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Over the past 28 years, I have met many investment advisers who have instructed their clients to use debt in order to increase their investment returns. Use Minimal Debt - Or Better, No Debt Back to Investing By: Tom Copland October 19, 2021 Over the past 28 years, I have met many investment advisers who have instructed their clients to use debt in order to increase their investment returns. When the market goes up, additional returns can be obtained through the use of debt. However, when the market goes down, the results can be disastrous. I remember one woman who borrowed against her home and invested in mutual funds only to discover four years later that the funds had decreased in value by 50 percent. Being upset with what occurred, she immediately sold her investments and paid off as much of the loan as she could. Several years later, she is still servicing the remaining debt. The deception from the world is that “smart people use other people’s money.” This is contrary to God’s Word. Every reference in scripture to borrowing is negative, and nowhere in the Bible does God ever direct anyone to borrow money in order for God to bless. Our all-powerful God is able to meet every need without the assistance of the bank. Philippians 4:19 states, “And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” It is not a sin to borrow money, but it is a sin to borrow and not repay. Psalms 37:21 states, “The wicked borrow and do not repay, but the righteous give generously.” The implication is that the righteous person not only repays all debts but goes “the second mile” and gives generously. Experience has shown that people who use a lot of debt when investing will generally encounter one of the following problems: 1. When the markets are down, borrowers are forced by the lender to sell at the wrong time. In Proverbs 22:7b, God warns that “the borrower is a servant to the lender.” 2. Psychologically and emotionally, it is much more difficult to survive a “bear market,” because debt increases the volatility of your portfolio. For example, if you borrow 50 percent of what you invest, and if the market decreases 20 percent in value, then the loss of your personal capital is 40 percent. 3. If the investment decreases significantly in value, you can lose more than your original capital and end up with a deficit that may take years to repay. In Deuteronomy 28, God promised the people of Israel that, if they fully obeyed him, he would bless them so much that they be would lenders and not borrowers. In other words, God can bless your investments without the use of debt. I have seen more than 100 individual cases in which God has done this. Before you borrow to invest, be sure to ask God to reveal your motives. Frequently, people use debt in order to “get rich quick” because of covetousness or greed—both of which are contrary to God’s Word. On the other hand, saving and investing carefully over a long period of time, with the objective of meeting future needs, is a very biblical attitude. Proverbs 13:11 states, “Dishonest money dwindles away, but he who gathers money little by little makes it grow” (emphasis added). Saving and investing to provide for future needs is biblical. However, God strongly discourages the use of debt. I recommend that you save and invest whatever funds God has provided, and trust God to meet your needs, which he has promised as you put him first. (See Matthew 6:31–33.) Previous Article Next Article More Topics Freedom from Financial Anxiety Read More Priorities Read More Counsel & Wisdom Read More

Thanks again for your time and effort, prayers, and encouragement. Since starting the Copland Budgeting System both my wife and I feel as if a great weight has been lifted, we feel closer to God and closer to each other. My wife says it feels as if the waters have parted and the way has been made clear. Thank you so much for pointing us to God’s wisdom for finances. We are looking forward to working through “Financial Management – God’s Way” Praying for you and your ministry, in Jesus’ precious name. Back to Testimonials Praying for you and your ministry Thanks again for your time and effort, prayers, and encouragement. Since starting the Copland Budgeting System both my wife and I feel as if a great weight has been lifted, we feel closer to God and closer to each other. My wife says it feels as if the waters have parted and the way has been made clear. Thank you so much for pointing us to God’s wisdom for finances. We are looking forward to working through “Financial Management – God’s Way” Praying for you and your ministry, in Jesus’ precious name. Anonymous Previous Next

I began seriously studying God's Word on finances around 2008 when going through a Sunday School seminar on Debt Reduction God's Way led by Tom Copland (shortly after he had joined our church in Ajax). Back to Testimonials I have come to realize that Biblical stewardship is not an area that can be faked. I began seriously studying God's Word on finances around 2008 when going through a Sunday School seminar on Debt Reduction God's Way led by Tom Copland (shortly after he had joined our church in Ajax). This seminar not only opened my eyes to the dangers of debt, but prompted me to participate in several other similar seminars over the coming years, with the focus on Financial Management God's Way. I am thankful for this material that has helped me appreciate that the Lord is deeply interested in how I use the money and material things He has entrusted me with, and to that end, I have come to realize that Biblical stewardship is not an area that can be faked. I am also thankful for the many opportunities Tom has presented me with to lead others in this area, which the Lord has used to continue to show me that in order to maximize my spiritual impact as a Biblical steward, contrary to conventional 'worldly wisdom', the Lord's wisdom is that borrowing is generally discouraged and giving is generally encouraged. After many years of study and resolve to follow God's Word, I am thankful to have been able to persevere by avoiding many financial temptations, and as a result now am totally debt-free. I would recommend following Tom Copland's material on managing money God's way for anyone who is looking to do the same. E.L Ontario, Canada Previous Next

Many people believe the deception that money will bring happiness. Although additional income can relieve some financial pressures (if the individual or couple manage their money well), money in and of itself does not bring happiness. Money will definitely not provide joy and peace, which only comes from God. Back to Financial Deceptions If I Had More Money, I Would Be Happy By: Tom Copland June 15, 2020 Many people believe the deception that money will bring happiness. Although additional income can relieve some financial pressures (if the individual or couple manage their money well), money in and of itself does not bring happiness. Money will definitely not provide joy and peace, which only comes from God. Ecclesiastes 5:10 states, “Whoever loves money never has money enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with his income. This too is meaningless.” Over the years, I’ve seen many couples with significant amounts of wealth who have no peace and joy. I think of one couple who started with nothing and accumulated about $40 million worth of assets. However, their unhappiness was evident to anyone who knew them. They were always arguing with each other and with their kids and employees, and they appeared “stressed out” all the time. Certainly, there was no “peace of God, which transcends all understanding” (Philippians 4:7). Only God, through his Holy Spirit, can bring true peace and happiness. Jesus said: “But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:26, 27, emphasis added). There are many people in North America who have significant amounts of wealth yet are frustrated, angry, weary, and unhappy. Frankly, some are even Christians who are not experiencing God’s joy and peace. Remember that “the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things, there is no law (Galatians 5:22, 23, emphasis added). Jesus provides an invitation to everyone who is weary and burdened: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28–30, emphasis added). In summary, based upon God’s Word and 30 years’ experience of working with some very wealthy people, I’m convinced that the key to happiness is not more money but rather a close personal relationship with God. In the 15th chapter of John, Jesus called this “abiding,” which means to be connected to and in communication with God on an ongoing basis. For more information on “abiding in Christ,” I recommend the book titled Secrets of the Vine by Dr. Bruce Wilkinson (Multnomah Publishers, 2001). Previous Article Next Article More Topics The Joseph Principle Read More Co-Signing/Surety Read More Freedom from Financial Anxiety Read More

Thanks so much for your advice and all your resources. Your support, advice, validation and sincere heart have been such an encouragement and blessing to us. We left our time with you feeling great peace and clarity, even though all our financial problems are not instantly solved. God used you to speak into our lives and we are so thankful for that. Back to Testimonials Thank you for your advice Thanks so much for your advice and all your resources. Your support, advice, validation and sincere heart have been such an encouragement and blessing to us. We left our time with you feeling great peace and clarity, even though all our financial problems are not instantly solved. God used you to speak into our lives and we are so thankful for that. R.G. Toronto, ON, Canada Previous Next

God admonishes us to obtain counsel. Proverbs 12:15 states, “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, But a wise man is he who listens to counsel” (NASB), and Proverbs 15:22 states, “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers, they succeed.” Back to Counsel & Wisdom From Godly Financial Advisers By: Tom Copland June 15, 2020 God admonishes us to obtain counsel. Proverbs 12:15 states, “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, But a wise man is he who listens to counsel” (NASB), and Proverbs 15:22 states, “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers, they succeed.” Unfortunately, sometimes Christians refuse to seek counsel because of pride. Proverbs 13:10 states, “Pride only breeds quarrels, but wisdom is found in those who take advice. Proverbs 11:2 states, “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.” Nevertheless, God indicates that your probability of success is greater with many advisers. Proverbs 24:6 states, “For waging war you need guidance, and for victory many advisers.” God recommends that we obtain biblical counsel from godly financial advisers. The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them because they are spiritually discerned. The spiritual man makes judgments about all things, but he himself is not subject to any man’s judgment. (1 Corinthians 2:14, 15) Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked. (Psalm 1:1) I have met some non-Christian financial advisers who do give good practical advice. However, if you want advice from a biblical perspective, which I believe is God’s will for every Christian, then you can get godly advice only from a godly financial adviser. For example, a nonbeliever is simply not going to understand the desire in the believer’s heart for giving a significant portion of one’s income to God’s work. The believer has an eternal perspective, wanting to build up “treasures in heaven” rather than “treasures on earth.” (Matthew 6:19–21) In addition, a godly adviser would counsel you to use minimal debt (Proverbs 22:7), while many worldly advisers would encourage the use of a lot of debt, based on the belief that “smart people use other people’s money” or “buy now and pay later.” Therefore, before making any major financial decision, I recommend that you seek the advice of two or three godly financial advisers. In my view, an appropriate definition for such a person would be as follows: a spiritually mature Christian who understands and applies God’s financial principles (Psalm 111:10), has a close personal relationship with God (John 15), has the necessary practical financial knowledge (Proverbs 24:3, 4), and habitually puts the interests of clients first (Philippians 2:3, 4). I believe that one of your financial counsellors should be your spouse (Genesis 2:24), even if she or he has limited financial knowledge. God, through his Holy Spirit, can give his peace or lack of peace to an objective spouse who is not emotionally excited about or biased against a particular financial decision. After obtaining the counsel outlined above, it is your responsibility, to pray and ask God to give you his wisdom (James 1:5) in weighing the advice you have received. Proverbs 14:15 states, “A simple man believes anything, but a prudent man gives thought to his steps.” In summary, before making any major financial decision, seek counsel from two or three godly financial advisers and from your spouse. Proceed only after you and your spouse have spent considerable time in prayer, and God has given you his peace and his wisdom. Previous Article Next Article More Topics Priorities Read More Stewardship Principle Read More Debt Principles Read More

Thanks so much for the opportunity to take Financial Management God's Way. Blessings to Tom and his team. Back to Testimonials Zoom Small group Participant Testimony I'm constantly amazed that this excellent course, Financial Management God's Way, is offered free of charge. The leaders are experienced, knowledgeable and very open and easy to talk to. The book is user-friendly and overflowing with God's word and how it relates to everyday life. Just the understanding that God owns everything and we are His caretakers is mind-changing. I encourage everyone - young and old - to take this course. I wish I had learned these practical financial principles when I was younger. It would have helped me be better prepared for my senior years and left me in a much better position, both financially and in my relationship with God. Thanks so much for the opportunity to take Financial Management God's Way. Blessings to Tom and his team. JG Kemptville, Ontario Canada Previous Next

God has spoken to me through this workshop series by allowing me to better understand how to manage the money he’s entrusted to me. I’ve been actively consulting with Christ regarding all financial decisions. Establishing a budget has allowed me to get a sense of what I can afford. The case studies allow us to explore real life situations in which non-biblical principles can lead to financial ruin. Tom is an inspiration and great leader. I’ve taken his workshops several times and I always learn something new. Thank you! Back to Testimonials God has spoken to me God has spoken to me through this workshop series by allowing me to better understand how to manage the money he’s entrusted to me. I’ve been actively consulting with Christ regarding all financial decisions. Establishing a budget has allowed me to get a sense of what I can afford. The case studies allow us to explore real life situations in which non-biblical principles can lead to financial ruin. Tom is an inspiration and great leader. I’ve taken his workshops several times and I always learn something new. Thank you! S.G. Toronto, ON Previous Next

It is possible for a Christian to be involved in investing with godly motives or worldly motives. Your motives for investing are important to God. “All a man’s ways seem innocent to him, but motives are weighed by the LORD.” (Proverbs 16:2) Ensure that your Motives are Godly and not Worldly Back to Investing By: Tom Copland October 19, 2021 It is possible for a Christian to be involved in investing with godly motives or worldly motives. Your motives for investing are important to God. “All a man’s ways seem innocent to him, but motives are weighed by the LORD.” (Proverbs 16:2) Godly motives for investing would include the following: 1. Investing in Order to Meet Future Needs—1 Timothy 5:8 states, “If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” Examples of needs that usually require saving and investing would include children’s education, retirement, automobile replacement, and purchase of a home. 2. Giving to God’s Work—If God has blessed you with a surplus and if you have given to God’s work everything that the Lord has laid upon your heart (Proverbs 3:9, 10), then it is possible that God may direct you to invest the surplus with the long-term objective of giving even more. 3. Practicing Good Stewardship—If you have given to God’s work as God directed, then as a good steward, you should invest your surplus as directed in the parable of the talents (Mathew 25:14–30). However, be sensitive to God’s leading; do not invest only to accumulate more. Jesus said, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal” (Matthew 6:19, 20). 4. Following God’s Specific Will for Your Life—Sometimes God’s specific will for a believer may be to invest a significant amount in the business that God has called him or her to. Because God discourages debt (Proverbs 22:7), it may be necessary for some people to accumulate significant retained earnings in their company in order to provide the necessary working capital. Worldly or ungodly motives for investing would include the following: 1. Pride—Some people invest with the objective of accumulating significant wealth because it makes them feel more important than others. This attitude is clearly contrary to God’s Word. 1 Peter 5:5 states, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” 2. Selfishness—Philippians 2:3, 4 states, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests but also to the interests of others.” Investing with selfish motives is not God’s will. 3. Greed—God warns about greed. Jesus said, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions” (Luke 12:15). 4. Trust in Wealth Rather Than in God—A good example of this is the parable of the rich fool (Luke 12:16–21). This man’s problem was not that he had significant wealth but rather that he hoarded his wealth and he trusted in it rather than in God. God called him a fool. I encourage you to ask God to reveal your motives for investing and then take action to ensure that your motives are godly: “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting” (Psalm 139:23, 24). Previous Article Next Article More Topics Freedom from Financial Anxiety Read More Priorities Read More Counsel & Wisdom Read More

The workshop has been very beneficial in giving me practical insights in managing my debts based on Biblical principles. Back to Testimonials The workshop has been very beneficial The workshop has been very beneficial in giving me practical insights in managing my debts based on Biblical principles. I am more mindful now in seeking God's guidance before spending a considerable amount, even in minor purchases. BB Edmonton, Alberta Previous Next

Tom you are without a doubt one of the most humble people I have ever had the privilege to listen to. That has to be the reason why the Holy Spirit draws so many people to your teachings, He is your partner. Have a great evening. God Bless. Back to Testimonials Thank You Tom and God Bless You. I keep you in my Prayers Tom you are without a doubt one of the most humble people I have ever had the privilege to listen to. That has to be the reason why the Holy Spirit draws so many people to your teachings, He is your partner. Have a great evening. God Bless. D.W.P. Shawville Québec, Canada Previous Next

God had me take your Zoom class right on time. This was a big debt and because of what I learned in your classes concerning the Word of God I decided not to take any offers to pay less of my debt but instead I desired to pay it all. I could not have actually done so without God helping me each step each day each week each month. Back to Testimonials GLORY TO GOD IN THE HIGHEST!!!!!!! Hello Tom . It is with a heart of praise and thanksgiving to God that I write you this night. I paid off a roughly $5000+ creditor account today!!!!!! GLORY TO GOD IN THE HIGHEST!!!!!!! Truly the Lord has helped me so so so so so so much and has been merciful towards me. I began paying $500 biweekly since October 2021. God had me take your Zoom class right on time. This was a big debt and because of what I learned in your classes concerning the Word of God I decided not to take any offers to pay less of my debt but instead I desired to pay it all. I could not have actually done so without God helping me each step each day each week each month. I currently have several other loans that I am now going to begin paying off. PRAISE GOD, Tom! Your ministry has been a great blessing to me and your email responses helped me avoid taking another loan of about 40% interest just to pay off the other debt. …I need to thank you and those who labour with you in your ministry. NF Brampton ON, Canada Previous Next