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Explore how to teach children God’s financial principles. Learn saving, giving, and managing money from a biblical perspective today. Teaching Children God’s Financial Principles Session 1: Saving, Giving & Secular Verses Biblical Perspective on Money The objective of this series is to provide adults with biblical and practical advice on how to teach children God’s way of managing money Session 1 - Teaching Children God’s Financial Principles Play Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied Session 1 Session 2 - Teaching Children God’s Financial Principles Play Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied Session 2: Debt, Learning Contentment & Financial Deceptions God warns of the dangers of debt and God admonishes us to save for future needs Session 2 Session 3 Case Studies and Practical Ideas to Teach Your Children God’s Financial Principles Play Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied Session 3 Case Studies and Practical Ideas to Teach Your Children God’s Financial Principles Children can demonstrate faithful stewardship by taking care of their toys, clothes, their bedroom, and diligently completing their chores that their parents have assigned for them, which they may or may not be paid further, once they earn income on their own, could be from their parents for extra work or neighbors or part time jobs. Session 2

I would just like to say that what you are doing is amazing! I know it is helping many people! I first saw you in your commercial. I am so happy to see a Christian giving Godly based wisdom on finances. I am also glad that I have your messages as a 23-year-old now, that way the rest of my life could be set on the right track. Thank you for what you do, I hope that it never ceases. Your love for the Lord is admirable as well, and you are a fantastic role model. I can’t wait to tell people I know about you! cheers! Back to Testimonials I can't wait to tell people I know about you! I would just like to say that what you are doing is amazing! I know it is helping many people! I first saw you in your commercial. I am so happy to see a Christian giving Godly based wisdom on finances. I am also glad that I have your messages as a 23-year-old now, that way the rest of my life could be set on the right track. Thank you for what you do, I hope that it never ceases. Your love for the Lord is admirable as well, and you are a fantastic role model. I can’t wait to tell people I know about you! cheers! Anonymous Previous Next

Explore engaging Radio Interviews with finance experts across Barrie, Calgary, and more. Discover insights from top Radio Interviews now! Radio Interviews 100.3 Barrie, Ontario Life 100.3 Calgary, Alberta AM 700 The Light AM 700 Calgary, Alberta AM 700 The Light WDCX Buffalo, NY, USA WDCX Radio Harvesters FM Halifax, Nova Scotia Harvesters FM 98.1 CKVM Lethbridge, Alberta 98.1 CKVM

Discover engaging workshops about financial management with our Finance Tutor. Join our featured workshop to enhance your financial skills today! Workshops Featured Workshop Featured Workshop Feb 15, 2021 webinar-Overview & Relationship With Spouse & God Play Video Feb 22, 2021-Session 2-God Wants Us To Discern His Will & Relationship With God Play Video March 1, 2021-Session 3- Learn to listen to God & Biblical Guidelines Play Video March 8 2021- Session 4-Challenges To Discerning God's Will & Tough Case Study Play Video Discerning God's Will In Managing Money Webinar Series (2021) Watch Now Share Whole Channel This Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied Share Channel Info Close Discerning God's Will in Managing Money Webinar Series (2021) This webinar series covers the following topics: 1. Relationship with God & your spouse 2. God wants us to discern His Will 3. Learn to listen to God 4. Challenges to discerning God's Will Download the PDF course materials below. Download PDFs Oct. 19 and 26, 2025- Emmanuel Baptist Church Secular Person Versus Biblical Steward Watch Now June 8, 2024- Ajax Alliance Church This emphasize more on “Biblical Estate-Planning Russell and Eli Watch Now Sept. 30, 2023- Workshop This emphasize more on “Dealing with High Interest Rates and inflation from a Biblical Perspective”. Tom's Workshop at Parkway Watch Now July 19, 2023- Budgeting Tom's Zoom Webinar about Budgeting Watch Now Sept. 18- Oct. 9, 2022- Westney Baptist Church Dealing With Inflation, High Interest Rates From A Biblical Perspective And Eliminating Debt- Tom Copland and Pastor Don Symons Watch Now Oct. 31- Nov. 21, 2022 Workshop with Tom Copland Session of 1 of 4- What Can you Do to Deal with Inflation and High Interest Rates Watch Now Advanced Biblically-Based Estate Planning God's Word, the Bible, has phenomenal wisdom on finances. Watch Now Debt Reduction God's Way for Individuals God's promises and our stewardship responsibilities. Watch Now Biblical Instructions for Engaged Couples The Bible contains 500 verses on faith and 2,350 verses on money and material things. Watch Now Financial Management God's Way for Women The Bible contains about 500 verses on prayer, 500 verses on faith, and 2,350 verses that deal with money and material things. Clearly, God's Word has incredible wisdom for us in managing money! Watch Now Financial Management God's Way Webinar Are you experiencing God's peace in the area of finances? If not, you're probably not managing money God's way. Watch Now Financial Management & Debt Reduction Presented at Muskoka Bible Centre. Featuring Financial Management Impacts Relationship with Spouse and Debt Reduction God's Way. Watch Now Financial Management God's Way for Singles Paying down debt, saving for future needs, and balancing one's cash flow are often more difficult for single people compared to married couples with two incomes. Although the biblical principles are the same, the practical application of the biblical principles can be different for singles. Watch Now April 10, 2022- Budgeting The purpose of budgeting is to ensure that you spend less than you earn so that you have a surplus to pay down debt and save for future needs. A proper budgeting system will provide the “financial facts” needed in order to make wise decisions. Guesswork and "gut feel" decisions are very dangerous Watch Now April 23, 2022- Financial Management God's Way For Women Clearly God’s Word has incredible wisdom for us in managing money! But unfortunately most Christians have limited knowledge of what the Bible says on finances. Watch Now Featured Workshop 2

Discover the principles of Handling Money God's Way. Join our sessions on stewardship, debt, budgeting, and more to transform your finances today! Handling Money God's Way Session 1: Stewardship Stewardship is acknowledging in your heart and mind that God owns everything Handling Money God's Way - Stewardship - 1 of 3 Play Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied Now Playing Handling Money God's Way - Stewardship - 1 of 3 28:02 Play Video Now Playing Handling Money God's Way -Stewardship - 2 of 3 28:02 Play Video Now Playing Handling Money God's Way -Stewardship - 3 of 3 28:02 Play Video Session 1 Handling Money God's Way - God's Wisdom On Debt & Saving - 1 of 3 Play Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied Now Playing Handling Money God's Way - God's Wisdom On Debt & Saving - 1 of 3 28:02 Play Video Now Playing Handling Money God's Way - God's Wisdom On Debt & Saving - 2 of 3 28:02 Play Video Now Playing Handling Money God's Way 2 - God's Wisdom On Debt & Saving - 3 of 3 28:02 Play Video Session 2: God's Wisdom on Debt and Saving God warns of the dangers of debt and God admonishes us to save for future needs Session 2 Session 3: Steps to Get out of Debt Obtain a practical understanding of how to reduce your debt, with the long-term objective of becoming totally debt-free Handling Money God's Way - Steps To Get Out Of Debt - 1 of 3 Play Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied Now Playing Handling Money God's Way - Steps To Get Out Of Debt - 1 of 3 28:02 Play Video Now Playing Handling Money God's Way - Steps To Get Out Of Debt - 2 of 3 28:02 Play Video Now Playing Handling Money God's Way - Steps To Get Out Of Debt - 3 of 3 28:02 Play Video Session 3 Session 4 Part 3 Biblical Principles of Investing Play Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied Now Playing Session 4 Part 3 Biblical Principles of Investing 28:02 Play Video Now Playing Session 4 Part 1of 4 - Budgeting 28:02 Play Video Now Playing Session 4 Part 5 Copland Budgeting System 28:02 Play Video Now Playing Session 4 Part 2 - Budgeting and Investing 23:24 Play Video Session 4: Budgeting Includes biblical principles of investing Session 4 Session 5: Financial Deceptions Beliefs that appear to be correct but are contrary to God’s principles and often tempt people to get into debt. Session 5 -Part 1 Financial deceptions Play Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied Now Playing Session 5 -Part 1 Financial deceptions 25:28 Play Video Now Playing Session 5- Part 2 Financial deceptions 26:19 Play Video Now Playing Session 5 -Part 3 Financial deceptions 27:00 Play Video Session 5 Session 6 - Part 1 of 3 Developing Godly Attitudes Towards Money Play Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied Now Playing Session 6 - Part 1 of 3 Developing Godly Attitudes Towards Money 26:48 Play Video Now Playing Session 6 - part 2 of 3 Developing Godly Attitudes Towards Money 26:53 Play Video Now Playing Session 6 - part 3 of 3 Developing Godly Attitudes Towards Money 26:58 Play Video Session 6: Developing Godly Attitudes Towards Money Session 6

Discover how God is Blessing! with cfm services. Explore financial management God's way through cfm services and support our growing ministry. God is Bless ing! An update on how God is spreading His Word on finances Media Reach Radio The Financial Moments are on 155 radio facilities across Canada and northern United States. Tom's half-hour shows are on 15 radio stations across Canada, including WDCX radio in Buffalo. Praise God! TV Tom's half-hour programs and Financial Moments continue to be aired on Miracle Channel (Western Canada), Yes TV (Ontario, Calgary, and Edmonton), Vision TV (nationwide), Faith TV (based in Winnipeg), and Joy TV (based in Vancouver). Reach Between the financial moments and the one half hour radio and TV shows, we are reaching between 1,500,000 and 2,000,000 people every week. That's the hand of the Lord! Financial Management God's Way Courses Although COVID 19 has created a number of challenges, it has also resulted in opportunities. For example, Tom led an 11-week webinar titled "Financial Management God's Way for Singles". We averaged between 75 and 100 people on each session, and the attendees were from coast-to-coast in Canada and some from the United States. Financial Ministry is growing Tom I'm glad to hear that the financial ministry is growing and changing people's lives all over the world. Taking your course actually broke a stronghold in my life, I really believe that. I also developed a new money mindset. I am learning to walk in God's ways of managing money. J.C. Waterloo, ON, Canada I wish I had learned these principles sooner My knowledge and understanding of God's financial principles has profoundly changed. The bible is a wealth of information on how we should wisely think and then manage our finances. I have been so culturally accustomed to secular thinking about finances that I was not even aware of the detrimental impact that it had on my relationship with God. My involvement in this study has benefitted my personal relationship with God. As mentioned in the workshop by Tom, 'if our hearts are dominated by money and related problems, how can we love God with all our heart?' I wish I had learned these principles sooner. I would encourage everyone to take this workshop. L.G. Toronto, ON, Canada Thank you for sharing your testimony Thank you Tom. The teaching session was really helpful and thank you for sharing your testimony. I really needed to hear many the things that were being taught and discussed. You're a great example of faithfulness to the Lord. R.S. Prince George, BC, Canada Biblical-Based Financial Counseling Between Tom and his small group leaders/financial coaches, we provided biblically-based financial advice on a ministry basis at no charge to over 1,000 people during the last year (that's up from 750 last year). Tom's New Book! God enabled Tom to write a new book. It's titled "Financial Moments: Biblical Principles That Will Transform How You Manage Money". Castle Quay is the publisher, and the book will be distributed to Canada & United States – 17 countries in total! If you are interested in a physical copy of this book, you can purchase it here . Half-Hour Programs We recorded several new half-hour radio and TV programs including: "The Dangers of Cosigning", "Management of Money Impacts Relationship with Spouse", and "Investing God's Way" along with numerous new Financial Moments. We continue with the half-hour TV shows on Vision TV (nationwide), Joy TV (based in Vancouver. BC), and Faith TV (based in Winnipeg. MB) as well as the half-hour shows on WDCX Radio (Buffalo/Toronto, ON), half-hour shows on Faith FM radio stations in London, Kitchener and Woodstock and 10 radio stations in Eastern Canada, as well as Focus on the Family on Wednesdays and weekends praise God! This year, God opened the door for the half-hour shows to go on YES TV Ontario, Calgary and Edmonton as well as Miracle Channel in Western Canada, thus reaching thousands of people in Western Canada. Consider Giving to Copland Financial Ministries As usual, Tom receives no remuneration whatsoever, and almost all the people involved in the ministry are volunteers, however, there are significant radio and TV costs, and so we would encourage you to prayerfully consider giving to this ministry. Of interest, we have a donor who will match all donations, so when you give your funds, they are immediately doubled. If you can, automatic monthly donations are best as it allows us to predict our cash flow better or if you prefer to do a one-time donation, all donations are appreciated. To give, go to our website or send a check to: Copland Financial Ministries 325 Renfrew Drive, Suite 301 Markham, ON L3R 9S8 Canada If you have questions, send an email to tcopland@zing-net.ca . We are registered with Canada Revenue Agency and will issue donation receipts. In Matthew 16:27, Jesus said, "For when the Son of Man returns in his father's glory with his Angels, he will reward each person according to what they have done". Thank you for your prayers and financial support! Copland Financial Ministries

As explained in my previous Financial Moment, God’s Word recommends the diversification of one’s portfolio into different types of investments that will likely react differently to any particular market condition. Diversification (2 of 2) Back to Investing By: Tom Copland October 19, 2021 As explained in my previous Financial Moment, God’s Word recommends the diversification of one’s portfolio into different types of investments that will likely react differently to any particular market condition. By the way, if you have absolutely no peace in investing in equities because of the related risks, then perhaps God is directing you to invest solely in very safe categories, such as the government of Canada bonds, GICs, etc. The return on “a very safe portfolio” will be very modest, and therefore you will likely have to save considerably more money to meet future needs, compared to an investor who assumes a reasonable amount of risk within biblical guidelines. There is no “perfect portfolio allocation” for all Christians. God’s Word provides general principles—not specific details. That’s why there is absolutely no substitute for spending quality time with the Lord in prayer, asking God for His wisdom (James 1:5) and His specific direction with respect to investing the money that God has entrusted to you. God has promised to direct us [Psalms 32:8, John 10:3, 4, 27]. Subject to God’s specific direction, and under normal market and economic conditions, the following asset allocation could be appropriate in order to achieve diversification. Cash, T-bills, MMFs, 10% GICs, bonds-short, medium, long–incl some real return bonds 40% Canadian equities (several sectors incl Cdn banks & resource stocks.) 20% U.S. equities (several sectors) 10% Real estate, REITs and related equities 5% International equities incl Emerging Markets & Europe 15% Total 100% Note the above is not intended to be a specific recommendation for anyone – just an example of a diversified portfolio. Be sure to obtain investment advice from a trusted advisor. Of interest, as of the date of updating this financial moment [March 27, 2010], my own personal portfolio allocation is predominately in cash. God has specifically directed me to take a very conservative position as I sense from the Lord that the economic “recovery” in the USA and Canada will be weak and short-lived. Again, the biblical principle is that we should generally diversify our portfolios in a manner that is consistent with Ecclesiastes 11:1, 2. However, since only God knows the future (Isaiah 46: 9, 10), then the only possible way to “time the market” with any consistency is in total dependence upon God for his specific direction (see John 15:5, John 10:3, 4, 27, Psalm 32:8). Over the years, I have seen a few situations where God has revealed the direction of markets to his children, but this is rare. God may not reveal the direction of the markets to you, but I do believe, based upon God’s Word [e.g.Psalms 32:8, James 1:5, John 10:3, 4, 27 etc.], that God will direct you as to how he wants you to invest the money that he has entrusted to you. In summary, God’s Word generally recommends diversification of one’s portfolio into different types of investments that will likely react differently to any particular market condition. Since no human knows the future (James 4:13–15), in order to obey God with respect to investing, it is necessary to pray and listen [John 10:3, 4, 27] for God’s specific Will with respect to investing the money that God has entrusted to you. Previous Article Next Article More Topics Freedom from Financial Anxiety Read More Priorities Read More Counsel & Wisdom Read More

A biblically-based investment strategy should meet the following two criteria: 1. be consistent with God’s principles 2. reflect God’s specific will for your life Develop & Implement a Biblically Based Investment Strategy Back to Investing By: Tom Copland October 19, 2021 A biblically-based investment strategy should meet the following two criteria: 1. be consistent with God’s principles 2. reflect God’s specific will for your life To develop and implement an investment plan that is consistent with God’s principles, it is essential that you understand God’s investment principles. God’s Word, the Bible, provides us with a wealth of knowledge on investing. Authors such as Austin Pryor and Ron Blue have written entire books on what God has to say about investing. I have written 14 financial moments on this topic. If you would like a copy then send an email to thomas@copland-ca.com In my experience, the majority of bad investments can be avoided if you understand and apply God’s investment principles. Here are some actions the Bible warns against, which can lead to potentially bad investments. A. investing in something that you do not understand (see Proverbs 19:2) B. using a lot of debt (see Proverbs 22:7) C. making hasty decisions (see Proverbs 21:5) D. having a lack of biblical diversification (see Ecclesiastes 11:1, 2) For further details, see my four financial moments on those topics. Remember, God has admonished us to keep his Word at the forefront of our minds at all times. Joshua 1:8 states, “Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.” In respect of the second component—that is, an investment plan that reflects God’s specific will for your life—there is no substitute for spending quality time in prayer with God at least three or four times per year, seeking the Lord’s specific direction for your life. God has promised that he will direct us if we ask in faith and trust him. Psalms 32:8 states, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.” I recommend that you document what God has instructed you to do, and carefully follow up. In the area of investing, most people tend to be “responders”; that is, they respond to sales calls, hot tips, good ideas, etc. Frequently people make decisions on a case-by-case basis rather than by developing and implementing a biblically-based investment strategy that God has personally revealed to them. Although God’s investment principles (i.e., guidelines) are the same for everyone, God’s specific will for each individual will not be the same. For example, it is possible that God will direct an entrepreneur to have a significant portion (but not all) of her or his portfolio invested in the business that the person owns and operates. Nevertheless, for these entrepreneurs, it is important to obtain some element of biblical diversification, which will require that a significant portion of the balance of the portfolio be invested in relatively safe items, such as government bonds. In summary, it is critical to develop and implement a biblically-based investment strategy that reflects God’s specific will for your life. Previous Article Next Article More Topics Freedom from Financial Anxiety Read More Priorities Read More Counsel & Wisdom Read More

Over the past 28 years, I have had the privilege of working with 300 to 400 business people. In my experience, generally when they invest in something that they understand, and within biblical principles, they earn a profit. However, when they invest in something that they don’t understand, frequently they lose money. Ensure that you Understand the Investment Back to Investing By: Tom Copland October 19, 2021 Over the past 28 years, I have had the privilege of working with 300 to 400 business people. In my experience, generally when they invest in something that they understand, and within biblical principles, they earn a profit. However, when they invest in something that they don’t understand, frequently they lose money. God warns us of this in Proverbs 19:2: “It is not good to have zeal without knowledge, nor to be hasty and miss the way.” As applied to investing, this proverb warns us that it is not good to be excited about a particular investment without having a thorough knowledge and understanding of it. If you have been asked to commit to an investment without having sufficient time to obtain an understanding of it and to pray about it, then I strongly recommend that you not invest. Whether you plan to build a house, an investment portfolio, or a retirement fund, God’s Word emphasizes the importance of understanding, wisdom, and knowledge. By wisdom, a house is built, and through understanding, it is established; through knowledge, its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures. (Proverbs 24:3, 4) In my view, the level of knowledge that you need to obtain before acquiring a particular investment is to understand the nature of the investment, what has to occur for the investment to be profitable, and what could occur that would make the investment a loser. Historical returns and historical volatility are helpful. However, they provide no guarantee of future returns. For example, in regard to a mutual fund, you need to understand the objective of the fund, the track record of the fund manager, and have knowledge and understanding of the 10 largest holdings within that fund. Knowledge and understanding of the markets in general as well as the economy, on a “macro basis,” is important as well. Generally speaking, the more you understand about a particular investment and the more experience that you have, the better. However, remember that on average only about 15 percent of all professional money managers beat the relevant index, notwithstanding their extensive knowledge of the stocks in their portfolio. The truth is, the best investment today depends on what happens in the future. Since no human can consistently predict the direction of any stock or any market (James 4:13–15), it is critical to rely on God, who is the key source of wisdom and understanding. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have a good understanding. (Psalm 111:10) In other words, as you consider a particular investment and develop your investment strategy, you must “follow God’s precepts,” which requires that you understand and apply God’s investment principles. Clearly, if you do not understand God’s investment principles, you won’t apply them. Secondly, you need to acknowledge that only God knows the future (Isaiah 46:9, 10), and therefore only God knows which investments will do well. Therefore, in prayer, ask God to direct you according to his will. Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. (Proverbs 3:5, 6 NKJV) Previous Article Next Article More Topics Freedom from Financial Anxiety Read More Priorities Read More Counsel & Wisdom Read More

In my experience, the following are the common elements of a “get-rich-quick investment.” 1. There is a promise of an abnormally high rate of return. If the expected rate of return is unusually high, then the risk associated with that investment is also unusually high. Avoid "Get-Rich-Quick Investments" and Hasty Decisions Back to Investing By: Tom Copland October 19, 2021 In my experience, the following are the common elements of a “get-rich-quick investment.” 1. There is a promise of an abnormally high rate of return. If the expected rate of return is unusually high, then the risk associated with that investment is also unusually high. Hence there is a risk of very significant losses. If it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is. 2. Generally, the investor has a limited understanding of the investment. It is easier for a salesperson to sell you a high-risk investment when it is outside of your expertise. 3. It usually requires a quick decision that will prevent the potential investor from obtaining independent counsel from someone who has a thorough understanding of the investment. 4. Frequently, debt is utilized because debt increases the returns if the investment is successful; but debt also increases the losses if the investment goes sour. 5. Generally, a get-rich-quick investment is not diversified in accordance with Ecclesiastes 11:1, 2 but is focused on one investment or one sector, which increases the return if the promoters are right in their predictions, but it also increases the losses if they are wrong. God clearly warns of the dangers of trying to get rich quick: Do not wear yourself out to get rich; have the wisdom to show restraint. Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone, for they will surely sprout wings and fly off to the sky like an eagle. (Proverbs 23:4–5) The emphasis in Scripture is to save and accumulate a little at a time over a long period of time and not to try to get rich quick. Proverbs 13:11 states, “Dishonest money dwindles away, but he who gathers money little by little makes it grow” (emphasis added). As explained in my Financial Moment titled “Investing—Assess Your Tolerance for Risk and Invest Accordingly,” it is biblical to assume some risk within your investment portfolio. However, when investors try to make a lot of money very quickly (i.e., to get rich quick), then generally they assume an excessive amount of risk and debt, and they frequently lose everything. This is not God’s will. Therefore, if someone recommends an investment that promises an abnormally high rate of return, or requires a significant portion of your portfolio, then I recommend the following: 1. Pray and ask God to direct you through his Holy Spirit. A lack of peace can be God’s way of communicating to you or your spouse that it is not God’s will for you to invest. 2. Ask God to reveal to you your motives. Motives are important to God (Proverbs 16:2). Ungodly motives include greed, covetousness, impatience, and pride; the corresponding godly motives would be generosity, contentment, patience, and humility. 3. Take the time that is required to obtain sufficient knowledge and understanding of the investment before you invest (Proverbs 28:19, 20). 4. Use godly counsellors who have the necessary experience and knowledge and will not personally profit if you decide to invest (Psalm 1:1–3). In summary, if you do not have sufficient time to complete the four suggestions above, then do not invest. Some of the best investment decisions ever made are the decisions not to invest. Hasty decisions are usually bad decisions (Proverbs 21:5). And remember, the emphasis in God’s Word is to save and accumulate assets for future needs over a long period of time—not to get rich quickly. Previous Article Next Article More Topics Freedom from Financial Anxiety Read More Priorities Read More Counsel & Wisdom Read More

In Ecclesiastes 11:1–6, God recommends the assumption of a reasonable amount of risk within your investment portfolio. Assess your Tolerance for Risk and Invest Accordingly Back to Investing By: Tom Copland October 19, 2021 In Ecclesiastes 11:1–6, God recommends the assumption of a reasonable amount of risk within your investment portfolio. “Cast your bread upon the waters, for after many days you will find it again” was a metaphorical expression used in the grain trade that illustrated the potential successful prospects of a business investment. God instructs the farmer, who is also an investor, to “sow your seed in the morning, and at evening let not your hands be idle, for you do not know which will succeed, whether this or that, or whether both will do equally well.” In addition, over-cautiousness is discouraged——“Whoever watches the wind will not plant; whoever looks at the clouds will not reap.” In Proverbs 31:10–31 the “wife of noble character” is involved in several equity-type investments. For example, in verse 16, “she considers the field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.” There are many other examples of investors in the Bible, such as the servants in the parable of the talents (Mathew 25) and Solomon and Job. In short, it is biblical to assume some investment risk. However, God demonstrates how to minimize your risk by diversifying your investments into seven or eight different categories, because you do not know what disaster may come upon any particular company or sector of the market (Ecclesiastes 11:2.) See my two financial moments on biblical diversification for further details. On “a macro basis,” the risk of any portfolio is generally reflected by its allocation between equities and safe investments such as Canada bonds/GICs, etc. The appropriate amount of investment risk that a Christian should assume will depend upon numerous factors, such as your age, when you will need the money, and your tolerance for risk. Assessing your tolerance for risk can be difficult. Generally, it is necessary to experience some good and bad markets before you will really understand your own personal risk tolerance. Certainly, if your present portfolio allocation is too volatile (i.e., the fluctuations cause you to be anxious) then reduce equities and increase short-term government of Canada bonds. In his book, Sound Mind Investing, Austin Pryor has an excellent questionnaire that can help you assess your tolerance for risk. (See soundmindinvesting.com.) Based on God’s investment principles, it is not appropriate for a Christian to be overly cautious (which may reflect a mindset of fear); nor is it appropriate for a Christian to be too aggressive (which often reflects an attitude of greed). Both extremes are outside of God’s will. Under normal market and economic conditions, generally, a conservative investor should have at least 20 percent in equities, while an investor with a high tolerance for risk, should not go beyond 80 percent. The average person may feel comfortable with an allocation of approximately 50% in equities. The types of equity investments within your portfolio (i.e., “blue-chip stocks” as opposed to “speculative stocks”) will also affect the level of risk you are assuming. In all cases, I strongly recommend that no debt be used for investments because God’s Word strongly discourages the use of debt (Proverbs 22:7). In summary, depending on God’s wisdom (James 1:5), assess your tolerance for risk and invest the money that God has entrusted to you [1 Corinthians 4: 2], according to his principles [Psalms 119:24] and his specific will [Psalms 25:12]. Previous Article Next Article More Topics Freedom from Financial Anxiety Read More Priorities Read More Counsel & Wisdom Read More

Prayer and dependence upon God are required in order to develop a personalized and biblically-based investment strategy. It is well known that the past performance of investment provides no guarantee for its future performance. First, Pray and Depend on God for His Wisdom & Direction Back to Investing By: Tom Copland October 19, 2021 Prayer and dependence upon God are required in order to develop a personalized and biblically-based investment strategy. It is well known that the past performance of investment provides no guarantee for its future performance. The best investment today depends on future events, and since no one can consistently predict the direction of any market, it is critical to acknowledge our dependence upon God for his wisdom and his direction in respect of investing. Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” Why you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.” (James 4:13–15) Notwithstanding all the information available today, only about 15 percent of all professional money managers beat the relevant index (e.g., TSX 60 or S&P 500), and no one can consistently predict the future value of these indices. The same principle applies to real estate. For example, from 1985 until 1989, the value of Toronto real estate increased significantly. Many believed that it would never go down. However, from 1990 until 1995, the values dropped drastically anywhere from 25 percent to 70 percent. From a human perspective, this does not make sense, but God is not surprised. Proverbs 27:1 states, “Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth.” The good news is that our all-knowing God does know the future (Isaiah 46: 9,10), and he is willing to provide us with the wisdom that we need in investing if we ask in faith. James 1:5 states, “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.” God has provided us with numerous investment principles/guidelines in his Word, the Bible. Biblical diversification (Ecclesiastes 11:1, 2) and minimal debt (Proverbs 22:7) are two examples. Please see my nine other Financial Moments regarding investing. In addition, I recommend Austin Pryor’s book Sound Mind Investing, available at soundmindinvesting.com. God will provide specific direction in respect of your investments. Psalms 32:8 states, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.” About three or four times per year, in dependence upon God, I spend significant time in prayer seeking God’s direction to review and adjust my investment strategy. By meditating on God’s Word and listening to God’s “gentle whisper” (1 Kings 19:11), I find God’s will in respect of the investments he has entrusted to me. This brings God’s peace and good investment returns. I encourage you to do the same and document what you believe God is telling you. But take note that if it is in any way contrary to God’s principles, then you have not heard from the Lord. Never forget that God is in control, and all riches come from him. Everything in the heavens and earth is yours, O Lord, and this is your kingdom. We adore you as being in control of everything. Riches and honor come from you alone, and you are the Ruler of all mankind. (1 Chronicles 29:11, 12 TLB) In summary, it is critical to pray and depend on God for his wisdom and his direction in investing the money that God has entrusted to you. Previous Article Next Article More Topics Freedom from Financial Anxiety Read More Priorities Read More Counsel & Wisdom Read More