Founded in 2000, Locatedin Denver, the Financial Planning Association, also known as FPA, provides financial planning services. It works with academic leaders, legislative and regulatory bodies, financial services firms and consumer interest organizations. The company offers the Alliance Program for financial services firms that focus on creating a financial planning environment. The Financial Planning Association also provides an online journal that publishes various articles and news related to the financial industry. It offers educational courses for the charted financial planner and state insurance certifications. The company utilizes competency models, evaluative feedbacks, focus groups, surveys and research to identify the professional development needs. The Financial Planning Association hosts various conferences to provide educational opportunities.