interest  are reported on the equity basis
in the consolidated  statements of financial position as other investments.  All
significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

Total assets of the unconsolidated entities amounted to $2.2 billion at December
31,  1998  and  $1.1  billion  at  December  31,  1997.  Total  revenues  of the
unconsolidated entities were $1.8 billion in 1998, $294 million in 1997 and $349
million in 1996.  During 1998, 1997 and 1996, the Company  included $18 million,
$19  million  and  $(3)  million,   respectively,   in  net  investment   income
representing  the  Company's  share of  current  year net  income  (loss) of the
unconsolidated entities.

Closed Block

In conjunction with the formation of the mutual insurance  holding company,  the
Company  established  a Closed  Block for the  benefit  of  certain  classes  of
individual participating and dividend-paying policies in force on that date. The
Closed Block was designed to provide reasonable assurance to owners of insurance
policies  included  therein  that,  after the  reorganization,  assets  would be
available to maintain the  aggregate  dividend  scales in effect for 1997 if the
experience underlying such scales continued. Assets were allocated to the Closed
Block in amounts  which,  together with  premiums from policies  included in the
Closed  Block,  were  reasonably  expected  to be  sufficient  to  support  such
policies,  including provisions for payment of claims, certain expenses, charges
and  taxes,  and for  continuation  of  dividend  scales  payable in 1997 in the
aggregate, assuming the experience underlying such scales continued.

Assets  allocated  to the Closed  Block inure to the  benefits of the holders of
policies  included in the Closed Block.  Closed Block assets and liabilities are
carried on the same basis as similar assets and liabilities held by the Company.

The contribution to the operating income of the Company from the Closed Block is
reported  as a single line item in the  statement  of  operations.  Accordingly,
premiums,  net investment income,  realized capital gains (losses),  policyowner
benefits and dividends  attributable to the Closed Block,  less certain expenses
and charges and the amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs, are shown
as a net number  under the caption  "Contribution  from the Closed  Block." This
results in material  reductions in the respective line items in the statement of
operations  while  having no effect on net income.  All assets  allocated to the
Closed Block are grouped  together and shown as a separate item entitled "Closed
Block assets"; and all liabilities attributable to the Closed Block are combined
and  disclosed  as the "Closed  Block  liabilities."  The excess of Closed Block
liabilities  over Closed Block assets  represents the expected  future  post-tax
contribution  from the Closed Block which would be recognized in income over the
period the policies and contracts in the Closed Block remain in force.

The   Contribution   from  the  Closed  Block  does  not   represent  the  total
profitability attributable to the policies included in the Closed Block. Certain
expenses  attributable  to  the  policies  included  in  the  Closed  Block  and
commissions on these policies are not included in the reported Contribution from
the Closed Block, but rather are included in operating expenses  consistent with
the initial  regulatory  funding of the Closed Block.  Consequently,  the assets
needed to fund the  Closed  Block are less  than the  total  accumulated  assets
attributable to the policies included in the Closed Block.  Income on the assets
held  outside of the Closed Block is included in net  investment  income and not
included in the Contribution from the Closed Block.

Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements

The  preparation  of  the  Company's   consolidated   financial  statements  and
accompanying  notes requires  management to make estimates and assumptions  that
affect the amounts reported and disclosed. These estimates and assumptions could
change in the future as more information  becomes known,  which could impact the
amounts  reported and disclosed in the  consolidated  financial  statements  and
accompanying notes.

Significant Risks

The following is a description of the most significant risks facing  diversified
financial service organizations and how the Company mitigates those risks:

Legal or  regulatory  risk is the risk that  changes in the legal or  regulatory
environment  in which an insurer  operates will create  additional  expenses not
anticipated by the insurer in pricing its products.  The Company  mitigates this
risk by offering a wide range of products and  operating  throughout  the United
States  and the world,  thus  reducing  its  exposure  to any single  product or
jurisdiction,  and also by employing  underwriting  practices which identify and
minimize the adverse impact of this risk.

Credit  risk is the risk that  issuers  of  securities  owned by the  Company or
borrowers  through  mortgage  loans on real  estate  will  default or that other
parties that owe the Company  money,  will not pay. The Company  minimizes  this
risk by adhering to a conservative  investment  strategy,  by maintaining  sound
credit  and  collection  policies  and  by  providing  for  any  amounts  deemed
uncollectible.

Interest  rate risk is the risk that  interest  rates  will  change  and cause a
decrease  in the value of the  Company's  investments.  This change in rates may
also cause certain  interest-sensitive  products to become  uncompetitive or may
cause  disintermediation.  The Company  mitigates this risk by charging fees for
policyowners'  contract  terminations,  by offering  products that transfer this
risk to the purchaser  and by  attempting to match the maturity  schedule of its
assets  with  the  expected  payout  of  its  liabilities.  To the  extent  that
liabilities  come due more quickly than assets mature,  an insurer would have to
borrow funds or sell assets prior to maturity and  potentially  recognize a gain
or loss.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash  equivalents  include cash on hand,  money market  instruments and
other debt issues with a maturity date of three months or less when purchased.

Investments

Investments  in  fixed  maturities  and  equity  securities  are  classified  as
available-for-sale and, accordingly, are carried at fair value. (See Note 12 for
policies  related  to the  determination  of fair  value.)  The  cost  of  fixed
maturities  is adjusted for  amortization  of premiums and accrual of discounts,
both computed using the interest method. The cost of fixed maturities and equity
securities is adjusted for declines in value that are other than temporary.  For
the loan-backed and structured  securities  included in the bond portfolio,  the
Company  recognizes  income using a constant  effective yield based on currently
anticipated  prepayments  as  determined  by  broker-dealer  surveys or internal
estimates and the estimated lives of the securities.

Real estate investments are reported at cost less accumulated depreciation.  The
initial cost bases of  properties  acquired  through loan  foreclosures  are the
lower of the loan balances or fair market  values of the  properties at the time
of foreclosure. Buildings and land improvements are generally depreciated on the
straight-line method over the estimated useful life of improvements,  and tenant
improvement costs are depreciated on the  straight-line  method over the term of
the related lease. The Company  recognizes  impairment losses for its properties
when indicators of impairment are present and a property's expected undiscounted
cash flows are not sufficient to recover the property's  carrying value. In such
cases,  the cost bases of the  properties are reduced  accordingly.  Real estate
expected to be disposed is carried at the lower of cost or fair value, less cost
to sell, with valuation allowances  established  accordingly and depreciation no
longer recognized. Any impairment losses and any changes in valuation allowances
are reported as net realized capital losses.

Commercial  and  residential  mortgage  loans are reported at cost  adjusted for
amortization  of premiums and accrual of discounts,  computed using the interest
method, and net of valuation allowances. Any changes in the valuation allowances
are  reported as net  realized  capital  gains  (losses).  The Company  measures
impairment based upon the present value of expected cash flows discounted at the
loan's effective  interest rate. If foreclosure is probable,  the measurement of
any  valuation  allowance  is based upon the fair value of the  collateral.  The
Company includes  residential mortgage loans held for sale in the amount of $802
million and $512 million at December 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively,  which are
carried at lower of cost or fair value and  reported  as  mortgage  loans in the
statements of financial position.

Net realized  capital gains and losses on investments  are determined  using the
specific identification basis.

Policy loans and other investments are primarily reported at cost.

Derivatives

Derivatives are generally held for purposes other than trading and are primarily
used to hedge or reduce  exposure to interest  rate and foreign  currency  risks
associated with assets held or expected to be purchased or sold, and liabilities
incurred or  expected  to be  incurred.  Additionally,  derivatives  are used to
change the characteristics of the Company's  asset/liability mix consistent with
the Company's risk management activities.

The  Company's  use of  derivatives  is  further  described  in Note 4.  The net
interest  effect of interest rate and currency swap  transactions is recorded as
an adjustment to net investment income or interest expense, as appropriate, over
the periods covered by the agreements. The cost of other derivative contracts is
amortized over the life of the contracts and classified  with the results of the
underlying  hedged item.  Certain contracts are designated as hedges of specific
assets and, to the extent those assets are marked to market, the hedge contracts
are also marked to market and included as an adjustment of the underlying  asset
value.  Other  contracts are  designated  and accounted for as hedges of certain
liabilities and are not marked to market.

Hedge  accounting is used for derivatives  that are  specifically  designated in
advance as hedges and that reduce the Company's exposure to an indicated risk by
having a high  correlation  between  changes in the value of the derivatives and
the items being  hedged at both the  inception of the hedge and  throughout  the
hedge  period.  Should such criteria not be met or if the hedged items are sold,
terminated or matured,  the changes in value of the  derivatives are included in
net income.

Contractholder and Policyholder Liabilities

Contractholder and policyholder liabilities (contractholder funds, future policy
benefits  and  claims  and  other  policyholder   funds)  include  reserves  for
investment   contracts  and  reserves  for  universal  life,   limited  payment,
participating and traditional life insurance policies.  Investment contracts are
contractholders'  funds  on  deposit  with the  Company  and  generally  include
reserves for pension and annuity contracts. Reserves on investment contracts are
equal to the  cumulative  deposits  less any  applicable  charges plus  credited
interest.

Reserves for universal life insurance contracts are equal to cumulative premiums
less charges plus credited  interest which  represents the account balances that
accrue to the benefit of the policyowners.  Reserves for non-participating  term
life insurance  contracts are computed on a basis of assumed  investment  yield,
mortality,  morbidity and expenses, including a provision for adverse deviation,
which  generally  vary by plan,  year of issue and policy  duration.  Investment
yield is based on the Company's experience.  Mortality, morbidity and withdrawal
rate  assumptions  are based on experience  of the Company and are  periodically
reviewed against both industry standards and experience.

Reserves for participating  life insurance  contracts are based on the net level
premium reserve for death and endowment policy benefits.  This net level premium
reserve is calculated  based on dividend fund interest rate and mortality  rates
guaranteed in calculating the cash surrender values described in the contract.

Some of the Company's  policies and contracts require payment of fees in advance
for services that will be rendered over the estimated  lives of the policies and
contracts.  These  payments are  established as unearned  revenue  reserves upon
receipt and included in other policyowner  funds in the consolidated  statements
of  financial  position.  These  unearned  revenue  reserves  are  amortized  to
operations over the estimated lives of these policies and contracts.

The  liability  for unpaid  accident  and health  claims is an  estimate  of the
ultimate  net cost of  reported  and  unreported  losses not yet  settled.  This
liability  is estimated  using  actuarial  analyses and case basis  evaluations.
Although  considerable  variability is inherent in such  estimates,  the Company
believes that the liability for unpaid claims is adequate.  These  estimates are
continually  reviewed and, as adjustments to this  liability  become  necessary,
such adjustments are reflected in current operations.

Recognition of Premiums, Fees and Benefits

Traditional individual life and health insurance products include those products
with fixed and  guaranteed  premiums and benefits,  and consist  principally  of
whole life and term life insurance policies and certain immediate annuities with
life  contingencies.  Premiums  from these  products are  recognized  as premium
revenue when due.

Group life and health  insurance  premiums  are  generally  recorded  as premium
revenue over the term of the coverage.  Some group  contracts allow for premiums
to be  adjusted to reflect  emerging  experience.  Such  adjusted  premiums  are
recognized in the period that the related experience emerges. Fees for contracts
providing claim  processing or other  administrative  services are recorded over
the period the service is provided.

Related  policy  benefits and expenses for  individual and group life and health
insurance  products  are  associated  with  earned  premiums  and  result in the
recognition of profits over the expected lives of the policies and contracts.

Universal  life-type  policies are insurance  contracts  with terms that are not
fixed and  guaranteed.  Amounts  received as payments for such contracts are not
reported  as  premium  revenues.  Revenues  for  universal  life-type  insurance
contracts consist of policy charges for the cost of insurance, policy initiation
and  administration,  surrender  charges and other fees that have been  assessed
against policy account  values.  Policy  benefits and claims that are charged to
expense  include  interest  credited to contracts and benefit claims incurred in
the period in excess of related policy account balances.

Investment   contracts  do  not  subject  the  Company  to  risks  arising  from
policyowner  mortality  or  morbidity,   and  consist  primarily  of  Guaranteed
Investment Contracts (GICs) and certain deferred annuities.  Amounts received as
payments  for  investment  contracts  are  established  as  investment  contract
liability  balances  and are not  reported  as premium  revenues.  Revenues  for
investment  contracts  consist of  investment  income and policy  administration
charges.  Investment  contract  benefits  that are  charged to  expense  include
benefit claims incurred in the period in excess of related  investment  contract
liability  balances  and  interest  credited to  investment  contract  liability
balances.

Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs

Commissions and other costs  (underwriting,  issuance and agency  expenses) that
vary  with and are  primarily  related  to the  acquisition  of new and  renewal
insurance  policies and  investment  contract  business are  capitalized  to the
extent  recoverable.  Acquisition  costs that are not deferrable and maintenance
costs are charged to operations as incurred.

Deferred policy acquisition costs for universal  life-type  insurance  contracts
and  participating  life insurance  policies and investment  contracts are being
amortized  over the lives of the  policies  and  contracts  in  relation  to the
emergence  of estimated  gross profit  margins.  This  amortization  is adjusted
retrospectively when estimates of current or future gross profits and margins to
be realized  from a group of products and  contracts  are revised.  The deferred
policy acquisition costs of  non-participating  term life insurance policies are
being  amortized over the  premium-paying  period of the related  policies using
assumptions consistent with those used in computing policyowner liabilities.

Deferred policy  acquisition costs are subject to recoverability  testing at the
time of policy issue and loss recognition  testing at the end of each accounting
period.  Deferred  policy  acquisition  costs would be written off to the extent
that it is determined that future policy premiums and investment income or gross
profit margins would not be adequate to cover related losses and expenses.

Reinsurance

The Company  enters into  reinsurance  agreements  with other  companies  in the
normal  course of  business.  The  Company may assume  reinsurance  from or cede
reinsurance  to other  companies.  Premiums  and  expenses  are  reported net of
reinsurance   ceded.  The  Company  is  contingently   liable  with  respect  to
reinsurance  ceded to other  companies  in the event the  reinsurer is unable to
meet the obligations it has assumed.

Guaranty-fund Assessments

Guaranty-fund  assessments are accrued when the Company  receives notice that an
amount is payable to a guaranty fund.  The Company also accrues for  anticipated
assessments  which are  estimated  using data  available  from various  industry
sources that  monitor the current  status of open and closed  insolvencies.  The
Company  has also  established  an other  asset for  assessments  expected to be
recovered through future premium tax offsets.

Separate Accounts

The  separate  account  assets and  liabilities  presented  in the  consolidated
financial  statements  represent  the  fair  market  value  of  funds  that  are
separately  administered  by the Company for contracts with equity,  real estate
and fixed-income  investments.  Generally,  the separate account contract owner,
rather than the Company,  bears the investment risk of these funds. The separate
account  assets are legally  segregated and are not subject to claims that arise
out of any  other  business  of the  Company.  The  Company  receives  a fee for
administrative, maintenance and investment advisory services that is included in
the consolidated  statements of operations.  Deposits, net investment income and
realized and  unrealized  capital gains and losses on the separate  accounts are
not reflected in the consolidated statements of operations.

Income Taxes

Principal  Mutual Holding  Company files a  consolidated  income tax return that
includes the Company and all of its qualifying  subsidiaries and has a policy of
allocating income tax expenses and benefits to companies in the group based upon
pro rata  contribution  of taxable  income or operating  losses.  The Company is
taxed at corporate  rates on taxable income based on existing tax laws.  Current
income taxes are charged or credited to operations based upon amounts  estimated
to be payable or recoverable  as a result of taxable  operations for the current
year.  Deferred  income  taxes are  provided  for the tax  effect  of  temporary
differences  in the  financial  reporting  and  income  tax bases of assets  and
liabilities  and net operating  losses using enacted  income tax rates and laws.
The effect on deferred tax assets and deferred  tax  liabilities  of a change in
tax rates is  recognized  in  operations  in the  period in which the  change is
enacted.

Foreign Exchange

The  Company's  foreign  subsidiaries'  statements  of  financial  position  and
operations  are translated at the current  exchange  rates and average  exchange
rates for the year, respectively.  Resulting translation adjustments for foreign
subsidiaries  and certain  other  transactions  are  reported as a component  of
equity.  Other  translation  adjustments for foreign currency  transactions that
affect cash flows are reported in current operations.

Pension and Postretirement Benefits

The Company accounts for its pension benefits and postretirement  benefits other
than pension (medical, life insurance and long-term care) using the full accrual
method.

Property Held for Company Use

Property  held for  Company use  includes  home  office  properties  and related
leasehold  improvements.   Property  held  for  Company  use  is  shown  in  the
consolidated  statements  of  financial  position  at cost less  allowances  for
accumulated  depreciation.  Provisions  for  depreciation  of property  held for
Company  use are  computed  principally  on the  straight-line  method  over the
estimated useful lives of the assets.  Property held for Company use and related
accumulated depreciation are as follows (in millions):

                                                          December 31
                                                      1998           1997
                                                  -----------------------------

   Property held for Company use                        $328          $302
   Accumulated depreciation                              (82)          (70)
                                                  =============================
   Property held for Company use, net                   $246          $232
                                                  =============================

Other Assets

Intangible assets are included in other assets in the consolidated statements of
financial  position.  The cost of  acquired  subsidiaries  in excess of the fair
value of the net assets (i.e.,  goodwill) and other intangible  assets have been
recorded in  connection  with  acquisitions.  These  assets are  amortized  on a
straight-line  basis  generally  over 10 to 15  years.  The  carrying  amount of
goodwill and other intangible assets is reviewed  periodically for indicators of
impairment in value.

Intangible  assets and  related  accumulated  amortization  are as  follows  (in
millions):

                                                         December 31
                                                     1998          1997
                                                  ---------------------------

      Goodwill                                        $185          $165
      Accumulated amortization                         (40)          (16)
                                                  ---------------------------
      Goodwill, net                                    145           149

      Other intangible assets, net                      16            74
                                                  ---------------------------

      Total intangible assets                         $161          $223
                                                  ===========================

Mortgage  servicing rights of $778 million and $432 million at December 31, 1998
and  1997,  respectively,  are  included  in other  assets  in the  consolidated
statements  of  financial  position  and  represent  the cost of  purchasing  or
originating the right to service mortgage loans. These costs are capitalized and
amortized to operations  over the estimated  remaining  lives of the  underlying
loans using the interest method and taking into account  appropriate  prepayment
assumptions. Capitalized mortgage servicing rights are periodically assessed for
impairment,  which is  recognized in the  consolidated  statements of operations
during the period in which  impairment  occurs by  establishing a  corresponding
valuation allowance.

Other assets are reported primarily at cost.

Pooled Investment Fund

The Company has an arrangement  whereby short-term funds of Principal  Financial
Services,  Inc. are pooled with funds of the Company's subsidiaries and invested
by the Company.  The Company credits  Principal  Financial  Services,  Inc. with
interest  approximating  the yield earned by the Company's  Separate Account LI,
which invests in commercial  paper.  At December 31, 1998, the Company  reported
$137  million in other  liabilities  in the  statements  of  financial  position
related to this arrangement with Principal Financial Services, Inc.

The  Company's  pooled  funds are also made  available  to  Principal  Financial
Services,  Inc.  for  short-term  borrowings  up to $1  million,  with  interest
approximating  the yield  earned by Separate  Account LI. At December  31, 1998,
there were no such borrowings outstanding under this arrangement.

Comprehensive Income

On January 1, 1998,  the  Company  adopted  Statement  of  Financial  Accounting
Standards No. 130,  Reporting  Comprehensive  Income ("SFAS 130"),  and restated
prior years' financial statements to conform to the reporting standard. SFAS 130
establishes standards for reporting and displaying  comprehensive income and its
components in a full set of general-purpose financial statements.  Comprehensive
income  includes all changes in equity  during a period  except those  resulting
from investments by shareholders and distributions to shareholders. The adoption
of SFAS No. 130 resulted in revised and additional disclosures but had no effect
on the financial position, results of operations, or liquidity of the Company.

Other comprehensive income excludes net realized capital gains (losses) included
in net income of $344 million in 1998,  $113 million in 1997 and $256 million in
1996.  These amounts are net of income taxes and  adjustments to deferred policy
acquisition  costs and unearned  revenue  reserves of $122 million in 1998,  $63
million in 1997 and $132 million in 1996.

Reclassifications

Certain  reclassifications  have  been  made to the 1996  and 1997  consolidated
financial statements to conform to the 1998 presentation.

Pending Accounting Change

In June 1998,  the  Financial  Accounting  Standards  Board (the "FASB")  issued
Statement No. 133, Accounting for Derivative  Instruments and Hedging Activities
("SFAS 133"),  which the Company is required to adopt January 1, 2000.  SFAS 133
will  require  the  Company to  include  all  derivatives  in the  statement  of
financial position at fair value.  Changes in derivative fair values will either
be  recognized  in  earnings  as offsets to the changes in fair value of related
hedged assets, liabilities and firm commitments or, for forecasted transactions,
deferred and  recorded as a component  of equity  until the hedged  transactions
occur and are  recognized  in  earnings.  The  ineffective  portion of a hedging
derivative's  change in fair value will be  immediately  recognized in earnings.
The impact of SFAS 133 on the Company's  financial  statements  will depend on a
variety of factors,  including future  interpretive  guidance from the FASB, the
future level of forecasted and actual foreign currency transactions,  the extent
of the Company's hedging  activities,  the types of hedging instruments used and
the effectiveness of such instruments. However, the Company does not believe the
effect of adopting SFAS 133 will be material to its financial position.


2. Mergers, Acquisitions and Divestitures

Effective  April 1, 1998,  the Company merged  substantially  all of its managed
care operations  with Coventry  Corporation in exchange for a share of ownership
in the resulting  entity,  Coventry  Health Care, Inc. At December 31, 1998, the
Company held a 42% share of Coventry Health Care, Inc. The Company's  investment
in Coventry  Health Care,  Inc. is accounted  for using the equity  method.  Net
equity  of  the  transferred  business  on  April  1,  1998  was  $170  million.
Consolidated  financial  results for 1997 included  total assets at December 31,
1997,   and  total  revenues  and  pretax  loss  for  the  year  then  ended  of
approximately $419 million,  $883 million and $(26) million,  respectively,  for
the transferred business.

During 1998,  various  acquisitions  were made by the Company's  subsidiaries at
purchase prices  aggregating $224 million.  The acquisitions  were all accounted
for using the  purchase  method and the results of  operations  of the  acquired
businesses  have been included in the financial  statements of the  subsidiaries
from the dates of  acquisition.  Such  acquired  companies  had total  assets at
December  31,  1998 and total 1998  revenue  of $459  million  and $58  million,
respectively.

During  1998,  various  divestitures  were  made  by  certain  of the  Company's
subsidiaries at selling prices  aggregating  $118 million and $15 million in net
realized capital gains were realized as a result of these divestitures. In 1997,
the  financial  statements  included  $152  million in assets,  $206  million in
revenues and $20 million of pretax losses related to these subsidiaries.

Beginning in 1998, the Company did not renew medical business in 14 states where
it does not believe it can effectively  compete.  The Company continues to offer
non-medical coverage and administrative  services only products in these states.
Annual medical premium in these states was approximately $230 million in 1997.

During  1997,  various  acquisitions  were  made  by  certain  of the  Company's
subsidiaries at purchase prices aggregating $101 million.  The acquisitions were
all accounted for using the purchase method and the results of operations of the
acquired  businesses  have been  included  in the  financial  statements  of the
subsidiaries  from the dates of acquisition.  Such acquired  companies had total
assets at  December  31,  1997 and total 1997  revenue of $459  million  and $86
million, respectively.

During 1997, the Company  terminated a portion of its group medical business and
helped   insureds   find   replacement   coverage.   The  Company  has  retained
responsibility  for the payment of claims incurred on this business prior to the
effective date of the  termination  and has included an estimate of the ultimate
liability for these claims in its financial statements.  Annual premiums related
to this business were approximately $380 million at date of transfer.


3. Investments

Under  SFAS No.  115,  Accounting  for  Certain  Investments  in Debt and Equity
Securities,   securities   are  generally   classified  as   available-for-sale,
held-to-maturity,  or  trading.  The  Company has  classified  its entire  fixed
maturities  portfolio  as  available-for-sale,  although  it  is  generally  the
Company's  intent to hold these  securities  to  maturity.  The Company has also
classified all equity securities as available-for-sale. Securities classified as
available-for-sale are reported at fair value in the consolidated  statements of
financial  position with the related unrealized holding gains and losses on such
available-for-sale  securities  reported as a separate component of equity after
adjustments for related changes in deferred policy acquisition  costs,  unearned
revenue reserves and deferred income taxes.

The cost,  gross  unrealized gains and losses and fair value of fixed maturities
and equity securities  available-for-sale  as of December 31, 1998 and 1997, are
as follows (in millions):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   Gross           Gross
                                                                Unrealized      Unrealized         Fair
                                                   Cost            Gains          Losses          Value
                                              ---------------------------------------------------------------
                                              ---------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                <C>            <C>              <C>             <C>       
   December 31, 1998 Fixed maturities:
     United States Government and agencies
                                                   $   611        $    -           $  10           $   601
     Foreign governments                                57            21               1                77
     States and political subdivisions                 428            19               4               443
     Corporate - public                              4,470           264              88             4,646
     Corporate - private                            11,935           653              97            12,491
     Mortgage-backed securities                      2,661            92               5             2,748
                                              ---------------------------------------------------------------
   Total fixed maturities                          $20,162        $1,049            $205           $21,006
                                              ===============================================================
   Total equity securities                         $   760        $  395           $  53           $ 1,102
                                              ===============================================================

   December 31, 1997 Fixed maturities:
     United States Government and agencies
                                                   $   337        $    1           $   -           $   338
     Foreign governments                               217             -               -               217
     States and political subdivisions                 232            15               2               245
     Corporate - public                              4,014           224              18             4,220
     Corporate - private                            12,478           856              30            13,304
     Mortgage-backed securities                      3,124            99               3             3,220
                                              ---------------------------------------------------------------
                                              ---------------------------------------------------------------
                                                    20,402         1,195              53            21,544
     Redeemable preferred stocks                         2             -               -                 2
                                              ===============================================================
   Total fixed maturities                          $20,404        $1,195           $  53           $21,546
                                              ===============================================================
   Total equity securities                         $   639        $  664           $  30           $ 1,273
                                              ===============================================================

</TABLE>

The cost and fair value of fixed maturities  available-for-sale  at December 31,
1998, by expected maturity, are as follows (in millions):

                                                        Cost        Fair Value
                                                      --------------------------
                                                      --------------------------

   Due in one year or less                            $  1,043        $  1,061
   Due after one year through five years                 6,922           7,012
   Due after five years through ten years                5,283           5,590
   Due after ten years                                   4,234           4,577
                                                      --------------------------
                                                      --------------------------
                                                        17,482          18,240
   Mortgage-backed and other securities without
     a single maturity date                              2,680           2,766
                                                      --------------------------
                                                      ==========================
   Total                                               $20,162         $21,006
                                                      ==========================

The above summarized activity is based on expected maturities. Actual maturities
may differ because borrowers may have the right to call or pre-pay obligations.

Major  categories  of net  investment  income  are  summarized  as  follows  (in
millions):

                                                 Year ended December 31
                                            1998          1997          1996
                                           ------------------------------------

   Fixed maturities, available-for-sale     $1,525        $1,620        $1,649
   Equity securities, available-for-sale        32            39            33
   Mortgage loans                            1,171         1,150         1,085
   Real estate                                 525           501           486
   Policy loans                                 27            50            49
   Cash and cash equivalents                     9             9            15
   Other                                        49            92            48
                                           ------------------------------------
                                           ------------------------------------
                                             3,338         3,461         3,365

   Less investment expenses                   (517)         (513)         (460)
                                           ------------------------------------
                                           ====================================
   Net investment income                    $2,821        $2,948        $2,905
                                           ====================================


The major  components of net realized  capital gains (losses) on investments are
summarized as follows (in millions):

                                                  Year ended December 31
                                            1998          1997           1996
                                            ----------------------------------

   Fixed maturities, available-for-sale:
     Gross gains                             $ 67          $ 51          $ 80
     Gross losses                             (31)          (43)          (73)
   Equity securities, available-for-sale:
     Gross gains                              329           132           451
     Gross losses                             (40)          (26)           (5)
   Mortgage loans                               8            (6)          (11)
   Real estate                                126            64            14
   Other                                        7             4           (68)
                                            ==================================
   Net realized capital gains                $466          $176          $388
                                            ==================================

Proceeds from sales of  investments  (excluding  call and maturity  proceeds) in
fixed maturities were $2.8 billion,  $5.0 billion and $7.8 billion in 1998, 1997
and 1996 respectively.  Of the 1998, 1997 and 1996 proceeds,  $2.2 billion, $4.0
billion  and $7.2  billion,  respectively,  relates to sales of  mortgage-backed
securities.   The  Company  actively  manages  its  mortgage-backed   securities
portfolio to control  prepayment risk.  Gross gains of $23 million,  $29 million
and $64 million and gross  losses of $7 million,  $10 million and $53 million in
1998,  1997 and 1996,  respectively,  were realized on sales of  mortgage-backed
securities.  At December 31, 1998,  the Company had security  purchases  payable
totaling $576 million relating to the purchases of mortgage-backed securities at
forward dates.

Prior to 1996, the Company  entered into  short-term  equity swap  agreements to
mitigate  its  exposure  to  declines  in the  value  of about  one-half  of its
marketable  common stock  portfolio.  Under the  agreements,  the return on that
portion of the  Company's  marketable  common stock  portfolio was swapped for a
fixed short-term interest rate. The equity swaps were terminated during 1996 and
a  realized  loss  of $81  million  recorded.  Common  stocks  of  $633  million
associated  with these  equity  swaps were sold  during  1996 and a gain of $402
million recorded, resulting in a net realized gain of $321 million.

The  unrealized  appreciation  on  investments  in fixed  maturities  and equity
securities  available-for-sale  is reported as a separate  component  of equity,
reduced by adjustments to deferred policy acquisition costs and unearned revenue
reserves that would have been  required as a charge or credit to operations  had
such  amounts been  realized and a provision  for  deferred  income  taxes.  The
cumulative  amount of net  unrealized  gains on  available-for-sale  securities,
including  the net  unrealized  gains  on the  Closed  Block  available-for-sale
securities, is as follows (in millions):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                      December 31
                                                                                  1998           1997
                                                                              -----------------------------

<S>                                                                                <C>         <C>   
   Unrealized appreciation on fixed maturities, available-for-sale                 $939        $1,142
   Unrealized appreciation on equity securities, available-for-sale,
     including seed money in separate accounts                                      347           639
   Adjustments for assumed changes in amortization patterns:
     Deferred policy acquisition costs                                             (167)         (204)
     Unearned revenue reserves                                                       17            21
   Provision for deferred income taxes                                             (390)         (560)
                                                                              =============================
   Net unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities                           $746        $1,038
                                                                              =============================
</TABLE>

The  1998   decrease   in   unrealized   appreciation   on   fixed   maturities,
available-for-sale,  includes the effect of a change in the method of estimating
the fair value of  certain  corporate  bonds,  net of  related  adjustments  for
assumed  changes in  amortization  patterns and deferred  income taxes,  of $116
million.

Commercial  mortgage loans and corporate  private  placement bonds originated or
acquired by the Company represent its primary areas of credit risk exposure.  At
December 31, 1998 and 1997, the commercial  mortgage portfolio is diversified by
geographic region and specific collateral property type as follows:

                       Geographic Distribution        Property Type Distribution
                             December 31                        December 31

                           1998        1997                    1998       1997
                        ----------------------             --------------------
                        ----------------------             --------------------

   Pacific                 28%         28%          Industrial   33%        33%
   South Atlantic          24          24           Retail       33         33
   North Central           15          16           Office       29         29
   Mid Atlantic            14          14           Other         5          5
   South Central            9           9
   New England              5           5
   Mountain                 5           4

Mortgage  loans on real estate are considered  impaired  when,  based on current
information  and  events,  it is  probable  that the  Company  will be unable to
collect all amounts due according to  contractual  terms of the loan  agreement.
When the Company  determines  that a loan is impaired,  a provision  for loss is
established for the difference  between the carrying amount of the mortgage loan
and the estimated value. Estimated value is based on either the present value of
the expected future cash flows discounted at the loan's effective interest rate,
the  loan's  observable  market  price  or fair  value  of the  collateral.  The
provision for losses is reported as a net realized capital loss.

Mortgage loans deemed to be uncollectible  are charged against the allowance for
losses and subsequent  recoveries are credited to the allowance for losses.  The
allowance for losses is maintained at a level believed adequate by management to
absorb estimated probable credit losses. Management's periodic evaluation of the
adequacy of the allowance  for losses is based on the  Company's  past loan loss
experience,  known and inherent risks in the portfolio,  adverse situations that
may  affect  the  borrower's  ability  to  repay,  the  estimated  value  of the
underlying  collateral,  composition  of the loan  portfolio,  current  economic
conditions and other relevant factors.  The evaluation is inherently  subjective
as it requires  estimating  the amounts and timing of future cash flows expected
to be received on impaired loans that may change.

A summary of the changes in the mortgage loan allowance for losses is as follows
(in millions):

                                                  December 31
                                         1998        1997        1996
                                      ------------------------------------

   Balance at beginning of year           $121        $121        $115
   Provision for losses                      4           8          16
   Releases due to write-downs, 
     sales and foreclosures                (12)         (8)        (10)
                                      ====================================
   Balance at end of year                 $113        $121        $121
                                      ====================================

The corporate  private  placement  bond  portfolio is  diversified by issuer and
industry.  Restrictive  bond  covenants are monitored by the Company to regulate
the activities of issuers and control their leveraging capabilities.

The Company was servicing approximately 484,000 and 371,000 residential mortgage
loans with aggregate principal balances of approximately $42.1 billion and $29.1
billion at December 31, 1998 and 1997,  respectively.  In connection  with these
mortgage  servicing  activities,  the  Company  held  funds in trust for  others
totaling  approximately  $284  million and $210 million at December 31, 1998 and
1997, respectively.  In connection with its loan administration  activities, the
Company  advances  payments of property  taxes and  insurance  premiums and also
advances  principal and interest  payments to investors in advance of collecting
funds from specific mortgagors.  In addition, the Company makes certain payments
of attorney fees and other costs related to loans in foreclosure.  These amounts
receivable  are  recorded,  at cost,  as  advances on  serviced  loans.  Amounts
advanced  are  considered  in  management's  evaluation  of the  adequacy of the
mortgage loan allowance for losses.

Real estate  holdings and related  accumulated  depreciation  are as follows (in
millions):

                                                  December 31
                                              1998           1997
                                          -----------------------------

   Properties held for sale                   $1,043       $   360
   Investment real estate                      2,007         2,625
                                          -----------------------------
                                               3,050         2,985
   Accumulated depreciation                     (359)         (353)
                                          =============================
   Real estate, net                           $2,691        $2,632
                                          =============================

Other  investments  include  properties  owned jointly with venture partners and
operated by the  partners.  Joint  ventures in which the Company has an interest
have  mortgage  loans  with the  Company  of $0.9  billion  and $1.2  billion at
December 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively.  The Company is committed to providing
additional mortgage financing for such joint ventures aggregating $85 million at
December 31, 1998.


4. Derivatives Held or Issued for Purposes Other Than Trading

The Company uses exchange-traded  interest rate futures and forward contracts to
hedge against  interest rate risks.  The Company attempts to match the timing of
when interest rates are committed on insurance  products and on new investments.
However,  timing  differences do occur and can expose the Company to fluctuating
interest rates. Interest rate futures and forward contracts are used to minimize
these  risks.  In these  contracts,  the Company is subject to the risk that the
counterparties  will fail to perform and to the risks associated with changes in
the value of the underlying securities; however, such changes in value generally
are  offset by  opposite  changes  in the  value of the  hedged  items.  Futures
contracts  are  marked  to  market  and  settled  daily,   which  minimizes  the
counterparty  risk. The notional  amounts of futures  contracts ($140 million at
December 31, 1998, and $36 million at December 31, 1997) represent the extent of
the Company's  involvement  but not the risk of loss. The Company had no forward
contracts at December 31, 1998 and 1997.

The  Company  enters  into  interest  rate swaps to  minimize  its  exposure  to
fluctuations in interest rates. Swaps are used in asset and liability management
to modify duration and match cash flows. The notional  principal  amounts of the
swaps  outstanding  at December  31, 1998 and 1997,  were $1.6  billion and $1.0
billion, respectively, and the credit exposure at December 31, 1998 and 1997 was
$19 million and $21 million, respectively. The Company is exposed to credit loss
in the  event of  nonperformance  of the  counterparties.  This  credit  risk is
minimized  by  purchasing  such  agreements  from  financial  institutions  with
superior  performance records. The Company's current credit exposure on swaps is
limited to the value of interest  rate swaps that have become  favorable  to the
Company.  The average unexpired terms of the swaps were  approximately six years
at both December 31, 1998 and 1997.  The net amount  payable or receivable  from
interest  rate  swaps is  accrued  as an  adjustment  to  interest  income.  The
Company's  interest rate swap agreements include  cross-default  provisions when
two or more swaps are transacted with a given counterparty.

The Company  manages  risk on its mortgage  loan  pipeline by buying and selling
mortgage-backed  securities in the forward markets,  over-the-counter options on
mortgage-backed  securities,  U. S.  Treasury  futures  contracts and options on
Treasury futures contracts.  The Company entered into mandatory forward,  option
and futures contracts  totaling  approximately  $2.4 billion and $1.2 billion at
December  31,  1998 and  1997,  respectively,  to reduce  interest  rate risk on
certain  mortgage  loans  held for  sale  and  other  commitments.  The  forward
contracts provide for the delivery of securities at a specified future date at a
specified  price or yield.  In the event the  counterparty is unable to meet its
contractual  obligations,  the  Company  may be  exposed  to the risk of selling
mortgage loans at prevailing  market prices.  The effect of these  contracts was
considered in the lower of cost or market calculation of mortgage loans held for
sale.

The Company has  committed  to  originate  approximately  $1.1  billion and $612
million of mortgage loans at December 31, 1998 and 1997,  respectively,  subject
to borrowers meeting the Company's  underwriting  guidelines.  These commitments
call for the Company to fund such loans at a future  date with a specified  rate
at a specified  price.  Because the  borrowers  are not  obligated  to close the
loans, the Company is exposed to risks that it may not have sufficient  mortgage
loans  to  deliver  to its  mandatory  forward  contracts  and,  thus,  would be
obligated to purchase  mortgage  loans at  prevailing  market rates to meet such
commitments. Conversely, the Company is exposed to the risk that more loans than
expected will close, and the loans would then be sold at current market prices.

The  Company  uses  interest  rate floors and  options on futures  contracts  in
hedging a portion of its portfolio of mortgage  servicing rights from prepayment
risk  associated  with changes in interest  rates.  The Company had entered into
interest rate floor and option  contracts  with a notional value of $6.3 billion
and $3.1  billion at December  31, 1998 and 1997,  respectively.  The floors and
contracts  provide  for the receipt of payments  when  interest  rates are below
predetermined interest rate levels. The premiums paid for floors are included in
other assets in the Company's consolidated statements of financial position.

The Company  enters into currency  exchange swap  agreements to convert  certain
foreign  denominated  fixed rate assets into U.S. dollar  denominated fixed rate
assets  and  eliminate  the  exposure  to future  currency  volatility  on those
securities.  At December  31,  1998,  the Company had various  foreign  currency
exchange agreements with maturities ranging from 1999 to 2018, with an aggregate
notional amount involved of  approximately  $486 million and the credit exposure
was $35 million.  At December 31, 1997, such maturities ranged from 1998 to 2018
with an aggregate  notional  amount of  approximately  $410 million and a credit
exposure  of  $17  million.   The  average  unexpired  term  of  the  swaps  was
approximately seven years at both December 31, 1998 and 1997.


5. Closed Block

Summarized financial information of the Closed Block as of and for the six-month
period from formation to December 31, 1998, is as follows (in millions):

   Assets
   Fixed maturities, available-for-sale                            $1,722
   Mortgage loans                                                   1,063
   Policy loans                                                       741
   Other investments                                                    1
   Accrued investment income                                           60
   Deferred policy acquisition costs                                  649
   Other assets                                                        15
                                                                ===========
                                                                   $4,251
                                                                ===========

   Liabilities
   Future policy benefits and claims                               $4,668
   Other policyholder funds                                             6
   Policyholder dividends payable                                     393
   Other liabilities                                                  232
                                                                ===========
                                                                   $5,299
                                                                ===========

   Revenues and expenses
   Premiums                                                       $   390
   Net investment income                                              127
   Other income                                                         1
   Benefits, claims and settlement expenses                          (306)
   Dividends to policyholders                                        (143)
   Operating expenses                                                 (56)
                                                                ===========
   Contribution from the Closed Block (before income taxes)      $     13
                                                                ===========


6. Accident and Health Reserves

Activity  in the  liability  for unpaid  accident  and health  claims,  which is
included with future policy benefits and claims in the  consolidated  statements
of financial position, is summarized as follows (in millions):
                                                  Year ended December 31
                                            1998          1997          1996
                                           ------------------------------------

   Balance at beginning of year            $   770       $   800       $   810

   Incurred:
     Current year                            1,922         2,723         3,051
     Prior years                               (14)          (21)          (29)
                                           ------------------------------------
                                           ------------------------------------
   Total incurred                            1,908         2,702         3,022

   Reclassification for subsidiary merger
     (see Note 2)                              155             -             -
   Payments:
     Current year                            1,523         2,235         2,535
     Prior years                               359           497           497
                                           ------------------------------------
   Total payments                            2,037         2,732         3,032
                                           ------------------------------------

   Balance at end of year:
     Current year                              349           476           516
     Prior years                               292           294           284
                                           ------------------------------------
                                           ====================================
   Total balance at end of year            $   641       $   770       $   800
                                           ====================================

The activity  summary in the  liability  for unpaid  accident and health  claims
shows a decrease of $14 million, $21 million and $29 million to the December 31,
1997,   1996  and  1995  liability  for  unpaid   accident  and  health  claims,
respectively, arising in prior years. Such liability adjustments, which affected
current  operations  during 1998,  1997 and 1996,  respectively,  resulted  from
developed  claims for prior years being different than were anticipated when the
liabilities  for unpaid  accident and health claims were  originally  estimated.
These trends have been considered in establishing the current year liability for
unpaid accident and health claims.


7. Debt

The  components  of debt as of December  31, 1998 and  December  31, 1997 are as
follows (in millions):

                                                          December 31
                                                     1998           1997
                                                 ------------------------------

      7.875% notes payable, due 2024                  $199          $199
      8% notes payable, due 2044                        99            99
      Mortgages and other notes payable                373           161
                                                 ==============================
      Total debt                                      $671          $459
                                                 ==============================

On March 10, 1994, the Company  issued $300 million of surplus notes,  including
$200  million  due  March  1,  2024 at a  7.875%  annual  interest  rate and the
remaining  $100  million  due March 1, 2044 at an 8% annual  interest  rate.  No
affiliates of the Company hold any portion of the notes. The discount and direct
costs  associated  with issuing these notes are being  amortized to expense over
their respective  terms using the interest method.  Each payment of interest and
principal on the notes, however, may be made only with the prior approval of the
Commissioner  of Insurance of the State of Iowa (the  Commissioner)  and only to
the  extent  that the  Company  has  sufficient  surplus  earnings  to make such
payments. For each of the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996, interest
of $24 million was approved by the Commissioner, paid and charged to expense.

Subject to  Commissioner  approval,  the surplus  notes due March 1, 2024 may be
redeemed at the Company's election on or after March 1, 2004 in whole or in part
at a  redemption  price of  approximately  103.6% of par. The  approximate  3.6%
premium is scheduled to gradually  diminish over the following ten years.  These
surplus  notes may then be redeemed on or after March 1, 2014,  at a  redemption
price of 100% of the  principal  amount  plus  interest  accrued  to the date of
redemption.

In addition,  subject to Commissioner  approval, the notes due March 1, 2044 may
be redeemed at the Company's  election on or after March 1, 2014, in whole or in
part at a redemption price of approximately  102.3% of par. The approximate 2.3%
premium is scheduled to gradually  diminish over the following ten years.  These
notes may be redeemed on or after March 1, 2024,  at a redemption  price of 100%
of the principal amount plus interest accrued to the date of redemption.

The  mortgages  and  other  notes  payable  are   financings   for  real  estate
developments.  The Company has obtained  loans with  various  lenders to finance
these developments. Outstanding principal balances as of December 31, 1998 range
from $1 million to $39.1 million per  development  with interest rates generally
ranging  from 6.6% to 9.3%.  Outstanding  principal  balances as of December 31,
1997 range from $1 million to $10.7 million per development  with interest rates
generally ranging from 6.6% to 8.0%.

At  December  31,  1998,  future  annual  maturities  of debt are as follows (in
millions):

   1999                                       $150
   2000                                          9
   2001                                          8
   2002                                          8
   2003                                          9
   Thereafter                                  487
                                           ----------
                                           ==========
   Total future maturities of debt            $671
                                           ==========

Cash paid for interest for 1998, 1997 and 1996 was $97 million,  $67 million and
$79 million, respectively.

The  Company  issues  commercial  paper  periodically  to  meet  its  short-term
financing needs and also has credit  facilities with various banks.  The Company
had outstanding  credit  borrowings of $200 million and $225 million at December
31, 1998 and 1997,  respectively.  These outstanding  borrowings are included in
other liabilities in the consolidated statements of financial position.


8. Income Taxes

The Company's income tax expense (benefit) is as follows (in millions):

                                        Year ended December 31
                                  1998          1997          1996
                                 ---------------------------------------
   Current income taxes:
     Federal                      $ (80)          $144          $145
     State and foreign               10              3            (1)
     Net realized capital gains     107             11           210
                                 ---------------------------------------
   Total current income taxes        37            158           354
   Deferred income taxes              7             83           (50)
                                 =======================================
   Total income taxes               $44           $241          $304
                                 =======================================



The Company's provision for income taxes may not have the customary relationship
of taxes to income. Differences between the prevailing corporate income tax rate
of 35% times the pre-tax income and the Company's  effective tax rate on pre-tax
income are generally due to inherent  differences  between  income for financial
reporting  purposes  and  income  for tax  purposes,  and the  establishment  of
adequate  provisions  for any  challenges of the tax filings and tax payments to
the various taxing jurisdictions.  A reconciliation between the corporate income
tax rate and the effective tax rate is as follows (in millions):
                                                 Year ended December 31
                                            1998          1997          1996
                                           -----------------------------------

   Statutory corporate tax rate              35%           35%           35%
   Dividends received deduction              (4)           (2)           (1)
   Interest exclusion from taxable income    (1)           (1)           (1)
   Resolution of prior year tax issues      (20)            -             -
   Other                                     (4)            3             4
                                           -----------------------------------
   Effective tax rate                         6%           35%           37%
                                           ===================================

Significant components of the Company's net deferred income taxes are as follows
   (in millions):
                                                                 December 31
                                                             1998       1997
                                                            -------------------
   Deferred income tax assets (liabilities):
     Insurance liabilities                                   $ 171      $ 179
     Deferred policy acquisition costs                        (331)      (341)
     Net unrealized gains on available for sale securities    (390)      (560)
     Other                                                      53        (81)
                                                            ===================
                                                             $(497)     $(803)
                                                            ===================

The Internal  Revenue  Service (the  Service) has completed  examination  of the
consolidated  federal income tax returns of the Company and affiliated companies
through  1992.  The Service is  completing  their  examination  of the Company's
returns for 1993 and 1994.  The  Service  has also begun to examine  returns for
1995 and 1996. The Company believes that there are adequate  defenses against or
sufficient provisions for any challenges.

Undistributed   earnings  of  certain   foreign   subsidiaries   are  considered
indefinitely  reinvested by the Company. A tax liability will be recognized when
the Company expects  distribution of earnings in the form of dividends,  sale of
the investment or otherwise.

Cash paid for income  taxes was $309  million in 1998,  $143 million in 1997 and
$285 million in 1996.


9. Employee and Agent Benefits

The Company has defined benefit pension plans covering  substantially all of its
employees and certain  agents.  The  employees  and agents are  generally  first
eligible for the pension plans when they reach age 21. The pension  benefits are
based on the years of service and  generally the  employee's or agent's  average
annual  compensation  during the last five years of employment.  Partial benefit
accrual  of  pension  benefits  is  recognized  from  first   eligibility  until
retirement based on attained service divided by potential service to age 65 with
a minimum of 35 years of potential service.  The Company's policy is to fund the
cost of providing  pension  benefits in the years that the  employees and agents
are providing service to the Company. The Company's funding policy is to deposit
the actuarial  normal cost and any change in unfunded  accrued  liability over a
30-year period as a percentage of compensation.

The Company also provides certain health care, life insurance and long-term care
benefits for retired  employees.  Substantially all employees are first eligible
for these postretirement  benefits when they reach age 57 and have completed ten
years of service with the Company. Partial benefit accrual of these health, life
and long-term care benefits is recognized from the employee's date of hire until
retirement based on attained service divided by potential service to age 65 with
a minimum of 35 years of potential service.  The Company's policy is to fund the
cost of providing retiree benefits in the years that the employees are providing
service to the Company. The Company's funding policy is to deposit the actuarial
normal cost and an accrued  liability  over a 30-year  period as a percentage of
compensation.

The plans'  combined  funded  status,  reconciled  to amounts  recognized in the
consolidated  statements of financial  position and  consolidated  statements of
operations, is as follows (in millions):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                           Other Postretirement Benefits
                                              Pension Benefits
                                      ----------------------------------   -------------------------------
                                           Year ended December 31              Year ended December 31
                                        1998       1997        1996          1998       1997       1996
                                      --------- ----------- ------------   ---------- ---------- ---------
   <S>                                  <C>        <C>         <C>           <C>        <C>        <C>
   Change in benefit obligation
   Benefit obligation at beginning      $(700)     $(732)      $(670)        $(214)     $(218)     $(212)
     of year
   Service cost                           (34)       (41)        (38)          (12)       (12)       (12)
   Interest cost                          (50)       (52)        (46)          (15)       (16)       (15)
   Plan amendment                           -          -         (16)            -          -          -
   Actuarial gain (loss)                  (79)        97          19            22         22         14
   Curtailment adjustment                   -          7           -             -          -          -
   Benefits paid                           36         21          19            13         10          7
                                      ========= =========== ============   ========== ========== =========
   Benefit obligation at end of year    $(827)     $(700)      $(732)        $(206)     $(214)     $(218)
                                      ========= =========== ============   ========== ========== =========
</TABLE>


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                   Other Postretirement Benefits
                                                   Pension Benefits
                                         --------------------------------------    ------------------------------
                                                Year ended December 31                Year ended December 31
                                            1998        1997          1996          1998       1997       1996
                                         ----------- ------------ -------------   ---------- ---------- ----------
   <S>                                      <C>          <C>          <C>           <C>         <C>        <C>
   Change in plan assets
   Fair value of plan assets at
     beginning of year                      $980         $841         $723          $300        $247       $208
   Actual return on plan assets               23          130          118            15          41         32
   Employer contribution                      26           26           20            26          25         17
   Benefits paid                             (36)         (17)         (20)          (15)        (13)       (10)
                                         ----------- ------------ -------------   ---------- ---------- ----------
   Fair value of plan assets at end of      $993         $980         $841          $326        $300       $247
     year
                                         =========== ============ =============   ========== ========== ==========

   Funded status                            $166         $280         $109          $120        $ 86       $ 29
   Unrecognized net actuarial gain           (38)        (182)         (29)          (71)        (53)       (10)
   Unrecognized prior service cost            12           14           17             -           -          -
   Unamortized transition obligation         (37)         (49)         (60)            8          12         17
                                         ----------- ------------ -------------   ---------- ---------- ----------
   Prepaid benefit cost                     $103         $ 63         $ 37          $ 57        $ 45       $ 36
                                         =========== ============ =============   ========== ========== ==========

   Weighted-average assumptions as of
   December 31
   Discount rate                            6.75%        7.25%        7.25%          6.75%      7.25%      7.25%

   Components of net periodic benefit
     cost
   Service cost                             $ 34         $ 41         $ 38          $ 12        $ 12       $ 12
   Interest cost                              50           52           46            15          16         15
   Expected return on plan assets            (75)         (80)        (119)          (16)        (16)       (13)
   Amortization of prior service cost          1            1            1             -           -          -
   Amortization of transition (asset)
     obligation                              (11)         (11)         (11)            4           4          4
   Recognized net actuarial loss (gain)       (8)           2           52            (1)          -          -
                                         ----------- ------------ -------------   ---------- ---------- ----------
   Net periodic benefit cost (income)       $ (9)        $  5         $  7          $ 14        $ 16       $ 18
                                         =========== ============ =============   ========== ========== ==========
</TABLE>

For 1998,  1997 and 1996, the expected  long-term rates of return on plan assets
for pension benefits were  approximately  5%, 5% and 6.2%,  respectively  (after
estimated income taxes) for those trusts subject to income taxes. For trusts not
subject to income taxes,  the expected  long-term rates of return on plan assets
were  approximately  8.1%, 8.1% and 9.6% for 1998, 1997 and 1996,  respectively.
The assumed  rate of increase in future  compensation  levels  varies by age for
both the qualified and non-qualified pension plans.

For 1998,  1997 and 1996, the expected  long-term rates of return on plan assets
for  other  post-retirement   benefits  were  approximately  5%,  5%  and  6.2%,
respectively  (after  estimated income taxes) for those trusts subject to income
taxes. For trusts not subject to income taxes,  the expected  long-term rates of
return on plan assets were approximately  8.1%, 8.2% and 9.5% for 1998, 1997 and
1996,  respectively.  These rates of return on plan assets vary by benefit  type
and employee group.

The  assumed  health  care cost trend  rate used in  measuring  the  accumulated
postretirement  benefit  obligations  starts at 8.75% in 1998 and declines to an
ultimate  rate of 6% in 2025.  Assumed  health  care  cost  trend  rates  have a
significant  effect  on the  amounts  reported  for the  health  care  plans.  A
one-percentage-point  change in assumed  health care cost trend rates would have
the following effects (in millions):

                                             1-Percentage-     1-Percentage-
                                            Point Increase    Point Decrease
                                            ---------------   ---------------
   Effect on total of service and 
     interest cost components                    $ 9               $ (6)
   Effect on accumulated postretirement
     benefit obligation                          $43               $(34)

In  addition,  the  Company has defined  contribution  plans that are  generally
available  to all  employees  and  agents  who  are  age 21 or  older.  Eligible
participants  may  contribute up to 20% of their  compensation,  to a maximum of
$10,000  annually  to the  plans in 1998.  Eligible  participants  were  able to
contribute up to 15% of their  compensation,  to a maximum of $9,500 annually to
the plans in 1997 and 1996. The Company matches the  participant's  contribution
at a 50%  contribution  rate up to a maximum  Company  contribution of 2% of the
participant's  compensation.  The Company  contributed  $11 million in 1998, $15
million in 1997 and $13 million in 1996 to these defined contribution plans.


10. Reinsurance

Reinsurance  contracts  do not  relieve  the  Company  from its  obligations  to
policyowners.  Failure of reinsurers to honor their  obligations could result in
losses to the  Company.  To  minimize  the  possibility  of losses,  the Company
evaluates the financial  condition of its  reinsurers and  continually  monitors
concentrations of credit risk.

The effect of reinsurance on premiums and annuity and other  considerations  and
benefits, claims and settlement expenses is as follows (in millions):

                                                      Year ended December 31
                                            1998           1997         1996
                                           -----------------------------------
                                           -----------------------------------

Premiums and annuity and other 
considerations:
     Direct                                $3,380         $4,601       $5,034
     Assumed                                   59            106          116
     Ceded                                    (30)           (39)         (29)
                                           ===================================
Net premiums and annuity and other 
considerations                             $3,409         $4,668       $5,121
                                           ===================================
                                           ===================================

Benefits, claims and settlement expenses:
     Direct                                $4,739         $5,596       $6,003
     Assumed                                   66            102          109
     Ceded                                    (28)           (66)         (25)
                                           ===================================
Net benefits, claims and
     settlement expenses                   $4,777         $5,632       $6,087
                                           ===================================

Effective July 1, 1998, the Company no longer  participates in reinsurance pools
related to the Federal  Employee  Group Life  Insurance  and Service  Group Life
Insurance  programs.  In 1997, the premium assumed from these  arrangements  was
approximately $85 million.


11. Other Commitments and Contingencies

The Company,  as a lessor,  leases industrial,  office,  retail and other wholly
owned investment real estate properties under various  operating leases.  Rental
income for all operating  leases  totaled $362 million in 1998,  $344 million in
1997 and $310  million in 1996.  At December  31, 1998,  future  minimum  annual
rental commitments under these noncancelable operating leases are as follows (in
millions):

                                     Held for Sale    Held for     Total Rental
                                                     Investment     Commitments
                                     -------------------------------------------
   1999                                  $150          $   172         $   322
   2000                                   127              162             289
   2001                                   103              140             243
   2002                                    77              117             194
   2003                                    49               99             148
   Thereafter                             152              758             910
                                     ===========================================
Total future minimum lease receipts      $658           $1,448           $2,106
                                     ===========================================


The Company,  as a lessee,  leases  office  space,  data  processing  equipment,
corporate  aircraft and office  furniture and equipment under various  operating
leases.  Rental expense for all operating leases totaled $60 million in 1998 and
$84 million in both 1997 and 1996. At December 31, 1998,  future  minimum annual
rental commitments under these noncancelable operating leases are as follows (in
millions):

   1999                                                   $  44
   2000                                                      38
   2001                                                      28
   2002                                                      22
   2003                                                      14
   Thereafter                                                17
                                                        -----------
                                                            163
   Less future sublease rental income on these 
     noncancelable leases                                     6
                                                        ===========
   Total future minimum lease payments                     $157
                                                        ===========

The Company is a defendant in various legal actions arising in the normal course
of its investment and insurance  operations.  In the opinion of management,  any
losses  resulting  from the resolution of such actions would not have a material
effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

The Company is also subject to insurance  guarantee  laws in the states in which
it writes  business.  These  laws  provide  for  assessments  against  insurance
companies  for the  benefit  of  policyowners  and  claimants  in the  event  of
insolvency  of other  insurance  companies.  The  assessments  may be  partially
recovered  through  a  reduction  in future  premium  taxes in some  states.  At
December  31,  1998  and  1997,   approximately   $9  million  and  $6  million,
respectively,  is accrued in other liabilities in the consolidated statements of
financial  position for possible  guarantee fund  assessments  for which notices
have not been received and the Company does not  anticipate  receiving a premium
tax credit.


12. Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The following  discussion  describes the methods and assumptions utilized by the
Company in estimating  its fair value  disclosures  for  financial  instruments.
Certain financial instruments,  particularly  policyowner liabilities other than
investment   contracts,   are   excluded   from  these  fair  value   disclosure
requirements. The techniques utilized in estimating the fair values of financial
instruments are affected by the assumptions used,  including  discount rates and
estimates  of the  amount  and  timing  of future  cash  flows.  Care  should be
exercised in deriving  conclusions  about the Company's  business,  its value or
financial position based on the fair value information of financial  instruments
presented  below.  The  estimates  shown are not  necessarily  indicative of the
amounts that would be realized in a one-time,  current market exchange of all of
the Company's financial instruments.

The Company defines fair value as the quoted market prices for those instruments
that are actively  traded in  financial  markets.  In cases where quoted  market
prices are not available, fair values are estimated using present value or other
valuation  techniques.  The fair value estimates are made at a specific point in
time,  based on available  market  information and judgments about the financial
instrument,  including estimates of timing, amount of expected future cash flows
and the credit  standing of  counterparties.  Such estimates do not consider the
tax impact of the realization of unrealized gains or losses.  In many cases, the
fair value  estimates  cannot be  substantiated  by  comparison  to  independent
markets.  In  addition,  the  disclosed  fair value may not be  realized  in the
immediate settlement of the financial instrument.

Fair values of public debt and equity  securities  have been  determined  by the
Company from public quotations, when available. Private placement securities and
other fixed  maturities  and equity  securities  are valued by  discounting  the
expected total cash flows. Market rates used are applicable to the yield, credit
quality and average maturity of each security.

Fair values of  commercial  mortgage  loans are  determined by  discounting  the
expected  total cash flows using market rates that are  applicable to the yield,
credit quality and maturity of each loan.  Fair values of  residential  mortgage
loans are  determined by a pricing and  servicing  model using market rates that
are applicable to the yield, rate structure,  credit quality,  size and maturity
of each loan.

The fair values for assets classified as policy loans, other  investments,  cash
and  cash  equivalents  and  accrued   investment  income  in  the  accompanying
consolidated   statements  of  financial  position  approximate  their  carrying
amounts.

The fair values of the Company's  reserves and liabilities  for  investment-type
insurance contracts  (insurance,  annuity and other policy contracts that do not
involve  significant  mortality or morbidity risk and that are only a portion of
the  policyowner   liabilities  appearing  in  the  consolidated  statements  of
financial  position) are estimated using discounted cash flow analyses (based on
current  interest  rates being  offered for similar  contracts  with  maturities
consistent with those remaining for the investment-type contracts being valued).
The fair values for the Company's  insurance contracts  (insurance,  annuity and
other policy contracts that do involve significant mortality or morbidity risk),
other than  investment-type  contracts,  are not required to be  disclosed.  The
Company does consider,  however,  the various  insurance and investment risks in
choosing investments for both insurance and investment-type contracts.

Fair values for debt issues are estimated  using  discounted  cash flow analysis
based  on  the  Company's  incremental  borrowing  rate  for  similar  borrowing
arrangements.

The  carrying  amounts  and  estimated  fair values of the  Company's  financial
instruments at December 31, 1998 and 1997, are as follows (in millions):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             1998                         1997
                                                  ---------------------------  ----------------------------
                                                     Carrying       Fair         Carrying        Fair
                                                      Amount        Value         Amount         Value
                                                  ---------------------------  ----------------------------
   Assets (liabilities)
   <S>                                                <C>           <C>            <C>          <C>
   Fixed maturities (see Note 3)                      $21,006       $21,006        $21,546      $21,546
   Equity securities (see Note 3)                       1,102         1,102          1,273        1,273
   Mortgage loans                                      12,091        12,711         13,286       14,010
   Policy loans                                            25            25            749          749
   Other investments                                      349           349            130          130
   Cash and cash equivalents                              461           461            546          546
   Accrued investment income                              375           375            457          457
   Financial instruments included in Closed
     Block (see Note 5)                                 3,587         3,652              -            -
   Investment-type insurance contracts                (22,127)      (21,606)       (22,115)     (22,637)
   Debt                                                  (671)         (708)          (459)        (486)
</TABLE>


13. Statutory Insurance Financial Information

The Company  prepares  statutory  financial  statements in  accordance  with the
accounting  practices  prescribed or permitted by the Insurance  Division of the
Department of Commerce of the State of Iowa.  Currently  "prescribed"  statutory
accounting   practices  include  a  variety  of  publications  of  the  National
Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) as well as state laws, regulations
and general  administrative  rules.  "Permitted"  statutory accounting practices
encompass  all  accounting  practices  not  so  prescribed.  The  impact  of any
permitted  accounting  practices  on  statutory  surplus  is not  material.  The
accounting   practices  used  to  prepare  statutory  financial  statements  for
regulatory  filings  differ  in  certain  instances  from  GAAP.  Prescribed  or
permitted statutory accounting practices are used by state insurance departments
to regulate the Company.

The NAIC  has  adopted  the  Codification  of  Statutory  Accounting  Principles
(Codification), the result of which is expected to constitute the primary source
of "prescribed"  statutory accounting practices assuming formal adoption by Iowa
regulatory  authorities.  If adopted as proposed,  the codification  will likely
change, to some extent, prescribed statutory accounting practices and may result
in changes to the  accounting  practices  that the  Company  uses to prepare its
statutory-basis financial statements.  Codification will require adoption by the
various  states before it becomes the prescribed  statutory  basis of accounting
for  insurance  companies  domiciled  within  those  states.  The  impact on the
Company's statutory financial statements has not been determined at this time.

Life/Health  insurance companies are subject to certain risk-based capital (RBC)
requirements as specified by the NAIC. Under those  requirements,  the amount of
capital and  surplus  maintained  by a  life/health  insurance  company is to be
determined  based on the various  risk  factors  related to it. At December  31,
1998, the Company meets the RBC requirements.

The following summary reconciles the assets and stockholder's equity at December
31, 1998,  1997 and 1996,  and net income for the years ended December 31, 1998,
1997 and 1996, in accordance with statutory  reporting  practices  prescribed or
permitted by the Insurance  Division of the  Department of Commerce of the State
of Iowa with that reported in these  consolidated GAAP financial  statements (in
millions):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                             Stockholder's
                                                                  Assets        Equity        Net Income
                                                               ---------------------------------------------
                                                               ---------------------------------------------
<S>                                                               <C>             <C>            <C> 
   December 31, 1998
   As reported in accordance with statutory accounting
     practices - unconsolidated                                   $70,096         $3,032         $511
   Additions (deductions):
     Unrealized gain on fixed maturities available-for-sale           997            997            -
     Other investment adjustments                                   1,620          1,081          176
     Adjustments to insurance reserves and dividends                 (169)          (192)         (56)
     Deferral of policy acquisition costs                           1,105          1,105            -
     Surplus note reclassification as debt                              -           (298)           -
     Provision for deferred federal income taxes and other
       tax reclassifications                                            -           (475)         165
     Other - net                                                      294            219         (101)
                                                               =============================================
   As reported in these consolidated GAAP financial statements
                                                                  $73,943         $5,469         $695
                                                               =============================================

   December 31, 1997
   As reported in accordance with statutory accounting
     practices - unconsolidated                                   $63,957         $2,811         $432
   Additions (deductions):
     Unrealized gain on fixed maturities available-for-sale         1,176          1,176            -
     Other investment adjustments                                     853          1,141           27
     Adjustments to insurance reserves and dividends                 (173)          (131)         (41)
     Deferral of policy acquisition costs                           1,057          1,057           43
     Surplus note reclassification as debt                              -           (298)           -
     Provision for deferred federal income taxes and other
       tax reclassifications                                            -           (643)           7
     Other - net                                                      184            171          (14)
                                                               ---------------------------------------------
                                                               =============================================
   As reported in these consolidated GAAP financial statements
                                                                  $67,054         $5,284         $454
                                                               =============================================



                                                                                  Stockholder's
                                                                  Assets          Equity         Net Income
                                                               ---------------------------------------------
   December 31, 1996
   As reported in accordance with statutory accounting
     practices - unconsolidated                                   $56,837         $2,504         $415
   Additions (deductions):
     Unrealized gain on fixed maturities available-for-sale           964            964            -
     Other investment adjustments                                     355            901           53
     Adjustments to insurance reserves and dividends                 (156)          (115)         (41)
     Deferral of policy acquisition costs                           1,058          1,058           38
     Surplus note reclassification as debt                              -           (298)           -
     Provision for deferred federal income taxes and other
       tax reclassifications                                           (6)          (493)          60
     Other - net                                                       90            133            1
                                                               =============================================
   As reported in these consolidated GAAP financial statements
                                                                  $59,142         $4,654         $526
                                                               =============================================
</TABLE>


14. Dividends

On  December  1, 1998,  the  Company's  Board of  Directors  declared  dividends
comprising cash and other assets totaling $200 million to its sole  shareholder,
Principal  Financial  Services,  Inc. At December 31, 1998,  $140 million of the
dividends  have  been  paid  and the  remaining  balance  is  reported  in other
liabilities.


15. Year 2000 Issues (Unaudited)

In 1995, the Company began  investigating  the potential impact of the Year 2000
on its systems,  procedures,  customers  and business  processes.  The Year 2000
assessment provided information used to determine what system components must be
changed or replaced to minimize the impact of the  calendar  change from 1999 to
2000.

The Company will  continue to use  internal  and  external  resources to modify,
replace,  and test its  systems.  Management  estimates  100% of the  identified
modifications   to  mission   critical   systems  and  99%  of  the   identified
modifications  to other  systems have been  completed for its Year 2000 project.
The project  completion is scheduled to occur prior to any anticipated impact on
the Company  operations.  The total cost for the project is  estimated to be $20
million, with the costs being expensed as incurred until completion.

The  Company  faces  the risk  that  one or more of its  critical  suppliers  or
customers (external relationships) will not be able to interact with the Company
due to the third  party's  inability  to resolve its own Year 2000  issues.  The
Company has completed its inventory of external  relationships and is attempting
to determine the overall Year 2000 readiness of its external relationships.  The
Company is engaged  in  discussions  with the third  parties  and is  requesting
information  as to those  parties' Year 2000 plans and state of  readiness.  The
Company,  however,  does not have sufficient  information at the current time to
predict whether all of its external relationships will be Year 2000 ready.

While the Company  believes that it has addressed  its Year 2000  concerns,  the
Company has begun to develop  contingency/recovery  plans aimed at ensuring  the
continuity of critical  business  functions  before,  on and after  December 31,
1999.  The Company  expects  contingency/recovery  planning to be  substantially
complete  by April 1, 1999.  The Year 2000  contingency  plans will be  reviewed
periodically  throughout  1999 and revised as needed.  The Company  believes its
Year 2000  contingency  plans  coupled with  existing  "disaster  recovery"  and
"business resumption" plans minimize the impact Year 2000 issues may have on the
organization.

The process the Company is using  encourages the  developers of the  contingency
plans to look beyond traditional systems problems which may include supply chain
issues, economic conditions, social changes, political aspects and other factors
which could influence the success of the business and customers.
    

   
                                  APPENDIX - A

   SAMPLE ILLUSTRATIONS OF POLICY VALUES, SURRENDER VALUES AND DEATH BENEFITS


The following tables illustrate how the policy value,  surrender value and death
proceeds  of the  Policy  may  change  with  the  investment  experience  of the
Investment  Accounts.  The tables show how these amounts in the Policy vary over
time if planned periodic premiums are paid annually and if the investment return
of the  assets in the  Investment  Accounts  were a uniform,  gross,  after-tax,
annual rate of 0%, 6% or 12%.  The death  benefits and values would be different
from those shown if the return averaged 0%, 6% or 12%, but fluctuated  above and
below those averages  during the year.  Both death benefit option 1 and option 2
are illustrated.

The  illustrations  reflect a  hypothetical  Policy issued to a 55 year-old male
non-smoker,  Preferred  class.  Illustrations  for younger  males or for females
would be more favorable than those presented.  Illustrations  for older males or
smokers  would  be less  favorable.
o    Illustrations 1 and 3 reflect current  administrative and cost of insurance
     charges.
o    Illustrations 2, 4, 5 and 6 reflect the guaranteed  maximum  administration
     and  cost  of  insurance  charges.  (Illustrations  5  and  6  reflect  the
     guaranteed charges for Policies applied for in Texas only.)

The  illustrations  reflect all Policy  charges  including:
o    deductions from premiums for sales load and state and federal taxes;
o    monthly administration charges;
o    cost of insurance charge;
o    mortality and expense risks charge; and
o    contingent  deferred  sales load that may be  deducted  if the Policy  were
     fully surrendered or lapsed.

In addition, the illustrations reflect the weighted average of fees and expenses
of the Investment  Accounts  available through the Policy during the fiscal year
ending December 31, 1998. The Manager has agreed to reimburse operating expenses
of certain Account,  if necessary,  to limit total operating  expenses for those
Accounts during the year ending December 31, 1999.  More  information  about the
expense reimbursements can be found in the prospectus for the Principal Variable
Contracts Fund, Inc. which  accompanies this  prospectus.  There is no assurance
that the fee  reimbursement  program will  continue  beyond 1999. In the future,
fees and expenses of the  Accounts  may be more or less than those  shown.  Such
changes would make the operating expenses actually incurred by an Account differ
from the average rate used in the illustrations.

The illustrations are based on the assumption that:
o    payments are made according to the $16,000 annual target premium schedule;
o    no values are allocated to the Fixed Account;
o    no changes are made to the death benefit option or face amount;
o    no policy loans and/or partial surrenders are made; and
o    no riders are in effect.

Upon request, we will prepare a comparable  illustration based upon the proposed
insured's actual age, gender,  smoking status,  risk  classification and desired
Policy  features.  For those  illustrations,  you have option of selecting which
Investment  Accounts  (and their  specific  fees and  expenses)  are used. If no
selection  is  made,  the  illustration  is run  using a  hypothetical  weighted
average.

In advertisements or sales literature for the Policies that include  performance
data for one of more of the Investment  Accounts,  we may include policy values,
surrender  values and death benefit figures computed using the same methods that
were used in creating the following  illustrations.  However, the actual average
total rate of return for the specific Investment Account(s) will be used instead
of the weighted  average used in the following  illustrations.  This information
may be shown in the form of graphs,  charts, tables and examples. It may include
data for periods prior to the offering of the Policy for an Account that has had
performance during such prior period (with policy charges assumed to be equal to
current charges for any period(s) prior to the offering of the Policy).
    


                        PRINCIPAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
                                  PRINFLEX LIFE
                        MALE AGE 45 PREFERRED NON-SMOKER
                            ASSUMING CURRENT CHARGES
                                  (All States)
Illustration 1 

PLANNED PREMIUM $4,000

Initial Face Amount $250,000
 Death Benefit Option 1

                                Death Benefit (2)
                           Assuming Hypothetical Gross
                           Annual Investment Return of

 End of     Accumulated          0%             6%             12%       
  Year     Premiums (1)      (-.64% Net)    (5.36% Net)   (11.36% Net)   
  -----------------------------------------------------------------------

    1        $  4,200         $250,000       $250,000       $250,000     
    2           8,610          250,000        250,000        250,000     
    3          13,241          250,000        250,000        250,000     
    4          18,103          250,000        250,000        250,000     
    5          23,208          250,000        250,000        250,000     
    6          28,568          250,000        250,000        250,000     
    7          34,196          250,000        250,000        250,000     
    8          40,106          250,000        250,000        250,000     
    9          46,312          250,000        250,000        250,000     
   10          52,827          250,000        250,000        250,000     
   11          59,669          250,000        250,000        250,000     
   12          66,852          250,000        250,000        250,000     
   13          74,395          250,000        250,000        250,000     
   14          82,314          250,000        250,000        250,000     
   15          90,630          250,000        250,000        250,000     
   20         138,877          250,000        250,000        250,677     
   25         200,454          250,000        250,000        427,315     
   30         279,043          250,000        250,000        684,417     

                              Accumulated Value (2)
                           Assuming Hypothetical Gross
                           Annual Investment Return of

 End of     Accumulated        0%             6%             12%        
  Year     Premiums (1)    (-.64% Net)    (5.36% Net)   (11.36% Net)    
  ----------------------------------------------------------------------

    1        $  4,200        $ 2,970       $  3,169       $   3,368     
    2           8,610          5,874          6,456           7,063     
    3          13,241          8,684          9,838          11,089     
    4          18,103         11,425         13,344          15,507     
    5          23,208         14,099         16,979          20,358     
    6          28,568         16,698         20,744          25,684     
    7          34,196         19,221         24,642          31,533     
    8          40,106         21,654         28,665          37,947     
    9          46,312         23,984         32,806          44,977     
   10          52,827         26,375         37,303          53,020     
   11          59,669         28,772         42,073          62,024     
   12          66,852         31,111         47,064          72,028     
   13          74,395         33,403         52,298          83,157     
   14          82,314         35,669         57,809          95,563     
   15          90,630         37,838         63,549         109,344     
   20         138,877         46,701         95,832         205,473     
   25         200,454         51,181        135,470         368,375     
   30         279,043         46,710        184,765         639,642     

                               Surrender Value (2)
                           Assuming Hypothetical Gross
                           Annual Investment Return of

 End of     Accumulated           0%             6%              12%
  Year     Premiums (1)       (-.64% Net)    (5.36% Net)    (11.36% Net)
  ----------------------------------------------------------------------

    1        $  4,200         $   1,121      $   1,320      $    1,520
    2           8,610             3,598          4,181           4,788
    3          13,241             4,553          5,707           6,958
    4          18,103             7,295          9,213          11,376
    5          23,208             9,968         12,849          16,228
    6          28,568            12,763         16,810          21,750
    7          34,196            15,680         21,102          27,992
    8          40,106            18,704         25,714          34,997
    9          46,312            21,821         30,643          42,813
   10          52,827            25,195         36,123          51,840
   11          59,669            28,772         42,073          62,024
   12          66,852            31,111         47,064          72,028
   13          74,395            33,403         52,298          83,157
   14          82,314            35,669         57,809          95,563
   15          90,630            37,838         63,549         109,344
   20         138,877            46,701         95,832         205,473
   25         200,454            51,181        135,470         368,375
   30         279,043            46,710        184,765         639,642

(1) Assumes net interest of 5% compounded annually.

(2) Assumes no policy loan has been made.

The death benefit, accumulated value and surrender value will differ if premiums
are  paid in  different  amounts  or  frequencies.  It is  emphasized  that  the
hypothetical  investment  results are illustrative only and should not be deemed
to be a representation of past or future investment  results.  Actual investment
results may be more or less than those  shown.  The death  benefit,  accumulated
value and  surrender  value for a policy would be different  from those shown if
actual rates of investment  return  applicable to the policy  averaged 0%, 6% or
12% over a period of years,  but also fluctuated above or below that average for
individual  policy years.  The death  benefit,  accumulated  value and surrender
value for a policy  would also be different  from those shown,  depending on the
investment  allocations made to the investment divisions of the separate account
and the different rates or return of the Fund portfolios, if the actual rates of
investment  return  applicable to the policy  averaged 0%, 6% or 12%, but varied
above or below that average for individual divisions.  No representations can be
made that these hypothetical rates of return can be achieved for any one year or
sustained over any period of time.

                        PRINCIPAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
                                  PRINFLEX LIFE
                        MALE AGE 45 PREFERRED NON-SMOKER
                           ASSUMING GUARANTEED CHARGES
                            (All States Except Texas)
Illustration 2

PLANNED PREMIUM $4,000

Initial Face Amount $250,000
Death Benefit Option 1

                                Death Benefit (2)
                           Assuming Hypothetical Gross
                           Annual Investment Return of

 End of     Accumulated          0%             6%             12%    
  Year     Premiums (1)      (-.64% Net)    (5.36% Net)   (11.36% Net)
  --------------------------------------------------------------------

    1        $  4,200         $250,000       $250,000       $250,000  
    2           8,610          250,000        250,000        250,000  
    3          13,241          250,000        250,000        250,000  
    4          18,103          250,000        250,000        250,000  
    5          23,208          250,000        250,000        250,000  
    6          28,568          250,000        250,000        250,000  
    7          34,196          250,000        250,000        250,000  
    8          40,106          250,000        250,000        250,000  
    9          46,312          250,000        250,000        250,000  
   10          52,827          250,000        250,000        250,000  
   11          59,669          250,000        250,000        250,000  
   12          66,852          250,000        250,000        250,000  
   13          74,395          250,000        250,000        250,000  
   14          82,314          250,000        250,000        250,000  
   15          90,630          250,000        250,000        250,000  
   20         138,877          250,000        250,000        250,000  
   25         200,454          250,000        250,000        350,708  
   30         279,043            -            250,000        559,445  

                              Accumulated Value (2)
                           Assuming Hypothetical Gross
                           Annual Investment Return of

 End of     Accumulated        0%             6%             12%     
  Year     Premiums (1)    (-.64% Net)    (5.36% Net)   (11.36% Net) 
  -------------------------------------------------------------------

    1        $  4,200        $ 2,716        $ 2,907       $   3,098  
    2           8,610          5,362          5,912           6,487  
    3          13,241          7,905          8,988          10,163  
    4          18,103         10,341         12,131          14,151  
    5          23,208         12,667         15,339          18,481  
    6          28,568         14,872         18,607          23,181  
    7          34,196         16,947         21,926          28,281  
    8          40,106         18,878         25,286          33,813  
    9          46,312         20,651         28,675          39,815  
   10          52,827         22,398         32,288          46,625  
   11          59,669         24,071         36,050          54,192  
   12          66,852         25,556         39,852          62,490  
   13          74,395         26,843         43,694          71,613  
   14          82,314         27,915         47,563          81,660  
   15          90,630         28,742         51,443          92,740  
   20         138,877         28,063         70,294         169,273  
   25         200,454         14,780         85,581         302,334  
   30         279,043            -           90,648         522,846  

                               Surrender Value (2)
                           Assuming Hypothetical Gross
                           Annual Investment Return of

 End of     Accumulated         0%             6%              12%
  Year     Premiums (1)     (-.64% Net)    (5.36% Net)    (11.36% Net)
  --------------------------------------------------------------------

    1        $  4,200       $     867      $   1,058     $     1,250
    2           8,610           3,086          3,637           4,211
    3          13,241           3,774          4,857           6,032
    4          18,103           6,211          8,000          10,020
    5          23,208           8,536         11,208          14,350
    6          28,568          10,938         14,673          19,247
    7          34,196          13,406         18,386          24,740
    8          40,106          15,927         22,336          30,863
    9          46,312          18,487         26,511          37,651
   10          52,827          21,218         31,108          45,445
   11          59,669          24,071         36,050          54,192
   12          66,852          25,556         39,852          62,490
   13          74,395          26,843         43,694          71,613
   14          82,314          27,915         47,563          81,660
   15          90,630          28,742         51,443          92,740
   20         138,877          28,063         70,294         169,273
   25         200,454          14,780         85,581         302,334
   30         279,043             -           90,648         522,846

(1) Assumes net interest of 5% compounded annually.

(2) Assumes no policy loan has been made.

The death benefit, accumulated value and surrender value will differ if premiums
are  paid in  different  amounts  or  frequencies.  It is  emphasized  that  the
hypothetical  investment  results are illustrative only and should not be deemed
to be a representation of past or future investment  results.  Actual investment
results may be more or less than those  shown.  The death  benefit,  accumulated
value and  surrender  value for a policy would be different  from those shown if
actual rates of investment  return  applicable to the policy  averaged 0%, 6% or
12% over a period of years,  but also fluctuated above or below that average for
individual  policy years.  The death  benefit,  accumulated  value and surrender
value for a policy  would also be different  from those shown,  depending on the
investment  allocations made to the investment divisions of the separate account
and the different rates or return of the Fund portfolios, if the actual rates of
investment  return  applicable to the policy  averaged 0%, 6% or 12%, but varied
above or below that average for individual divisions.  No representations can be
made that these hypothetical rates of return can be achieved for any one year or
sustained over any period of time.

                        PRINCIPAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
                                  PRINFLEX LIFE
                        MALE AGE 45 PREFERRED NON-SMOKER
                            ASSUMING CURRENT CHARGES
                                  (All States)
Illustration 3

PLANNED PREMIUM $4,000

Initial Face Amount $250,000
Death Benefit Option 2

                                Death Benefit (2)
                           Assuming Hypothetical Gross
                           Annual Investment Return of

 End of     Accumulated          0%             6%             12%      
  Year     Premiums (1)      (-.64% Net)    (5.36% Net)   (11.36% Net)  
  ----------------------------------------------------------------------

    1        $  4,200         $252,961       $253,159       $253,358    
    2           8,610          255,847        256,427        257,031    
    3          13,241          258,630        259,776        261,018    
    4          18,103          261,334        263,235        265,377    
    5          23,208          263,959        266,806        270,145    
    6          28,568          266,499        270,487        275,355    
    7          34,196          268,951        274,279        281,050    
    8          40,106          271,299        278,169        287,259    
    9          46,312          273,527        282,143        294,019    
   10          52,827          275,794        286,427        301,703    
   11          59,669          278,046        290,934        310,243    
   12          66,852          280,223        295,613        319,663    
   13          74,395          282,334        300,482        330,070    
   14          82,314          284,407        305,574        341,599    
   15          90,630          286,354        310,814        354,282    
   20         138,877          293,550        338,717        439,110    
   25         200,454          295,069        368,267        574,966    
   30         279,043          285,472        393,394        789,317    

                              Accumulated Value (2)
                           Assuming Hypothetical Gross
                           Annual Investment Return of

 End of     Accumulated        0%             6%             12%      
  Year     Premiums (1)    (-.64% Net)    (5.36% Net)   (11.36% Net)  
  --------------------------------------------------------------------

    1        $  4,200        $ 2,961       $  3,159       $   3,358   
    2           8,610          5,847          6,427           7,031   
    3          13,241          8,630          9,776          11,018   
    4          18,103         11,334         13,235          15,377   
    5          23,208         13,959         16,806          20,145   
    6          28,568         16,499         20,487          25,355   
    7          34,196         18,951         24,279          31,050   
    8          40,106         21,299         28,169          37,259   
    9          46,312         23,527         32,143          44,019   
   10          52,827         25,794         36,427          51,703   
   11          59,669         28,046         40,934          60,243   
   12          66,852         30,223         45,613          69,663   
   13          74,395         32,334         50,482          80,070   
   14          82,314         34,407         55,574          91,599   
   15          90,630         36,354         60,814         104,282   
   20         138,877         43,550         88,717         189,110   
   25         200,454         45,069        118,267         324,966   
   30         279,043         35,472        143,394         539,317   

                               Surrender Value (2)
                           Assuming Hypothetical Gross
                           Annual Investment Return of

 End of     Accumulated       0%             6%              12%
  Year     Premiums (1)   (-.64% Net)    (5.36% Net)    (11.36% Net)
  ------------------------------------------------------------------

    1        $  4,200     $   1,112      $   1,311      $    1,510
    2           8,610         2,901          3,480           4,084
    3          13,241         4,499          5,645           6,887
    4          18,103         7,203          9,104          11,246
    5          23,208         9,828         12,675          16,014
    6          28,568        12,565         16,553          21,421
    7          34,196        15,411         20,739          27,509
    8          40,106        18,348         25,218          34,309
    9          46,312        21,364         29,979          41,855
   10          52,827        24,614         35,246          50,523
   11          59,669        28,046         40,934          60,243
   12          66,852        30,223         45,613          69,663
   13          74,395        32,334         50,482          80,070
   14          82,314        34,407         55,574          91,599
   15          90,630        36,354         60,814         104,282
   20         138,877        43,550         88,717         189,110
   25         200,454        45,069        118,267         324,966
   30         279,043        35,472        143,394         539,317

(1) Assumes net interest of 5% compounded annually.

(2) Assumes no policy loan has been made.

The death benefit, accumulated value and surrender value will differ if premiums
are  paid in  different  amounts  or  frequencies.  It is  emphasized  that  the
hypothetical  investment  results are illustrative only and should not be deemed
to be a representation of past or future investment  results.  Actual investment
results may be more or less than those  shown.  The death  benefit,  accumulated
value and  surrender  value for a policy would be different  from those shown if
actual rates of investment  return  applicable to the policy  averaged 0%, 6% or
12% over a period of years,  but also fluctuated above or below that average for
individual  policy years.  The death  benefit,  accumulated  value and surrender
value for a policy  would also be different  from those shown,  depending on the
investment  allocations made to the investment divisions of the separate account
and the different rates or return of the Fund portfolios, if the actual rates of
investment  return  applicable to the policy  averaged 0%, 6% or 12%, but varied
above or below that average for individual divisions.  No representations can be
made that these hypothetical rates of return can be achieved for any one year or
sustained over any period of time.


                        PRINCIPAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
                                  PRINFLEX LIFE
                        MALE AGE 45 PREFERRED NON-SMOKER
                           ASSUMING GUARANTEED CHARGES
                            (All States Except Texas)
Illustration 4 

PLANNED PREMIUM $4,000

Initial Face Amount $250,000
Death Benefit Option 2

                                Death Benefit (2)
                           Assuming Hypothetical Gross
                           Annual Investment Return of

 End of     Accumulated          0%             6%             12%     
  Year     Premiums (1)      (-.64% Net)    (5.36% Net)   (11.36% Net) 
  ---------------------------------------------------------------------

    1        $  4,200         $252,705       $252,895       $253,086   
    2           8,610          255,328        255,876        256,447   
    3          13,241          257,838        258,911        260,075   
    4          18,103          260,228        261,995        263,990   
    5          23,208          262,492        265,122        268,213   
    6          28,568          264,620        268,282        272,763   
    7          34,196          266,600        271,459        277,657   
    8          40,106          268,415        274,639        282,913   
    9          46,312          270,050        277,799        288,547   
   10          52,827          271,628        281,121        294,865   
   11          59,669          273,102        284,520        301,786   
   12          66,852          274,354        287,875        309,246   
   13          74,395          275,374        291,172        317,291   
   14          82,314          276,139        294,381        325,958   
   15          90,630          276,619        297,464        335,282   
   20         138,877          273,520        309,345        393,027   
   25         200,454          257,169        309,146        472,628   
   30         279,043             -           283,320        577,509   

                              Accumulated Value (2)
                           Assuming Hypothetical Gross
                           Annual Investment Return of

 End of     Accumulated        0%             6%             12%     
  Year     Premiums (1)    (-.64% Net)    (5.36% Net)   (11.36% Net) 
  -------------------------------------------------------------------

    1        $  4,200        $ 2,705        $ 2,895       $   3,086  
    2           8,610          5,328          5,876           6,447  
    3          13,241          7,838          8,911          10,075  
    4          18,103         10,228         11,995          13,990  
    5          23,208         12,492         15,122          18,213  
    6          28,568         14,620         18,282          22,763  
    7          34,196         16,600         21,459          27,657  
    8          40,106         18,415         24,639          32,913  
    9          46,312         20,050         27,799          38,547  
   10          52,827         21,628         31,121          44,865  
   11          59,669         23,102         34,520          51,786  
   12          66,852         24,354         37,875          59,246  
   13          74,395         25,374         41,172          67,291  
   14          82,314         26,139         44,381          75,958  
   15          90,630         26,619         47,464          85,282  
   20         138,877         23,520         59,345         143,027  
   25         200,454          7,169         59,146         222,628  
   30         279,043           -            33,320         327,509  

                               Surrender Value (2)
                           Assuming Hypothetical Gross
                           Annual Investment Return of

 End of     Accumulated       0%             6%              12%
  Year     Premiums (1)   (-.64% Net)    (5.36% Net)    (11.36% Net)
  ------------------------------------------------------------------

    1        $  4,200     $     856       $  1,046      $    1,237
    2           8,610         2,382          2,929           3,500
    3          13,241         3,707          4,780           5,944
    4          18,103         6,097          7,864           9,859
    5          23,208         8,361         10,991          14,082
    6          28,568        10,686         14,347          18,829
    7          34,196        13,059         17,919          24,117
    8          40,106        15,465         21,688          29,963
    9          46,312        17,886         25,636          36,384
   10          52,827        20,448         29,941          43,685
   11          59,669        23,102         34,520          51,786
   12          66,852        24,354         37,875          59,246
   13          74,395        25,374         41,172          67,291
   14          82,314        26,139         44,381          75,958
   15          90,630        26,619         47,464          85,282
   20         138,877        23,520         59,345         143,027
   25         200,454         7,169         59,146         222,628
   30         279,043          -            33,320         327,509

(1) Assumes net interest of 5% compounded annually.

(2) Assumes no policy loan has been made.

The death benefit, accumulated value and surrender value will differ if premiums
are  paid in  different  amounts  or  frequencies.  It is  emphasized  that  the
hypothetical  investment  results are illustrative only and should not be deemed
to be a representation of past or future investment  results.  Actual investment
results may be more or less than those  shown.  The death  benefit,  accumulated
value and  surrender  value for a policy would be different  from those shown if
actual rates of investment  return  applicable to the policy  averaged 0%, 6% or
12% over a period of years,  but also fluctuated above or below that average for
individual  policy years.  The death  benefit,  accumulated  value and surrender
value for a policy  would also be different  from those shown,  depending on the
investment  allocations made to the investment divisions of the separate account
and the different rates or return of the Fund portfolios, if the actual rates of
investment  return  applicable to the policy  averaged 0%, 6% or 12%, but varied
above or below that average for individual divisions.  No representations can be
made that these hypothetical rates of return can be achieved for any one year or
sustained over any period of time.


                        PRINCIPAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
                                  PRINFLEX LIFE
                        MALE AGE 45 PREFERRED NON-SMOKER
                           ASSUMING GUARANTEED CHARGES
                                  (Texas Only)
Illustration 5

PLANNED PREMIUM $4,000

Initial Face Amount $250,000
Death Benefit Option 1

                                Death Benefit (2)
                           Assuming Hypothetical Gross
                           Annual Investment Return of

 End of     Accumulated          0%             6%             12%     
  Year     Premiums (1)      (-.64% Net)    (5.36% Net)   (11.36% Net) 
  ---------------------------------------------------------------------

    1        $  4,200         $250,000       $250,000       $250,000   
    2           8,610          250,000        250,000        250,000   
    3          13,241          250,000        250,000        250,000   
    4          18,103          250,000        250,000        250,000   
    5          23,208          250,000        250,000        250,000   
    6          28,568          250,000        250,000        250,000   
    7          34,196          250,000        250,000        250,000   
    8          40,106          250,000        250,000        250,000   
    9          46,312          250,000        250,000        250,000   
   10          52,827          250,000        250,000        250,000   
   11          59,669          250,000        250,000        250,000   
   12          66,852          250,000        250,000        250,000   
   13          74,395          250,000        250,000        250,000   
   14          82,314          250,000        250,000        250,000   
   15          90,630          250,000        250,000        250,000   
   20         138,877          250,000        250,000        250,000   
   25         200,454          250,000        250,000        350,763   
   30         279,043             -           250,000        559,576   

                              Accumulated Value (2)
                           Assuming Hypothetical Gross
                           Annual Investment Return of

 End of     Accumulated       0%             6%             12%     
  Year     Premiums (1)   (-.64% Net)    (5.36% Net)   (11.36% Net) 
  ------------------------------------------------------------------

    1        $  4,200       $ 2,716        $ 2,907       $   3,098  
    2           8,610         5,362          5,912           6,487  
    3          13,241         7,905          8,988          10,163  
    4          18,103        10,341         12,131          14,151  
    5          23,208        12,667         15,339          18,481  
    6          28,568        14,872         18,607          23,181  
    7          34,196        16,947         21,926          28,281  
    8          40,106        18,878         25,286          33,813  
    9          46,312        20,651         28,675          39,815  
   10          52,827        22,398         32,288          46,625  
   11          59,669        24,071         36,050          54,192  
   12          66,852        25,556         39,852          62,490  
   13          74,395        26,843         43,694          71,613  
   14          82,314        27,915         47,563          81,660  
   15          90,630        28,744         51,446          92,742  
   20         138,877        28,086         70,316         169,290  
   25         200,454        14,878         85,675         302,382  
   30         279,043          -            90,969         522,968  

                               Surrender Value (2)
                           Assuming Hypothetical Gross
                           Annual Investment Return of

 End of     Accumulated        0%             6%              12%
  Year     Premiums (1)    (-.64% Net)    (5.36% Net)    (11.36% Net)
  -------------------------------------------------------------------

    1        $  4,200      $     867      $   1,058        $  1,250
    2           8,610          3,087          3,638           4,213
    3          13,241          3,774          4,857           6,032
    4          18,103          6,211          8,000          10,020
    5          23,208          8,536         11,208          14,350
    6          28,568         10,938         14,673          19,247
    7          34,196         13,406         18,386          24,740
    8          40,106         15,927         22,336          30,863
    9          46,312         18,487         26,511          37,651
   10          52,827         21,218         31,108          45,445
   11          59,669         24,071         36,050          54,192
   12          66,852         25,556         39,852          62,490
   13          74,395         26,843         43,694          71,613
   14          82,314         27,915         47,563          81,660
   15          90,630         28,744         51,446          92,742
   20         138,877         28,086         70,316         169,290
   25         200,454         14,878         85,675         302,382
   30         279,043           -            90,969         522,968

(1) Assumes net interest of 5% compounded annually.

(2) Assumes no policy loan has been made.

The death benefit, accumulated value and surrender value will differ if premiums
are  paid in  different  amounts  or  frequencies.  It is  emphasized  that  the
hypothetical  investment  results are illustrative only and should not be deemed
to be a representation of past or future investment  results.  Actual investment
results may be more or less than those  shown.  The death  benefit,  accumulated
value and  surrender  value for a policy would be different  from those shown if
actual rates of investment  return  applicable to the policy  averaged 0%, 6% or
12% over a period of years,  but also fluctuated above or below that average for
individual  policy years.  The death  benefit,  accumulated  value and surrender
value for a policy  would also be different  from those shown,  depending on the
investment  allocations made to the investment divisions of the separate account
and the different rates or return of the Fund portfolios, if the actual rates of
investment  return  applicable to the policy  averaged 0%, 6% or 12%, but varied
above or below that average for individual divisions.  No representations can be
made that these hypothetical rates of return can be achieved for any one year or
sustained over any period of time.


                        PRINCIPAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
                                  PRINFLEX LIFE
                        MALE AGE 45 PREFERRED NON-SMOKER
                           ASSUMING GUARANTEED CHARGES
                                  (Texas Only)
Illustration 6

PLANNED PREMIUM $4,000

Initial Face Amount $250,000
Death Benefit Option 2

                                Death Benefit (2)
                           Assuming Hypothetical Gross
                           Annual Investment Return of

 End of     Accumulated          0%             6%             12%     
  Year     Premiums (1)      (-.64% Net)    (5.36% Net)   (11.36% Net) 
  ---------------------------------------------------------------------

    1        $  4,200         $252,705       $252,895       $253,086   
    2           8,610          255,328        255,876        256,447   
    3          13,241          257,838        258,911        260,075   
    4          18,103          260,228        261,995        263,990   
    5          23,208          262,492        265,122        268,213   
    6          28,568          264,620        268,282        272,763   
    7          34,196          266,600        271,459        277,657   
    8          40,106          268,415        274,639        282,913   
    9          46,312          270,050        277,799        288,547   
   10          52,827          271,628        281,121        294,865   
   11          59,669          273,102        284,520        301,786   
   12          66,852          274,354        287,875        309,246   
   13          74,395          275,374        291,172        317,291   
   14          82,314          276,139        294,381        325,958   
   15          90,630          276,621        297,467        335,285   
   20         138,877          273,544        309,373        393,059   
   25         200,454          257,268        309,269        472,780   
   30         279,043             -           283,718        578,038   

                              Accumulated Value (2)
                           Assuming Hypothetical Gross
                           Annual Investment Return of

 End of     Accumulated       0%             6%             12%     
  Year     Premiums (1)   (-.64% Net)    (5.36% Net)   (11.36% Net) 
  ------------------------------------------------------------------

    1        $  4,200       $ 2,705        $ 2,895       $   3,086  
    2           8,610         5,328          5,876           6,447  
    3          13,241         7,838          8,911          10,075  
    4          18,103        10,228         11,995          13,990  
    5          23,208        12,492         15,122          18,213  
    6          28,568        14,620         18,282          22,763  
    7          34,196        16,600         21,459          27,657  
    8          40,106        18,415         24,639          32,913  
    9          46,312        20,050         27,799          38,547  
   10          52,827        21,628         31,121          44,865  
   11          59,669        23,102         34,520          51,786  
   12          66,852        24,354         37,875          59,246  
   13          74,395        25,374         41,172          67,291  
   14          82,314        26,139         44,381          75,958  
   15          90,630        26,621         47,467          85,285  
   20         138,877        23,544         59,373         143,059  
   25         200,454         7,268         59,269         222,780  
   30         279,043          -            33,718         328,038  

                               Surrender Value (2)
                           Assuming Hypothetical Gross
                           Annual Investment Return of

 End of     Accumulated      0%             6%              12%
  Year     Premiums (1)  (-.64% Net)    (5.36% Net)    (11.36% Net)
  -----------------------------------------------------------------

    1        $  4,200     $    856       $  1,046       $   1,237
    2           8,610        2,382          2,929           3,500
    3          13,241        3,707          4,780           5,944
    4          18,103        6,097          7,864           9,859
    5          23,208        8,361         10,991          14,082
    6          28,568       10,686         14,347          18,829
    7          34,196       13,059         17,919          24,117
    8          40,106       15,465         21,688          29,963
    9          46,312       17,886         25,636          36,384
   10          52,827       20,448         29,941          43,685
   11          59,669       23,102         34,520          51,786
   12          66,852       24,354         37,875          59,246
   13          74,395       25,374         41,172          67,291
   14          82,314       26,139         44,381          75,958
   15          90,630       26,621         47,467          85,285
   20         138,877       23,544         59,373         143,059
   25         200,454        7,268         59,269         222,780
   30         279,043          -           33,718         328,038

(1) Assumes net interest of 5% compounded annually.

(2) Assumes no policy loan has been made.

The death benefit, accumulated value and surrender value will differ if premiums
are  paid in  different  amounts  or  frequencies.  It is  emphasized  that  the
hypothetical  investment  results are illustrative only and should not be deemed
to be a representation of past or future investment  results.  Actual investment
results may be more or less than those  shown.  The death  benefit,  accumulated
value and  surrender  value for a policy would be different  from those shown if
actual rates of investment  return  applicable to the policy  averaged 0%, 6% or
12% over a period of years,  but also fluctuated above or below that average for
individual  policy years.  The death  benefit,  accumulated  value and surrender
value for a policy  would also be different  from those shown,  depending on the
investment  allocations made to the investment divisions of the separate account
and the different rates or return of the Fund portfolios, if the actual rates of
investment  return  applicable to the policy  averaged 0%, 6% or 12%, but varied
above or below that average for individual divisions.  No representations can be
made that these hypothetical rates of return can be achieved for any one year or
sustained over any period of time.


<TABLE>
                                                    APPENDIX B

                                                  TARGET PREMIUMS
                                           ANNUAL PER $1,000 FACE AMOUNT
                                               NONSMOKER AND SMOKER

<CAPTION>
  Age*            Male             Female          Unisex           Age*             Male             Female            Unisex

<S><C>          <C>              <C>              <C>                 <C>         <C>                <C>                <C>     
    0           $  3.50          $   2.83         $  3.41             43          $   12.91          $  10.82           $  12.64
    1              3.50              2.83            3.41             44              13.59             11.36              13.30
    2              3.50              2.83            3.41             45              14.31             11.93              14.00
    3              3.50              2.83            3.41             46              15.09             12.53              14.76
    4              3.50              2.83            3.41             47              15.90             13.16              15.54
    5              3.50              2.83            3.41             48              16.77             13.83              16.39
    6              3.50              2.83            3.41             49              17.70             14.54              17.29
    7              3.50              2.83            3.41             50              18.68             15.30              18.24
    8              3.50              2.83            3.41             51              19.74             16.10              19.27
    9              3.50              2.83            3.41             52              20.86             16.94              20.35
   10              3.50              2.83            3.41             53              22.05             17.85              21.50
   11              3.65              2.91            3.55             54              23.32             18.80              22.73
   12              3.80              3.00            3.70             55              24.67             19.82              24.04
   13              3.95              3.08            3.84             56              26.11             20.90              25.43
   14              4.10              3.17            3.98             57              27.65             22.05              26.92
   15              4.25              3.25            4.12             58              29.30             23.29              28.52
   16              4.62              3.63            4.49             59              31.05             24.62              30.21
   17              4.99              4.00            4.86             60              32.93             26.06              32.04
   18              5.36              4.38            5.23             61              34.94             27.60              33.99
   19              5.73              4.75            5.60             62              37.10             29.26              36.08
   20              6.10              5.13            5.97             63              39.40             31.06              38.32
   21              6.11              5.16            5.99             64              41.86             32.97              40.70
   22              6.12              5.20            6.00             65              44.48             35.02              43.25
   23              6.13              5.23            6.01             66              47.29             37.21              45.98
   24              6.14              5.27            6.03             67              50.30             39.58              48.91
   25              6.15              5.30            6.04             68              53.52             42.14              52.04
   26              6.29              5.42            6.18             69              56.98             44.93              55.41
   27              6.43              5.54            6.31             70              60.71             47.98              59.06
   28              6.57              5.65            6.45             71              64.73             51.30              62.98
   29              6.71              5.77            6.59             72              69.02             54.93              67.19
   30              6.85              5.89            6.73             73              73.62             58.86              71.70
   31              7.17              6.16            7.04             74              78.48             63.12              76.48
   32              7.51              6.44            7.37             75              83.65             67.71              81.58
   33              7.87              6.74            7.72             76              87.41             71.10              85.29
   34              8.26              7.06            8.10             77              91.34             74.66              89.17
   35              8.66              7.40            8.50             78              95.45             78.39              93.23
   36              9.10              7.76            8.93             79              99.75             82.31              97.48
   37              9.55              8.13            9.37             80             104.24             86.43             101.92
   38             10.03              8.53            9.84             81             112.06             94.21             109.74
   39             10.54              8.94           10.33             82             120.46            102.69             118.15
   40             11.09              9.38           10.87             83             129.49            111.93             127.21
   41             11.66              9.83           11.42             84             139.20            122.00             136.96
   42             12.26             10.32           12.01             85             149.64            132.98             147.47
<FN>

  *  Last Birthday
</FN>
</TABLE>


<PAGE>
                          PART II. OTHER INFORMATION


                           UNDERTAKING TO FILE REPORTS
Subject to the terms and conditions of Section 15(d) of the Securities  Exchange
Act of 1934,  the  undersigned  Registrant  hereby  undertakes  to file with the
Securities and Exchange Commission such supplementary and periodic  information,
documents  and reports as may be  prescribed  by any rule or  regulation  of the
Commission heretofore or hereafter adopted under the authority conferred in that
section.

                        UNDERTAKING PURSUANT TO RULE 484
Insofar as  indemnification  for liability  arising under the  Securities Act of
1933 may be permitted to  directors,  officers  and  controlling  persons of the
Registrant,  the  Registrant  has  been  advised  that  in  the  opinion  of the
Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy
as expressed in the Act and is,  therefore,  unenforceable.  In the event that a
claim for  indemnification  against such liabilities  (other than the payment by
the  Registrant  of  expenses  incurred  or  paid  by  a  director,  officer  or
controlling  person of the Registrant in the  successful  defense of any action,
suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director,  officer or controlling person
in connection with the securities being registered,  the Registrant will, unless
in the  opinion  of its  counsel  the matter  had been  settled  by  controlling
precedent,  submit to a court of appropriate  jurisdiction  the question whether
such  indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and
will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

  REPRESENTATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 26 OF THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940

Principal Life Insurance Company represents the fees and charges deducted
under the Policy,  in the aggregate,  are reasonable in relation to the services
rendered,  the expenses  expected to be incurred,  and the risks  assumed by the
Company.

<PAGE>
                       CONTENTS OF REGISTRATION STATEMENT



This registration statement comprises the following papers and documents:

     The facing sheet;

     The prospectus, consisting of 103 pages;

     The undertaking to file reports;

     The undertaking pursuant to Rule 484;

     Representations  pursuant  to Section 26 of the  Investment  Company Act of
          1940;

     The signatures;

     Written consents of the following persons:

          G.R. Narber, Esq.(Filed January 8, 1996)

     The following exhibits:

1.             Copies  of  all   exhibits   required  by   paragraph  A  of  the
               instructions  as to  exhibits  in Form N-8B-2 are set forth below
               under designations based on such instructions:

1.A(1)         Resolution of Executive Committee of Board of Directors of
               Principal Life Insurance Company establishing the Variable
               Life Separate Account.(*Filed January 8, 1996)

1.A(3)(a)      Distribution Agreement between Princor Financial Services
               Corporation and Principal Life Insurance Company.
               (*Filed January 8, 1996)

1.A(3)(a)(i)   Form of Selling Agreement. (@Filed December 19, 1997)

1.A(3)(b)      Registered Representative Agreement.(*Filed January 8, 1996)

1.A(3)(c)      Schedule of sales commissions.(*Filed January 8, 1996)

1.A(5)(a)      Form of PrinFlex Life Insurance Policy.(**Filed June 5, 1996)

1.A(5)(a)(i)   Cost of Living Increase Rider.(**Filed June 5, 1996)

1.A(5)(a)(ii)  Waiver of Monthly Policy Charge Rider.(**Filed June 5, 1996)

1.A(5)(a)(iii) Waiver of Specified Premium Rider.(**Filed June 5, 1996)

1.A(5)(a)(iv)  Accidental Death Benefit Rider.(*Filed January 8, 1996)

1.A(5)(a)(v)   Children Term Insurance Rider.(**Filed June 5, 1996)

1.A(5)(a)(vi)  Spouse Term Insurance Rider.(**Filed June 5, 1996)

1.A(5)(a)(vii) Change of Insured Rider.(**Filed June 5, 1996)

1.A(5)(a)(viii)Death Benefit Guarantee Rider.(**Filed June 5, 1996)

1.A(5)(a)(ix)  Salary Increase Rider.(**Filed June 5, 1996)

1.A(5)(a)(x)   Extra Protection Increase Rider.(**Filed June 5, 1996)

1.A(5)(a)(xi)  Accounting Benefits Rider.(*Filed January 8, 1996)

1.A(5)(a)(xii) Extended Coverage Rider.(*Filed June 5, 1996)

1.A(5)(a)(xiii)Accelerated Benefits Rider.(*Filed January 8, 1996)

1.A(5)(b)      Form of PrinFlex Life Insurance Policy - Unisex Version.
               (**Filed June 5, 1996)

1.A(5)(b)(i)   Accidental Death Benefit Rider.(**Filed January 8, 1996)

1.A(5)(b)(ii)  Children Term Insurance Rider.(**Filed June 5, 1996)

1.A(5)(b)(iii) Spouse Term Insurance Rider.(**Filed June 5, 1996)

1.A(5)(b)(iv)  Change of Insured Rider.(**Filed June 5, 1996)

1.A(5)(b)(v)   Death Benefit Guarantee Rider.(**Filed June 5, 1996)

1.A(6)(a)      Articles of Incorporation, as Amended of Principal Life
               Insurance Company.^

1.A(6)(b)      By-laws of Principal Life Insurance Company.^

1.A(10)        Form of Application for PrinFlex Life Insurance Policy.
               (*Filed January 8, 1996)^

1.A(10)(b)     Form of Supplemental Application for PrinFlex Life Insurance
               Policy.(**Filed June 5, 1996)

2.             Opinion and consent of G.R. Narber, Senior Vice President and
               General Counsel of Principal Life Insurance Company.
               (*Filed January 8, 1996)

3.             No financial statements will be omitted from the prospectus
               pursuant to Instruction 1(b) or (c) or Part I.

4.             Not applicable.

5.             Not applicable.

6.             Consent of Ernst & Young LLP.^

7.             Description of Issuance, Transfer and Redemption Procedures
               Pursuant to Rule 6e-3(T)(b)(12)(iii).(***Filed October 23, 1996)

8.             Powers of Attorney of Directors of Principal  Life
               Insurance Company.(*, ***, +, ++)

9.             Opinion and consent of Lisa Ford, Assistant Actuary.^




- ---------------------------
  * Filed by Initial Filing.
 ** Filed by Amendment No. 1.
*** Filed by Amendment No. 2.
  @ Filed by Amendment No. 3.
+   Filed by Amendment No. 6.
++  Filed by Amendment No. 7.
^   Filed by Amendment No. 8.
<PAGE>

                                   SIGNATURES


     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant,
Principal Life Insurance Company Variable Life Separate Account,  certifies that
it meets the requirements of Securities Act Rule 485(b) for effectiveness of the
Registration  Statement and has duly caused this  Amendment to the  Registration
Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned  thereto duly authorized
in the city of Des Moines  and State of Iowa,  on the 19th day of  April 1999.


                          PRINCIPAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
                          VARIABLE LIFE SEPARATE ACCOUNT
                                      (Registrant)


                          By:  PRINCIPAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
                                      (Depositor)

                                    /s/ D. J. Drury
                          By ______________________________________________
                             D. J. Drury 
                             Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

Attest:

/s/ Joyce N. Hoffman
- -----------------------------------
Joyce N. Hoffman
Vice President and
  Corporate Secretary
<PAGE>
As required by the  Securities Act of 1933,  this Amendment to the  Registration
Statement has been signed by the following  persons in the capacities and on the
date indicated.

Signature                          Title                           Date

/s/ D. J. Drury                Chairman and                    April 19, 1999
- --------------------           Chief Executive Officer
D. J. Drury


/s/ D. C. Cunningham           Vice President and              April 19, 1999
- --------------------           Controller (Principal
D. C. Cunningham               Accounting Officer)


/s/ M. H. Gersie               Senior Vice President           April 19, 1999
- --------------------           (Principal Financial
M. H. Gersie                   Officer)


  (B. J. Bernard)*             Director                        April 19, 1999
- --------------------
B. J. Bernard


  (J. Carter-Miller)*          Director                        April 19, 1999
- --------------------
J. Carter-Miller


  (R. M. Davis)*               Director                        April 19, 1999
- --------------------
R. M. Davis


  (C. D. Gelatt, Jr.)*         Director                        April 19, 1999
- --------------------
C. D. Gelatt, Jr.


  (J. B. Griswell)*            Director                        April 19, 1999
- --------------------
J. B. Griswell


  (G. D. Hurd)*                Director                        April 19, 1999
- --------------------
G. D. Hurd


  (C. S. Johnson)*             Director                        April 19, 1999
- --------------------
C. S. Johnson


  (W. T. Kerr)*                Director                        April 19, 1999
- --------------------
W. T. Kerr


  (L. Liu)*                    Director                        April 19, 1999
- --------------------
L. Liu


  (V. H. Loewenstein)*         Director                        April 19, 1999
- --------------------
V. H. Loewenstein


  (R. D. Pearson)*             Director                        April 19, 1999
- --------------------
R. D. Pearson


  (J. R. Price)*               Director                        April 19, 1999
- --------------------
J. R. Price, Jr.


  (D. M. Stewart)*             Director                        April 19, 1999
- --------------------
D. M. Stewart


  (E. E. Tallett)*             Director                        April 19, 1999
- --------------------
E. E. Tallett


  (D. D. Thornton)*            Director                        April 19, 1999
- --------------------
D. D. Thornton


  (F. W. Weitz)*               Director                        April 14, 1999
- --------------------
F. W. Weitz


                           *By    /s/ David J. Drury
                                  ------------------------------------
                                  David J. Drury
                                  Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

                                  Pursuant to Powers of Attorney
                                  Previously Filed or Included Herein

<PAGE>
                                    EXHIBITS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                  EXHIBIT INDEX


                                                                                            Page Number in
                                                                                         Sequential Numbering
Exhibit No.                          Description                                      Where Exhibit Can Be Found

<S>                                  <C>                                                          <C>                              
  1.A(1)                             Resolution of Executive Committee                             *
                                     of Board of Directors of Depositor
                                     establishing Variable Life Separate
                                     Account.

  1.A(3)(a)                          Distribution Agreement Between                                *
                                     Depositor and Principal Underwriter.

  1.A(3)(a)(i)                       Form of Selling Agreement.                                    *

  1.A(3)(b)                          Registered Representative Agreement.                          *

  1.A(3)(c)                          Schedule of Sales Commissions.                                *

  1.A(5)(a)                          PrinFlex Life Policy.                                         *

  1.A(5)(a)(i)                       Cost of Living Increase Rider.                                *

  1.A(5)(a)(ii)                      Waiver of Monthly Policy Charge Rider.                        *

  1.A(5)(a)(iii)                     Waiver of Specified Premium Rider.                            *

  1.A(5)(a)(iv)                      Accidental Death Benefit Rider.                               *

  1.A(5)(a)(v)                       Children Term Insurance Rider.                                *

  1.A(5)(a)(vi)                      Spouse Term Insurance Rider.                                  *

  1.A(5)(a)(vii)                     Change of Insured Rider.                                      *

  1.A(5)(a)(viii)                    Death Benefit Guarantee Rider.                                *

  1.A(5)(a)(ix)                      Salary Increase Rider.                                        *

  1.A(5)(a)(x)                       Extra Protection Increase Rider.                              *

  1.A(5)(a)(xi)                      Accounting Benefits Rider.                                    *

  1.A(5)(a)(xii)                     Extended Coverage Rider.                                      *

  1.A(5)(a)(xiii)                    Accelerated Benefits Rider.                                   *

  1.A(5)(b)                          PrinFlex Life Policy - Unisex Version.                        *

  1.A(5)(b)(i)                       Accidental Death Benefit Rider.                               *

  1.A(5)(b)(ii)                      Children Term Insurance Rider.                                *

  1.A(5)(b)(iii)                     Spouse Term Insurance Rider.                                  *

  1.A(5)(b)(iv)                      Change of Insured Rider.                                      *
  
  1.A(5)(b)(v)                       Death Benefit Guarantee Rider.                                *
          
  1.A(6)(a)                          Articles of Incorporation, as Amended,                        15
                                     of Depositor.

  1.A(6)(b)                          By-laws of Depositor.                                         19

  1.A(10)                            Form of Application for the PrinFlex                          *
                                     Life Policy.

  1.A(10)(a)                         Form or Supplemental Application                              *
                                     For the PrinFlex Life Policy.

  2                                  Opinion and consent of G.R. Narber,                           *
                                     Senior Vice President and General
                                     Counsel.

  6                                  Consent of Ernst & Young LLP                                  29

  7                                  Description of Issuance, Transfer and Redemption              *
                                     Procedurespursuant to Rule 6e-3(T)(b)(12(iii).

  8                                  Powers of Attorney of Directors of                            *
                                     Principal Life Insurance Company.

  9                                  Opinion and consent of Lisa Ford,                             30
                                     Assistant Actuary.


*  Previously filed.
</TABLE>



                 AMENDED AND RESTATED ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION

                                       OF

                        PRINCIPAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

                             Effective July 1, 1998




                                   ARTICLE I.

The name of the corporation is Principal Life Insurance  Company,  by which name
(or by the name Principal Mutual Life Insurance Company which it may continue to
use  subject  to any  applicable  law) it shall do  business  and shall have and
retain all its property, rights and privileges.


                                   ARTICLE II.

The street address of the initial  registered  office of the  corporation is 711
High  Street,  Des Moines,  Iowa 50392,  and the name of its initial  registered
agent at that office is Gregg R. Narber.


                                  ARTICLE III.

The purposes of this  corporation are and it shall have full power to engage in,
pursue,  maintain and transact a general life, health and accident insurance and
annuity business,  and to insure other risks,  perform other services and engage
in  other   businesses   allowed  by  law.   It  may  issue   participating   or
nonparticipating  contracts.  It  shall  further  have the  power to enter  into
contracts  with  respect to proceeds of such  insurance,  to accept and reinsure
risks, to enter into coinsurance  agreements,  to issue and perform policies and
contracts of all types,  including but not limited to individual  and group,  to
act as trustee or advisor in any capacity, and to offer all services,  including
those of a  financial,  accounting  or  information  technology  nature,  to all
persons, partnerships,  corporations and other business organizations,  directly
or indirectly  incidental to its business.  It shall have all the rights, powers
and privileges granted or permitted by the Constitution and laws of the State of
Iowa  governing  the conduct of insurance  companies  and by Subtitle I of Title
XIII of the Iowa Code and all acts amendatory thereof or additional thereto.

The corporation shall be empowered:  To sue and be sued, complain and defend, in
its corporate or assumed name; to have a corporate  seal which may be altered at
pleasure,  and to use the same by  causing  it, or a  facsimile  thereof,  to be
impressed  or affixed or in any other  manner  reproduced;  to  purchase,  take,
receive, lease, or otherwise acquire, own, hold, improve, use and otherwise deal
in and with, real or tangible or intangible  personal property,  or any interest
therein, wherever situated; to sell, convey, mortgage,  pledge, lease, exchange,
transfer and otherwise dispose of all or any part of its property and assets; to
lend  money to,  and  otherwise  assist  its  employees,  agents,  officers  and
directors unless prohibited by law; to purchase,  take, receive,  subscribe for,
or otherwise  acquire,  own, hold,  vote, use,  employ,  sell,  mortgage,  lend,
pledge, or otherwise dispose of, and otherwise use and deal in and with, shares,
options,  warrants or other  interests in, or obligations  of, other domestic or
foreign corporations,  associations,  partnerships or individuals,  or direct or
indirect  obligations  of the United States or of any other  government,  state,
territory,  governmental  district  or  municipality  or of any  instrumentality
thereof  unless  prohibited by law; to make  contracts and  guarantees and incur
liabilities;  to lend and borrow money for its  corporate  purposes,  invest and
reinvest its funds, and take and hold real and personal property as security for
the payment of funds so loaned or invested; to acquire or organize subsidiaries;
to conduct its business, carry on its operations,  and have offices and exercise
the powers granted in any state, territory, district or possession of the United
States, or in any foreign country; to make donations for the public welfare, and
for religious,  charitable,  scientific or educational purposes; to pay pensions
and establish  pension plans,  pension  trusts,  profit-sharing  plans and other
incentive,  insurance  and  welfare  plans  for  any or  all  of its  directors,
officers,  agents and  employees;  to enter into general  partnerships,  limited
partnerships  or limited  liability  partnerships  whether the  corporation be a
limited or general partner, joint ventures,  syndicates, pools, associations and
other  arrangements  for  carrying on any or all of the  purposes  for which the
corporation  is  organized,  jointly or in common with  others;  and to have and
exercise all powers necessary or convenient to effect any or all of the purposes
for which the corporation is organized.


                                   ARTICLE IV.

The corporation shall have perpetual existence.


                                   ARTICLE V.

The private  property of the  shareholders,  directors  and other  officers  and
managers of the corporation  shall in no case be liable for corporate debts, but
shall be exempt therefrom.

                                   ARTICLE VI.

SECTION 1. The  aggregate  number of shares of stock  which the  corporation  is
authorized to issue is 6,000,000  shares,  consisting of (a) 5,000,000 shares of
common stock, par value $1.00 per share (the "Common Stock"),  and (b) 1,000,000
shares of preferred  stock,  par value $1.00 per share (the "Preferred  Stock"),
issuable in one or more series.

SECTION  2. The  Board of  Directors  of the  corporation  is  hereby  expressly
authorized, at any time and from time to time, to divide the shares of Preferred
Stock  into one or more  series,  to issue from time to time in whole or in part
the shares of Preferred  Stock or the shares of any series  thereof,  and in the
resolution or resolutions  providing for the issue of shares of Preferred  Stock
or of a  particular  series to fix and  determine  the  voting  powers,  full or
limited,  or no voting powers, and such designations,  preferences and relative,
participating, optional or other special rights, and qualifications, limitations
or  restrictions  thereof  that may be  desired,  to the  fullest  extent now or
hereafter  permitted by Section 602 of Chapter 490 of Title XII of the Iowa Code
("Chapter 490"), as amended from time to time, and the other provisions of these
Articles of Incorporation;  provided,  however, that in no event shall Preferred
Stock have more than one vote per share of Preferred Stock.

SECTION  3.  Subject  to any other  provisions  of these  Amended  and  Restated
Articles of Incorporation,  holders of Common Stock shall be entitled to receive
such  dividends  and  other  distributions  in cash,  stock or  property  of the
corporation  as may be declared  thereon by the Board of Directors  from time to
time out of assets or funds of the corporation legally available therefor.

SECTION 4. No shareholder of the  corporation  shall be entitled to exercise any
right of cumulative voting.

SECTION  5. No  shareholder  of the  corporation  shall have any  preemptive  or
preferential  right,  nor be entitled as a matter of right to  subscribe  for or
purchase any part of any new or additional  issue of stock of the corporation of
any class or series,  whether issued for money or for  consideration  other than
money, or of any issue of securities convertible into stock of the corporation.

SECTION 6. The  corporation  shall be entitled to treat the person in whose name
any share of its stock is  registered  as the owner thereof for all purposes and
shall not be bound to recognize any equitable or other claim to, or interest in,
such share on the part of any other person, whether or not the corporation shall
have notice thereof, except as expressly provided by applicable law.

SECTION  7. The  corporation  shall  not issue  any  shares of Voting  Stock (as
hereinafter  defined) of the corporation or securities  convertible  into Voting
Stock of the  corporation  to persons other than Principal  Financial  Services,
Inc.  ("Principal  Financial  Services") if, as a result of such  issuance,  the
issued and  outstanding  Voting Stock of the  corporation  not held by Principal
Financial Services equals or exceeds that held by Principal  Financial Services.
For purposes of this Section 7, "Voting Stock" means  securities of any class or
any ownership  interest having voting power for the election of directors of the
corporation,  other than securities having voting power only to elect additional
directors only because of the  occurrence of a contingency.  For purposes of the
limitations set forth in this Article VI, any issued and outstanding  securities
of the corporation that are convertible into Voting Stock are considered  issued
and  outstanding  Voting  Stock of the  corporation  as though such  convertible
securities had been converted into Voting Stock in accordance with their terms.


                                  ARTICLE VII.

The  corporate  powers  of the  corporation  (except  as at the  time  otherwise
provided by law,  these Amended and Restated  Articles of  Incorporation  or the
By-Laws of the corporation) shall be exercised by the Board of Directors, and by
such  officers  and agents as the Board of  Directors  may  authorize,  elect or
appoint.  Subject  to the  rights  of any  holders  of any  class or  series  of
Preferred Stock to elect additional directors under specified circumstances, the
Board of  Directors  shall  consist  of not  less  than  nine  nor more  than 21
directors,  the number to be determined from time to time by the shareholders or
a majority of the entire Board of Directors. The Board of Directors,  other than
with respect to those  directors  who may be elected by the holders of any class
or series of Preferred  Stock,  shall be divided into three  classes,  as nearly
equal numerically as possible, determined by terms expiring in successive years.
Each  director  shall  serve a term  of  approximately  three  years  except  as
otherwise  provided or where it is  necessary  to fix a shorter term in order to
preserve classification.  The term of office of each director shall begin at the
annual  meeting at which such  director is elected or at the time elected by the
Board of  Directors.  No decrease in the number of directors  shall  shorten the
term of any incumbent  director.  Each director shall serve until a successor is
duly elected and qualified and shall be eligible for re-election. Subject to the
rights  of any  holders  of any  class or  series  of  Preferred  Stock to elect
additional directors under specified circumstances,  any vacancy or vacancies on
the  Board of  Directors  may be  filled  by the  shareholders,  by the Board of
Directors  at any  meeting  of the  Board  of  Directors  or,  if the  directors
remaining in office constitute fewer than a quorum of the Board of Directors, by
the affirmative vote of a majority of directors remaining in office. The term of
office of each  director of the  corporation  shall not extend beyond the annual
meeting of the corporation next following the date such director attains age 70,
or such  younger age as may be  established  for all  directors  by the Board of
Directors, except that the terms of directors holding office prior to the annual
meeting in 1984 may extend to the annual  meeting next  following  the date such
director  attains age 72 and except that for  officer-directors,  other than one
who is or has been  Chief  Executive  Officer  of the  corporation,  the term as
director shall not extend beyond the annual meeting next following the date such
director retires as an active officer of the  corporation.  Members of the Board
of Directors shall not be required to be policyowners of the corporation.

Subject to the rights of any holders of any class or series of  Preferred  Stock
to elect additional directors under specified circumstances, any director may be
removed,  but only for  cause,  at a meeting  of  shareholders  called  for that
purpose  in the  manner  prescribed  by law,  upon the  affirmative  vote of the
holders of a majority of the combined voting power of the then outstanding stock
of the corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors.

The Board of  Directors  shall have the power  without the assent or vote of the
shareholders  of the corporation to adopt such By-Laws and rules and regulations
for the  transaction of the business of the corporation  not  inconsistent  with
these Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation or the laws of the State of
Iowa,  and to amend,  alter or repeal such By-Laws,  rules and  regulations.  In
addition to any requirements of law and any other provision of these Articles of
Incorporation,  the shareholders of the corporation may adopt,  amend,  alter or
repeal the By-Laws of the corporation  upon the  affirmative  vote of holders of
more  than 50% of the  combined  voting  power of the  outstanding  stock of the
corporation  entitled to vote  generally in the election of  directors.  Advance
notice of  nominations  for the  election  of  directors  and of  business to be
brought by  shareholders  before any meeting of  shareholders of the corporation
shall be given in the manner and to the extent  provided  in the  By-Laws of the
corporation.  The Board of  Directors  may fix  reasonable  compensation  of the
directors for their  services.  The Board of Directors  shall elect a President,
and shall authorize,  elect or appoint such other officers, agents or committees
as in their judgment may be necessary or advisable.

A director, in determining what is in the best interests of the corporation when
considering  a  proposal  of  acquisition,   merger  or   consolidation  of  the
corporation  or a similar  proposal,  may consider  any or all of the  following
community  interest factors,  in addition to consideration of the effects of any
action  on  shareholders:  (i)  the  effects  of  action  on  the  corporation's
employees, suppliers, creditors and customers; (ii) the effects of the action on
the communities in which the corporation and its subsidiaries operate; and (iii)
the  long-term  as well  as  short-term  interests  of the  corporation  and its
shareholders,  including the possibility that these interests may be best served
by the continued independence of the corporation.

If on the basis of the community  interest factors described above, the Board of
Directors of the corporation  determines that a proposal to acquire or merge the
corporation is not in the best interests of the  corporation,  it may reject the
proposal. If the Board of Directors of the corporation  determines to reject any
such proposal, the Board of Directors has no obligation to facilitate, to remove
any barriers to or to refrain from impeding the proposal.  Consideration  of any
or all of the  community  interest  factors is not a violation  of the  business
judgment rule or of any duty of the director to the shareholders,  or a group of
shareholders,  even  if the  director  reasonably  determines  that a  community
interest  factor or factors  outweigh  the  financial  or other  benefits to the
corporation or a shareholder or group of shareholders.


                                  ARTICLE VIII.

The corporation shall indemnify directors, officers, employees and agents of the
corporation  as provided in Sections 850 through 858 of Chapter 490,  subject to
such limitations as may be established by the Board of Directors.  Any repeal or
modification  of this Article VIII or of Sections 850 through 858 of Chapter 490
shall not adversely affect any right of indemnification of a director,  officer,
employee or agent of the  corporation  existing at any time prior to such repeal
or modification.


                                   ARTICLE IX.

A director of the corporation  shall not be personally liable to the corporation
or its  shareholders  for  monetary  damages for breach of  fiduciary  duty as a
director,  except  for  liability  (a) for a breach  of the  director's  duty of
loyalty to the corporation or its shareholders, (b) for acts or omissions not in
good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of the
law, (c) for a transaction from which the director derives an improper  personal
benefit or (d) under  Section 833 of Chapter  490, as amended from time to time.
If Chapter 490 is hereafter  amended to  authorize  the further  elimination  or
limitation of the  liability of  directors,  then the liability of a director of
the corporation,  in addition to the limitation on personal  liability  provided
herein,  shall  be  eliminated  or  limited  to the  extent  of such  amendment,
automatically and without any further action, to the maximum extent permitted by
law.  Any repeal or  modification  of the  provisions  of this Article IX by the
shareholders  of the  corporation  shall  be  prospective  only  and  shall  not
adversely affect any limitation in the personal  liability or any other right or
protection of a director of the  corporation  with respect to any state of facts
existing at or prior to the time of such repeal or modification.

                                   ARTICLE X.

Effective  as of such time as the Common Stock shall be  registered  pursuant to
the  provisions of the Securities  Exchange Act of 1934, as amended,  any action
required or permitted to be taken by the shareholders of the corporation must be
effected at a duly called annual or special  meeting of the  shareholders of the
corporation,  and the ability of the  shareholders  to consent in writing to the
taking of any action is specifically denied.

                                   ARTICLE XI.

Amendments to these Articles of Incorporation are subject to the approval of the
Iowa Insurance Commissioner and the Iowa Attorney General as provided in Section
508.4 of Title XIII of the Iowa Code.


                          AMENDED AND RESTATED BY-LAWS

                                       OF

                        PRINCIPAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

                             Effective July 1, 1998

                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
                                                                         Page

ARTICLE I         PRINCIPAL OFFICE..........................................1

ARTICLE II        REGISTERED OFFICE AND AGENT...............................1

ARTICLE III       MEETINGS OF SHAREHOLDERS .................................1
         3.1      Annual Meeting............................................1
         3.2      Special Meetings..........................................1
         3.3      Notices and Reports to Shareholders.......................1
         3.4      Notice of Shareholder Business and Nominations ...........1
         3.5      Waiver of Notice..........................................2
         3.6      Record Date...............................................2
         3.7      Shareholders' List........................................3
         3.8      Quorum....................................................3
         3.9      Organization..............................................3
         3.10     Voting of Shares..........................................3
         3.11     Voting by Proxy or Representative.........................3
         3.12     Conduct of Business.......................................4
         3.13     Action Without Meeting....................................4

ARTICLE IV        BOARD OF DIRECTORS........................................4
         4.1      Qualifications and General Powers.........................4
         4.2      Number and Term of Office.................................4
         4.3      Quorum and Manner of Acting...............................4
         4.4      Resignation...............................................4
         4.5      Compensation of Directors.................................4
         4.6      Meetings..................................................4
         4.7      Waiver of Notice..........................................5
         4.8      Director's Assent Presumed................................5
         4.9      Action Without Meeting....................................5
         4.10     Dividends.................................................5
         4.11     Officers of the Board of Directors........................5

ARTICLE V         THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE AND OTHER COMMITTEES..............5
         5.1      Executive Committee.......................................5
         5.2      Powers of Executive Committee.............................5
         5.3      Other Committees..........................................5

ARTICLE VI        OFFICERS..................................................5
         6.1      President.................................................5
         6.2      Chief Executive Officer...................................6
         6.3      Secretary.................................................6
         6.4      Other Officers Elected by Board of Directors..............6
         6.5      Other Officers............................................6
         6.6      Resignation and Removal...................................6
         6.7      Compensation of Officers..................................6

ARTICLE VII       SHARES, THEIR ISSUANCE AND TRANSFER.......................6
         7.1      Consideration for Shares..................................6
         7.2      Certificates for Shares...................................6
         7.3      Execution of Certificates.................................6
         7.4      Share Record .............................................6
         7.5      Cancellation..............................................6
         7.6      Transfers of Stock........................................7
         7.7      Regulations...............................................7
         7.8      Lost, Destroyed or Mutilated Certificates.................7

ARTICLE VIII      MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS..................................7
         8.1      Facsimile Signatures......................................7
         8.2      Execution of Instruments..................................7
         8.3      Disposition of Funds......................................7
         8.4      Fiscal Year...............................................7
         8.5      Books and Records.........................................7
         8.6      Voting of Stocks Owned by the Corporation.................7

ARTICLE IX        INDEMNITY.................................................7

ARTICLE X         AMENDMENTS................................................7


<PAGE>


                                    ARTICLE I

                                PRINCIPAL OFFICE

The location of the  principal  office of the  corporation  in the State of Iowa
will be identified in the  corporation's  annual report filed with the Secretary
of State of the  State of Iowa.  The  corporation  may have such  other  offices
either  within or without the State of Iowa as the  business of the  corporation
may from time to time require.


                                   ARTICLE II

                           REGISTERED OFFICE AND AGENT

The initial  registered agent and office of the corporation are set forth in the
Articles of Incorporation.  The registered agent or registered  office, or both,
may be changed by resolution of the Board of Directors.


                                   ARTICLE III

                            MEETINGS OF SHAREHOLDERS

Section  3.1 Annual  Meeting.  The annual  meeting of the  shareholders  for the
election of  directors  and for the  transaction  of such other  business as may
properly  come before the  meeting,  shall be held on the third Monday in May of
each year at such place and time as the Board of Directors  shall each year fix,
or at such other place, time and date as the Board of Directors shall fix.

Section 3.2 Special  Meetings.  Special  meetings of the  shareholders,  for any
purpose or purposes,  unless otherwise  prescribed by law (which for purposes of
these  By-Laws  shall mean as  required  from time to time by the Iowa  Business
Corporation Act or the Articles of  Incorporation  of the  corporation),  may be
called by the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer or the Board of
Directors,  and  shall be  called by the  Board of  Directors  upon the  written
demand, signed, dated and delivered to the Secretary, of the holders of at least
10% of all the votes  entitled to be cast on any issue proposed to be considered
at the  meeting.  Such  written  demand  shall state the purpose or purposes for
which  such  meeting is to be called.  The time,  date and place of any  special
meeting shall be determined by the Board of Directors,  or, at its direction, by
the Chief Executive Officer.

Section 3.3  Notices and Reports to Shareholders.

     (a) Notice of the place, date and time of all meetings of shareholders and,
in the case of a special meeting,  the purpose or purposes for which the meeting
is called,  shall be  communicated  not fewer than 10 days nor more than 60 days
before the date of the  meeting  to each  shareholder  entitled  to vote at such
meeting.  The Board of Directors,  as provided in Section 3.6 of these  By-Laws,
may establish a record date for the  determination  of shareholders  entitled to
notice.  Notice of adjourned  meetings  need only be given if required by law or
Section 3.8 of these By-Laws.

     (b) If notice of proposed  corporate  action is required by law to be given
to shareholders not entitled to vote and the action is to be taken by consent of
the voting  shareholders,  the corporation  shall give all shareholders  written
notice of the proposed  action at least 10 days before the action is taken.  The
notice must contain or be  accompanied by the same material that would have been
required by law to be sent to  shareholders  not entitled to vote in a notice of
meeting  at  which  the  proposed  action  would  have  been  submitted  to  the
shareholders for action.

     (c) In the event corporate  action is taken without a meeting in accordance
with the Articles of  Incorporation of the corporation and Section 3.13 of these
By-Laws by less than unanimous  written consent,  prompt notice of the taking of
such  corporate  action  shall  be  given  to  those  shareholders  who have not
consented in writing to the taking of such corporate action.

Section 3.4  Notice of Shareholder Business and Nominations.

     (a) Annual  Meetings  of  Shareholders.  

          (i)  Nominations of persons for election to the Board of Directors and
     the proposal of business to be considered by the  shareholders  may be made
     at an annual meeting of  shareholders  of the  corporation (1) by or at the
     direction  of the Board of Directors or the Chairman of the Board or (2) by
     any  shareholder of the corporation who is entitled to vote at the meeting,
     who complies with the notice procedures set forth in clauses (ii) and (iii)
     of this paragraph (a) of Section 3.4 and who was a shareholder of record at
     the time such notice was delivered to the Secretary.

         (ii) For nominations or other business to be properly brought before an
     annual meeting by a shareholder  pursuant to clause (2) of paragraph (a)(i)
     of this Section 3.4, the shareholder  must have given timely notice thereof
     in writing to the Secretary.  To be timely, a shareholder's notice shall be
     delivered  to the  Secretary  at the  principal  executive  offices  of the
     corporation not less than 90 days nor more than 120 days prior to the first
     anniversary of the preceding year's annual meeting; provided, however, that
     if the date of the  annual  meeting  is  advanced  by more  than 20 days or
     delayed  by more  than 70 days from such  anniversary  date,  notice by the
     shareholder  to be timely must be so  delivered  not earlier  than 120 days
     prior to such  annual  meeting  and not later than the close of business on
     the  later of the 90th day  prior to such  annual  meeting  or the 10th day
     following the day on which public  announcement of the date of such meeting
     is first  made.  In no event  shall the  adjournment  of an annual  meeting
     commence  a new time  period for the  giving of a  shareholder's  notice as
     described above. Such  shareholder's  notice shall set forth (1) as to each
     person whom the shareholder proposes to nominate for election or reelection
     as a director all  information  relating to such person that is required to
     be  disclosed in  solicitations  of proxies for election of directors or is
     otherwise required pursuant to Regulation 14A under Securities Exchange Act
     of 1934,  as amended  (the  "Exchange  Act"),  and Rule 14a-11  thereunder,
     including  such  person's  written  consent  to being  named  in the  proxy
     statement  as a nominee and to serving as a director if elected;  (2) as to
     any other  business  that the  shareholder  proposes  to bring  before  the
     meeting,  a brief  description of the business desired to be brought before
     the meeting,  the reasons for  conducting  such business at the meeting and
     any  material  interest  in such  business of such  shareholder  and of any
     beneficial  owner on whose behalf the  proposal is made;  and (3) as to the
     shareholder  giving the notice and any beneficial owner on whose behalf the
     nomination   or  proposal  is  made  (A)  the  name  and  address  of  such
     shareholder,  as  they  appear  on the  corporation's  books,  and of  such
     beneficial  owner and (B) the class and number of shares of the corporation
     which are owned  beneficially  and of record by such  shareholder  and such
     beneficial owner.

         (iii)  Notwithstanding  anything in the second  sentence  of  paragraph
     (a)(ii) of this Section 3.4 to the  contrary,  in the event that the number
     of directors to be elected to the Board of Directors is increased and there
     is no public  announcement  naming  all of the  nominees  for  director  or
     specifying  the  size  of the  increased  Board  of  Directors  made by the
     corporation  at  least  100  days  prior to the  first  anniversary  of the
     preceding year's annual meeting, a shareholder's  notice under this Section
     3.4 shall also be considered  timely, but only with respect to nominees for
     any new positions created by such increase, if it shall be delivered to the
     Secretary at the principal  executive  offices of the corporation not later
     than the close of business on the 10th day  following the day on which such
     public announcement is first made by the corporation.

     (b) Special Meetings of Shareholders. Only such business as shall have been
brought  before  the  special  meeting  of  the  shareholders  pursuant  to  the
corporation's  notice of meeting  pursuant to Section 3.3 of these By-Laws shall
be conducted at such meeting.  Nominations  of persons for election to the Board
of Directors may be made at a special meeting of shareholders at which directors
are to be elected pursuant to the  corporation's  notice of meeting (i) by or at
the  direction  of the  Board of  Directors  or (ii) by any  shareholder  of the
corporation who is entitled to vote at the meeting, who complies with the notice
procedures  set  forth  in  this  paragraph  (b) of  Section  3.4  and  who is a
shareholder  of record at the time such notice is  delivered  to the  Secretary.
Nominations  by  shareholders  of persons for election to the Board of Directors
may be made at such special meeting of shareholders if the shareholder's  notice
as required by  paragraph  (a)(ii) of this Section 3.4 shall be delivered to the
Secretary at the principal executive offices of the corporation not earlier than
the 120th  day prior to such  special  meeting  and not later  than the close of
business on the later of the 90th day prior to such special  meeting or the 10th
day following the day on which public  announcement is first made of the date of
the special meeting and of the nominees proposed by the Board of Directors to be
elected at such meeting.  In no event shall the  adjournment of special  meeting
commence a new time period for the giving of a shareholder's notice as described
above.
     (c) General.  

          (i) Only persons who are nominated in accordance  with the  procedures
     set forth in this Section 3.4 shall be eligible to serve as  directors  and
     only such business shall be conducted at a meeting of shareholders as shall
     have been brought before the annual or special  meeting in accordance  with
     the procedures set forth in this Section 3.4. Except as otherwise  provided
     by law, the Articles of  Incorporation of the corporation or these By-Laws,
     the  chairperson of the annual or special  meeting shall have the power and
     duty to  determine  whether a  nomination  or any  business  proposed to be
     brought  before the meeting was made in accordance  with the procedures set
     forth in this  Section 3.4 and, if any proposed  nomination  or business is
     not in  compliance  with this Section  3.4, to declare that such  defective
     proposal or nomination shall be disregarded.

         (ii) For purposes of this Section 3.4, "public announcement" shall mean
     disclosure  in a press  release  reported  by the Dow Jones  News  Service,
     Associated  Press or  comparable  national  news  service  or in a document
     publicly  filed  by  the  corporation  with  the  Securities  and  Exchange
     Commission pursuant to Section 13, 14 or (15(d) of the Exchange Act.

         (iii)  Notwithstanding the foregoing  provisions of this Section 3.4, a
     shareholder  shall also  comply  with all  applicable  requirements  of the
     Exchange Act and the rules and  regulations  thereunder with respect to the
     mattes set forth in this Section 3.4.  Nothing in this Section 3.4 shall be
     deemed to affect any rights of (1)  shareholders  to request  inclusion  of
     proposals in the corporation's proxy statement pursuant to Rule 14a-8 under
     the  Exchange  Act or (2) the holders of any series of  Preferred  Stock to
     elect  directors  if so  provided  under  any  applicable  certificates  of
     designation relating to the series of Preferred Stock.

Section 3.5  Waiver of Notice.

     (a) Any  shareholder  may waive any notice required by law or these By-Laws
if such  waiver is in writing  and signed by the  shareholder  entitled  to such
notice,  whether before or after the date and time stated in such notice. Such a
waiver shall be equivalent to notice to such shareholder in due time as required
by law or these By-Laws.  Any such waiver shall be delivered to the  corporation
for  inclusion  in the  minutes  or filing  with the  corporate  records  of the
corporation.

     (b) A shareholder's  attendance at a meeting, in person or by proxy, waives
(i) objection to lack of notice or defective notice of such meeting,  unless the
shareholder  at the beginning of the meeting or promptly upon the  shareholder's
arrival  objects to holding the meeting or  transacting  business at the meeting
and (ii) objection to consideration  of a particular  matter at the meeting that
is not within the purpose or purposes  described in the meeting  notice,  unless
the shareholder objects to considering the matter when it is presented.

Section 3.6 Record Date.  The Board of Directors may fix, in advance,  a date as
to the record date for any  determination of shareholders for any purpose,  such
date in every  case to be not more  than 70 days  prior to the date on which the
particular action or meeting requiring such  determination of shareholders is to
be  taken or held.  If no  record  date is so  fixed  for the  determination  of
shareholders,  the close of  business  on the day  before  the date on which the
first notice of a  shareholders'  meeting is communicated to shareholders or the
date  on  which  the  Board  of  Directors  authorizes  a  share  dividend  or a
distribution (other than one involving a repurchase or reacquisition of shares),
as the  case  may be,  shall  be the  record  date  for  such  determination  of
shareholders.  When a  determination  of  shareholders  entitled  to vote at any
meeting of  shareholders  has been made as provided in this  Section  3.6,  such
determination  shall  apply to any  adjournment  thereof,  unless  the  Board of
Directors  selects a new record  date or unless a new record date is required by
law.

Section 3.7  Shareholders'  List. After fixing a record date for a meeting,  the
corporation  shall prepare an alphabetical list of the names of all shareholders
who are entitled to notice of a shareholders' meeting. The list must be arranged
by voting group and within each voting  group by class or series of shares,  and
show  the  address  of and  number  of  shares  held  by each  shareholder.  The
shareholders' list must be available for inspection by any shareholder beginning
two  business  days after  notice of the meeting is given for which the list was
prepared  and  continuing  through  the meeting at the  corporation's  principal
office or at a place in the city where the meeting will be held which such place
shall  be  identified  in  the  notice  of  the  meeting.  A  shareholder,  or a
shareholder's  agent or attorney,  is entitled on written demand to inspect and,
subject to the  requirements of law, to copy the list,  during regular  business
hours and at the person's  expense,  during the period the list is available for
inspection.  The corporation shall make the shareholders'  list available at the
meeting, and any shareholder,  or a shareholder's agent or attorney, is entitled
to inspect the list at any time during the meeting or any adjournment thereof.

Section 3.8  Quorum.

     (a) At any meeting of the shareholders, a majority of the votes entitled to
be cast on the  matter by a voting  group  constitutes  a quorum of that  voting
group for action on that matter, unless the representation of a different number
is  required  by law,  and in that  case,  the  representation  of the number so
required  shall  constitute  a quorum.  If at the time for  which a  meeting  of
shareholders  has been called less than a quorum is present,  the chairperson of
the meeting or a majority of the  shareholders  present or  represented by proxy
and entitled to vote thereat may adjourn the meeting to another  place,  date or
time.

     (b) When a meeting is adjourned to another place, date or time, notice need
not be given of the  adjourned  meeting if the place,  date and time thereof are
announced at the meeting at which the adjournment is taken;  provided,  however,
that if the date of any  adjourned  meeting is more than 120 days after the date
for which the meeting was originally  noticed,  or if a new record date is fixed
for the adjourned  meeting,  notice of the place, date and time of the adjourned
meeting  shall be given in  conformity  with  these  By-Laws.  At any  adjourned
meeting,  any business may be transacted which might have been transacted at the
original meeting.

     (c) Once a share is represented for any purpose at a meeting,  it is deemed
present  for  quorum  purposes  for the  remainder  of the  meeting  and for any
adjournment  thereof  unless  a new  record  date is or  must  be set  for  that
adjourned meeting.

Section 3.9  Organization.

     (a) The  Chairman of the Board,  or in the  absence of the  Chairman of the
Board,  the acting Chairman of the Board, or in his or her absence,  such person
as shall be  designated by the holders of a majority of the votes present at the
meeting  shall  call  meetings  of the  shareholders  to order  and shall act as
presiding officer of such meetings.

     (b)  The  Secretary   shall  act  as  secretary  at  all  meetings  of  the
shareholders,  but in  the  absence  of the  Secretary  at  any  meeting  of the
shareholders,  the presiding  officer may appoint any person to act as secretary
of the meeting.

Section 3.10  Voting of Shares.

     (a)  Every  shareholder  entitled  to vote may vote in  person or by proxy.
Except as provided in  subsection  (c) of this Section 3.10 or unless  otherwise
provided by law, each outstanding share,  regardless of class, shall be entitled
to one vote on each  matter  submitted  to a vote at a meeting of  shareholders.
Unless otherwise  provided by law, directors in each class shall be elected by a
plurality of the votes cast by the shares  entitled to vote in the election at a
meeting  at which a quorum  is  present.  Shareholders  do not have the right to
cumulate their votes for directors  unless the Articles of  Incorporation of the
corporation so provide.

     (b) The  shareholders  having the right to vote shares at any meeting shall
be only those of record on the stock books of the corporation on the record date
fixed by law or pursuant to the provisions of Section 3.6 of these By-Laws.

     (c)  Absent  special  circumstances,  the shares of the  corporation  held,
directly or  indirectly,  by another  corporation  are not entitled to vote if a
majority of the shares  entitled to vote for the  election of  directors of such
other  corporation is held by the corporation.  The foregoing does not limit the
power  of the  corporation  to vote  any  shares  held by the  corporation  in a
fiduciary capacity.

     (d) If a quorum  exists,  action on a matter  other  than the  election  of
directors,  by a voting  group is  approved  if the votes cast within the voting
group  favoring the action exceed the votes cast  opposing the action,  unless a
greater number is required by law.

Section 3.11  Voting by Proxy or Representative.

     (a) At all meetings of the shareholders, a shareholder entitled to vote may
vote in person or by proxy  appointed  in writing,  which  appointment  shall be
effective when received by the secretary of the meeting or other officer,  agent
or inspector  authorized to tabulate  votes.  An appointment of a proxy is valid
for 11  months  from  the date of its  execution,  unless  a  longer  period  is
expressly provided in the appointment form.

     (b)  Shares  held by an  administrator,  executor,  guardian,  conservator,
receiver,  trustee,  pledgee or another  corporation may be voted as provided by
law.

Section 3.12 Conduct of Business.  The person acting as the presiding officer of
any meeting of shareholders  shall determine the order of business and procedure
at the  meeting,  including  such  regulation  of the  manner of voting  and the
conduct of business as seem to him or her to be in order.

Section  3.13 Action  Without  Meeting.  Except as  otherwise  set forth in this
Section 3.13 and subject to Section  3.3(c) of these By-Laws and the Articles of
Incorporation of the corporation,  any action required or permitted by law to be
taken at a meeting of the shareholders of the corporation may be taken without a
meeting or vote, and without notice,  if one or more consents in writing setting
forth the action  taken shall be signed and dated by the holders of  outstanding
shares having not less than 90% of the votes entitled to be cast at a meeting at
which all shares entitled to vote on the action were present and voted,  and are
delivered  to the  corporation  for  inclusion in the minutes or filing with the
corporate records of the corporation;  provided,  however, that a director shall
not be removed by written consents unless written consents are obtained from the
holders of all of the outstanding shares of the corporation that are entitled to
vote on the removal of the director.  Written consents from a sufficient  number
of  shareholders  must be obtained  within 60 days from the date of the earliest
dated consent for such consents to be effective to take corporate action. If not
otherwise fixed by law or in accordance with these By-Laws,  the record date for
determining  shareholders  entitled to take action without a meeting is the date
the first shareholder signs such a written consent.


                                   ARTICLE IV

                               BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Section 4.1  Qualifications and General Powers. No director is required to be an
officer,  employee,  shareholder or policyowner of the corporation or a resident
of the State of Iowa.  The  business  and  affairs of the  corporation  shall be
managed under the  direction of the Board of  Directors.  The Board of Directors
may  authorize  any  officer  or  officers  or agent or agents to enter into any
contract or to execute and deliver any  instrument  in the name and on behalf of
the  corporation,  and such  authority  may be general or  confined  to specific
instances.

Section 4.2 Number and Term of Office.  The Board of Directors  shall be elected
in the manner and for the term specified in the Articles of Incorporation of the
corporation  and in  Section  3.4 of  these  By-Laws.  Each  director  (whenever
elected)  shall hold  office  until his or her death,  resignation  or  removal,
except  that each  director  who  attains  retirement  age,  as set forth in the
Articles of  Incorporation  of the  corporation or as determined by the Board of
Directors,  during the term for which  elected  shall hold office only until the
next annual meeting of shareholders  following  attainment of retirement age, at
which time a person may be elected as director to complete the unexpired term of
office,  if any,  for  which  the  director  attaining  retirement  age had been
elected.

Section  4.3 Quorum and  Manner of  Acting.  A quorum of the Board of  Directors
consists of a majority of the number of directors  prescribed in accordance with
Section 4.2 of these  By-Laws.  If at any meeting of the Board of Directors less
than a quorum is present,  a majority of the  directors  present may adjourn the
meeting  from  time to time  until a quorum  shall  be  present.  Notice  of any
adjourned meeting need not be given. At all meetings of directors where a quorum
is  present,  the act of the  majority of the  directors  present at the meeting
shall be the act of the Board of Directors.

Section 4.4 Resignation.  Any director of the corporation may resign at any time
by  delivering  written  notice  to the  Chairman  of the  Board,  the  Board of
Directors,  or the  corporation.  A resignation  is effective when the notice is
delivered unless the notice specifies a later effective date.

Section 4.5  Compensation  of  Directors.  Directors who are not officers of the
corporation shall be entitled to an annual retainer and an additional amount for
attendance  at each  regular or special  meeting  of the Board of  Directors  or
meetings of committees of the Board of Directors,  plus the expense of attending
such  meetings,  if any, as may be fixed from time to time by  resolution of the
Board of Directors.

Section 4.6 Meetings.  Regular  meetings of the Board of Directors shall be held
without  notice once in each calendar  quarter on such date and at such hour and
place,  within or  without  the  State of Iowa,  as may be fixed by the Board of
Directors,  except that the meeting in the second  quarter  shall be held in the
principal  office of the  corporation  in Des  Moines on the date of the  annual
meeting of the shareholders of the corporation.  The date, time and place of any
regular  meeting other than the meeting in the second  quarter may be changed by
the Chairman of the Board,  if any, or the  President,  by written notice to all
directors at least 30 days before the regular  meeting  date,  provided that the
date to which any meeting is changed  shall not be more than 15 days  earlier or
later than the date fixed by the Board of  Directors.  Special  meetings  of the
Board of Directors may be called at any time upon two days' written notice given
by the Chairman of the Board,  if any, the  President or a majority of directors
then in office, which notice shall state the date, time and place of the special
meeting.  In the alternative,  upon oral or written notice received prior to the
time of the meeting by at least two-thirds of the directors, the Chairman of the
Board,  or the acting  Chairman of the Board,  may call a special meeting of the
Board of Directors to be held through communications equipment which permits all
participants   to  communicate   with  each  other,   with  such   participation
constituting  attendance  at such  meeting.  Any meeting may be continued to the
succeeding day if the Board of Directors  does not complete the business  coming
before it on the meeting date. At any meeting at which every  director  shall be
present, even without notice, any business may be transacted.

Section 4.7 Waiver of Notice. A director may waive any notice required by law or
these By-Laws if the waiver is in writing and signed by the director entitled to
such  notice,  whether  before or after the date and time stated in such notice.
Such a waiver  shall be  equivalent  to notice in due time as  required by these
By-Laws.  Attendance  of a  director  at or  participation  in a  meeting  shall
constitute  a waiver of notice  of such  meeting,  unless  the  director  at the
beginning of the meeting or promptly upon arrival objects to holding the meeting
or  transacting  business  at the meeting  and does not  thereafter  vote for or
assent to action taken at the meeting.

Section 4.8 Director's  Assent Presumed.  A director who is present at a meeting
of the Board of Directors at which action on any corporate matter is taken shall
be presumed to have assented to the action taken unless the  director's  dissent
shall be entered in the minutes of the meeting or unless the director shall file
a written  dissent to such action with the person acting as the secretary of the
meeting  before  the  adjournment  thereof  or shall  forward  such  dissent  by
registered or certified mail to the Secretary  immediately after the adjournment
of the meeting. Such right to dissent shall not apply to a director who voted in
favor of such action.

Section 4.9 Action Without  Meeting.  Any action required or permitted by law to
be taken at any meeting of the Board of Directors may be taken without a meeting
of the action is taken by all of the directors then in office and if one or more
consents  in  writing  describing  the  action so taken  shall be signed by each
director  then in office and included in the minutes or filed with the corporate
records  reflecting  the  action  taken.  Action  taken  under  this  section is
effective when the last director signs the consent, unless the consent specifies
a different effective date.

Section 4.10 Dividends.  Subject to applicable law and any applicable provisions
of the Articles of Incorporation of the corporation,  the Board of Directors may
authorize and the corporation may make  distribution to its shareholders in cash
or property.

Section  4.11  Officers of the Board of  Directors.  

     (a) The Board of  Directors  shall  elect from its number a Chairman of the
Board to serve at the  pleasure of the Board of  Directors.  The Chairman of the
Board shall,  if present,  preside at each meeting of the Board of Directors and
shall have such powers and shall  perform  such duties as may be assigned to him
or her by these  By-Laws  or by or  pursuant  to  authorization  of the Board of
Directors.

     (b) The Board of  Directors  shall by  resolution  establish a procedure to
provide for an acting Chairman of the Board in the event the current Chairman of
the Board is unable to serve or act in that capacity.


                                    ARTICLE V

                           THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE AND
                                OTHER COMMITTEES

Section  5.1  Executive  Committee.  The Board of  Directors  shall  appoint  an
Executive  Committee  composed of five directors,  including the Chairman of the
Board and the Chief  Executive  Officer if other than the Chairman of the Board.
Members  of the  Executive  Committee  shall be  appointed  by and  serve at the
pleasure  of the Board of  Directors.  If the Board of  Directors  has elected a
Chairman of the Board he or she shall,  if present,  preside at each  meeting of
the Executive Committee. In the absence or vacancy in the office of the Chairman
of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer shall preside.  If the Chairman of the
Board is also the Chief  Executive  Officer,  any other member of the  Executive
Committee,  as  determined by the members of the  Executive  Committee  present,
shall  preside at a meeting of the  Executive  Committee  in the  absence of the
Chairman of the Board.  The  Secretary  shall act as secretary of the  Executive
Committee and shall keep a record of all proceedings of the Executive Committee.
A majority of the members of the Executive Committee shall constitute a quorum.

Section 5.2 Powers of Executive  Committee.  The Executive  Committee shall have
and may exercise  all of the powers of the Board of Directors in the  management
and affairs of the corporation except when the Board of Directors is in session.
Actions  of the  Executive  Committee,  except  when the rights or acts of third
parties  would be  adversely  affected,  shall be subject to the approval of the
Board of Directors,  which approval shall be implied unless  contrary  action is
taken by the Board of Directors.

Section 5.3 Other Committees.  The Board of Directors,  by resolution adopted by
the  affirmative  vote of a majority of the number of directors  then in office,
may  establish  one or more other  committees  of the Board of  Directors,  each
committee  to  consist  of two or  more  directors  appointed  by the  Board  of
Directors.  Any such  committee  shall  serve at the  pleasure  of the  Board of
Directors.  Each such committee shall have the powers and duties delegated to it
by the Board of Directors,  subject to the  limitations  set forth in applicable
Iowa  law.  The Board of  Directors  may  elect  one or more of its  members  as
alternate  members  of any such  committee  who may take the place of any absent
member or members at any meeting of such committee, upon request of the Chairman
of the Board or the chairperson of such committee.


                                   ARTICLE VI

                                    OFFICERS

Section 6.1  President.  The Board of  Directors  shall elect a President of the
corporation  to serve at the pleasure of the Board of Directors.  The President,
if not the Chief  Executive  Officer,  shall have such powers and  perform  such
duties as may be  assigned to him or her by these  By-Laws,  as may from time to
time be assigned to him or her by or pursuant to  authorization  of the Board of
Directors  or by the Chief  Executive  Officer,  and as may be  incident  to the
office of President.

Section 6.2 Chief Executive Officer. The Board of Directors shall empower either
the Chairman of the Board,  if one is elected,  or the President to serve as the
Chief Executive  Officer of the corporation.  The Chief Executive  Officer shall
(a) supervise  the carrying out of policies  adopted or approved by the Board of
Directors,  (b) exercise a general supervision and superintendence  over all the
business and affairs of the  corporation,  and (c) possess such other powers and
perform such other duties as may be assigned to him or her by these By-Laws,  as
may  from  time to time be  assigned  by the  Board of  Directors  and as may be
incident to the office of Chief Executive Officer.

Section 6.3 Secretary. The Board of Directors shall appoint a Secretary to serve
at the pleasure of the Board of Directors.  The Secretary shall (a) keep minutes
of  all  meetings  of  the  shareholders  and of the  Board  of  Directors,  (b)
authenticate records of the corporation and (c) in general, have such powers and
perform such other duties as may be assigned to him or her by these By-Laws,  as
may from time to time be assigned to him or her by the Board of Directors or the
Chief Executive Officer and as may be incident to the office of Secretary.

Section 6.4 Other Officers Elected by Board of Directors.  At any meeting of the
Board of Directors,  the Board of Directors may elect such other officers of the
corporation  as the  Board  of  Directors  may deem  necessary,  to serve at the
pleasure  of the Board of  Directors.  Other  officers  elected  by the Board of
Directors  shall have such powers and perform  such duties as may be assigned to
them by or pursuant to  authorization  of the Board of Directors or by the Chief
Executive Officer.

Section 6.5 Other Officers. The Board of Directors may authorize the corporation
to elect or appoint other officers,  each of whom shall serve at the pleasure of
the  corporation.  Officers  elected or appointed by the corporation  shall have
such  powers  and  perform  such  duties  as  may be  assigned  to  them  by the
corporation.

Section  6.6  Resignation  and  Removal.  An  officer  may resign at any time by
delivering  notice to the Secretary.  A resignation is effective when the notice
is delivered unless the notice specifies a later effective date. Any officer may
be removed, for or without cause, by the Board of Directors at any time.

Section 6.7  Compensation of Officers.  The compensation of all officers elected
by the  Board  of  Directors  shall be fixed  by the  Board  of  Directors.  The
compensation of officers elected or appointed by the corporation  shall be fixed
as provided by resolution of the Board of Directors.


                                   ARTICLE VII

                       SHARES, THEIR ISSUANCE AND TRANSFER

Section 7.1  Consideration  for Shares.  The Board of  Directors  may  authorize
shares to be issued for  consideration  consisting of any tangible or intangible
property  or benefit  to the  corporation,  including  cash,  promissory  notes,
services performed,  contracts for services to be performed, or other securities
of the corporation. Before the corporation issues shares, the Board of Directors
must determine that the  consideration  received or to be received for shares to
be issued is adequate.

Section 7.2 Certificates for Shares.  Every shareholder of the corporation shall
be entitled to a certificate or certificates, to be in such form as the Board of
Directors  shall  prescribe,  certifying  the  number and class of shares of the
corporation owned by such shareholder.

Section 7.3  Execution of  Certificates.  The  certificates  for shares of stock
shall be numbered in the order in which they shall be issued and shall be signed
by the Chief  Executive  Officer or President  and the Secretary or an Assistant
Secretary of the corporation.  The signatures of the Chief Executive  Officer or
President and the Secretary or Assistant  Secretary or other persons signing for
the  corporation  upon a certificate  may be facsimiles  if the  certificate  is
countersigned by a transfer agent, or registered by a registrar,  other than the
corporation  itself or an  employee of the  corporation.  In case any officer or
other  authorized  person who has signed or whose  facsimile  signature has been
placed upon such  certificate for the  corporation  shall have ceased to be such
officer or employee or agent before such certificate is issued, it may be issued
by the  corporation  with the same  effect as if he or she were such  officer or
employee or agent at the date of the issuance of such certificate.

Section 7.4 Share  Record.  A record shall be kept by the  Secretary,  or by any
other officer,  employee or agent  designated by the Board of Directors,  of the
name and address of each shareholder of the corporation, the number and class of
shares held by such  shareholder,  the number of the  certificates  representing
such shares and the respective  dates of issuance of such  certificates  and, in
case  of  cancellation  of  any  such   certificate,   the  respective  date  of
cancellation.

Section 7.5 Cancellation.  Every certificate  surrendered to the corporation for
exchange or transfer shall be cancelled,  and no new certificate or certificates
shall be issued in exchange for any  existing  certificate  until such  existing
certificate  shall have been so cancelled,  except in cases  provided in Section
7.8 of these By-Laws. Section 7.6 Transfers of Stock. Transfers of shares of the
capital  stock  of the  corporation  shall  be  made  only on the  books  of the
corporation by the record holder  thereof,  or by his or her attorney  thereunto
authorized by power of attorney duly executed and filed with the Secretary,  and
on  surrender  of the  certificate  or  certificates  for such  shares  properly
endorsed and the payment of all taxes  thereon.  The person in whose name shares
of stock stand on the books of the corporation shall be deemed the owner thereof
for all purposes as regards the corporation;  provided,  however,  that whenever
any  transfer  of  shares  shall  be  made  for  collateral  security,  and  not
absolutely,  such fact, if known to the Secretary,  shall be so expressed in the
entry of transfer.

Section 7.7  Regulations.  The Board of Directors  may make such other rules and
regulations as it may deem expedient,  not inconsistent with law, concerning the
issue, transfer and registration of certificates for shares of the capital stock
of the corporation.

Section 7.8 Lost, Destroyed or Mutilated Certificates. In the event of the loss,
theft or destruction of any  certificate of stock,  another may be issued in its
place  pursuant to such  regulations  as the Board of  Directors  may  establish
concerning proof of such loss, theft or destruction and concerning the giving of
a satisfactory bond or bonds of indemnity.


                                  ARTICLE VIII

                            MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

Section 8.1  Facsimile  Signatures.  In addition  to the  provisions  for use of
facsimile  signatures  elsewhere  specifically   authorized  in  these  By-Laws,
facsimile  signatures of any officer or officers of the  corporation may be used
whenever and as authorized by the Board of Directors or a committee thereof.  If
any  officer  whose  facsimile  signature  has  been  placed  upon  any  form of
instrument  shall have ceased to be such officer  before an  instrument  in such
form is issued,  such  instrument may be issued with the same effect as if he or
she had been such officer at the time of its issue.

Section 8.2 Execution of Instruments.  Instruments affecting or relating to real
estate  or the  investment  of  funds  of the  corporation  may be  executed  as
authorized  by  resolution  of the Board of Directors or as may be authorized by
such officers of the corporation as the Board of Directors designates.

Section 8.3  Disposition of Funds.  The funds of the  corporation  shall be paid
out,  transferred  or  otherwise  disposed of only in such manner and under such
controls as may be  authorized by resolution of the Board of Directors or as may
be  authorized  by such  officers of the  corporation  as the Board of Directors
designates.

Section 8.4 Fiscal Year.  The fiscal year of the  corporation  shall be from the
first day of January through the last day of December.

Section 8.5 Books and Records. The books and records of the corporation shall be
kept (except that the shareholder list must also be kept at the places described
in Section 3.7 of these By-Laws) at the principal office of the corporation.

Section  8.6  Voting of Stocks  Owned by the  Corporation.  In the  absence of a
resolution  of the Board of  Directors  to the  contrary,  the  Chief  Executive
Officer  and the  President  are  authorized  and  empowered  on  behalf  of the
corporation to attend and vote, or to grant discretionary proxies to be used, at
any meeting of shareholders of any corporation in which this  corporation  holds
or owns shares of stock, and in that connection,  on behalf of this corporation,
to execute a waiver of notice of any such meeting or a written consent to action
without a meeting.  The Board of Directors shall have authority to designate any
officer or person as a proxy or  attorney-in-fact to vote shares of stock in any
other corporation in which the corporation may own or hold shares of stock.


                                   ARTICLE IX

                                    INDEMNITY

The Board of  Directors  shall  indemnify,  or  authorize  the  officers  of the
corporation to indemnify,  directly and through insurance coverage,  each person
now or hereafter a director,  officer,  employee or other  representative of the
corporation,  and that  person's  heirs and legal  representatives,  against all
damages, awards, costs and expenses, including counsel fees, reasonably incurred
or imposed in connection with or resulting from any action,  suit or proceeding,
or the settlement thereof prior to final  adjudication,  to which such person is
or may be made a party by reason of being or having  been a  director,  officer,
employee or other  representative  of the corporation or by reason of service at
the  request  of  the  corporation  in  any  capacity  with  another  entity  or
organization.  Such rights or indemnification shall be in addition to any rights
to  which  any  director,  officer,  employee  or  other  representative  of the
corporation, former, present or future, may otherwise be entitled as a matter of
law and subject to such  limitations  permitted by law as may be  established by
the Board of Directors.


                                    ARTICLE X

                                   AMENDMENTS

These  By-Laws may be amended,  altered or repealed by the Board of Directors at
any  regular or  special  meeting of the Board of  Directors,  provided  written
notice expressing in substance the proposed change shall have been given to each
director at least two days prior to the date of such regular or special meeting.
Notice of any  proposed  amendment,  alteration  or repeal  may be waived by any
director by filing a written waiver of notice with the Secretary  before,  on or
after the meeting date.  The  shareholders  of the  corporation  may also amend,
alter or repeal these  By-Laws as provided in the Articles of  Incorporation  of
the  corporation.  Any amendment to these By-Laws shall be submitted to the Iowa
Insurance  Commissioner  for review not less than  thirty (30) days prior to the
effective  date of the  amendment,  or  pursuant to such other  procedure  as is
established by law or regulation.


ERNST & YOUNG LLP                     Suite 3400             Phone: 515 243 2727
                                      801 Grand Avenue
                                      Des Moines, Iowa 50309-2764





                         Consent of Independent Auditors









We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Independent Auditors"
and to the use of our reports dated  January 29,  1999 with respect to Principal
Life  Insurance  Company  Variable  Life  Separate  Account and  Principal  Life
Insurance Company, in the Registration Statement (Post-Effective Amendment No. 8
to Form S-6 No.  333-00101)  and related  Prospectus of Principal Life Insurance
Company  Variable  Life Separate  Account  Prin Flex Life(R) - Flexible  Premium
Variable Universal Life Insurance Policy.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Des Moines, Iowa
April 19, 1999




Ernst & Young LLP is a member of Ernst & Young International, Ltd.

Principal(R)
    Financial                                              Principal Life
    Group                                                  Insurance Company


April 20, 1999


RE:   PRINFLEX VARIABLE LIFE - PRINCIPAL FLEXIBLE
         PREMIUM VARIABLE LIFE INSURANCE POLICY

Dear Sir or Madam:

In my  capacity  as  Assistant  Actuary  of  Principal  Life  Insurance  Company
("Principal"), I have provided actuarial advice concerning, and participated in,
the design of,  Principal  Flexible  Premium  Variable  Universal Life Insurance
Policy  (the  "Policy").   I  also  provided  actuarial  advice  concerning  the
preparation  of a  registration  statement  on form  S-6  for  filing  with  the
Securities  and  Exchange  Commission  under  the  Securities  Act  of  1933  in
connection with the Policy. In my opinion:

         a)   the  federal   tax  charge  of  1.25%  of  premium  for   deferred
              acquisition costs is reasonable in relation to Principal increased
              tax burden under Section 848 of the Internal  Revenue Code of 1986
              as amended.  In addition,  it is my professional  opinion that the
              11% rate of  return,  and the  assumptions  on which  that rate is
              based, are reasonable for use in calculating such charges.

         b)   the  illustrations  of death benefits,  account values,  surrender
              values and accumulated premiums in the prospectus are based on the
              assumptions  stated  in the  illustrations,  consistent  with  the
              provisions of the Policy. Such assumptions,  including the assumed
              current  charge  levels  are  reasonable.  The Policy has not been
              designed  so as to  make  the  relationship  between  premium  and
              benefits,   as  shown   in  the   illustrations,   appear   to  be
              correspondingly  more favorable to a prospective  purchaser of the
              Policy at the ages,  genders and underwriting  classes shown, than
              to prospective  purchasers at other ages, genders and underwriting
              classes. Nor were the particular  illustrations shown selected for
              the purpose of making this relationship appear more favorable.

I hereby  consent to the use of this  opinion as an exhibit to the  registration
statement  and to the  reference  to my name under the heading  "Experts" in the
prospectus.

Very truly yours,

/s/ Lisa Ford

Lisa Ford
Assistant Actuary
Phone: 515-248-3792; Fax: 515-362-0056



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