Statistics demonstrate that in more than 50 percent of instances when someone has co-signed, it is the cosigner, not the borrower, who ends up paying the loan. If you have already cosigned for a loan, I strongly recommend that you take the advice given by God to do everything possible to free yourself from the financial obligation related to cosigning. Back to Co-Signing/Surety What if you Have Already Co-Signed a Loan? By: Tom Copland June 14, 2020 Statistics demonstrate that in more than 50 percent of instances when someone has co-signed, it is the cosigner, not the borrower, who ends up paying the loan. If you have already cosigned for a loan, I strongly recommend that you take the advice given by God to do everything possible to free yourself from the financial obligation related to cosigning. Proverbs 6:1–5 states, My son, if you have put up security for your neighbour, if you have struck hands in pledge for another, if you have been trapped by what you said, ensnared by the words of your mouth, then do this, my son, to free yourself,… press your plea with your neighbour! Allow no sleep to your eyes, no slumber to your eyelids. Free yourself, like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter, like a bird from the snare of the fowler. The words “have struck hands in pledge for another” mean that you have shaken hands confirming that you are responsible for the financial obligation of someone else. God’s Word is clear that if you have cosigned for someone else, you should do everything possible to free yourself from that responsibility. Here are some practical suggestions to do this. First, I recommend that you spend some quality time in prayer acknowledging that you have violated one of God’s principles and asking God to provide a way for you to free yourself from the “cosigning obligation.” In some cases, that will require a miracle from God. Next, I suggest that you approach the lender and see if it is possible to free yourself from the legal obligation. However, unless the borrower’s credit rating or assets have improved significantly since the loan was taken out, most lenders will not release a cosigner. Another option would be to see whether you can find another financial institution that would lend money to the borrower with no cosigner. Once this is accomplished, you could have the borrower use the funds from this loan to pay off the original loan that you co-signed. Generally, if a lending institution has requested a cosigner in the first place, there is a high probability that the borrower was not a good credit risk. Frequently, people are not a good credit risk because historically they have not managed their money well. If this is the case, you can certainly reduce your risk of being liable for the loan by encouraging and assisting the borrower in managing his or her finances. I strongly recommend the materials provided by Crown Financial Ministries (www.crown.org ), whose focus is to teach God’s Word on managing money. Previous Article Next Article More Topics Financial Deceptions Read More Freedom from Financial Anxiety Read More Investing Read More

I’m reading through that book by Tom Copland. Wow is it good and wow did I break so many principles of God! It’s very confusing as I thought this was the will of the Lord how it came about but he says at the beginning that Tom said God uses financial issues as trials as well. Back to Testimonials Financial Moments, Biblical Principles That Will Transform How You Manage Money Adam - I’m reading through that book by Tom Copland. Wow is it good and wow did I break so many principles of God! It’s very confusing as I thought this was the will of the Lord how it came about but he says at the beginning that Tom said God uses financial issues as trials as well - so many times it’s both but I did sin looking back . I admit that I made horrendous decisions, I will learn from them and not make the same errors in the future as the Lord brings income since if this was successful I would have taken on similar risks in future deals. Many lessons to take from this and he did change me in the process and save me from greater disaster as the business would not have been able to support everything I was trying to accomplish. Adam Previous Next

Tom Copland teaches how to manage money based on Biblical principles. If you have financial questions, let us know and Tom or one of our trained financial coaches will advise you. https://www.coplandfinancialministries.org/ Money and Spiritual Warfare Tom's interview with Steve Jones Listen Here What We Do Tom Copland teaches how to manage your finances based on Biblical principles. God's Word, the Bible, has incredible wisdom in the area of finances. There are 2,350 references in the Bible to money and material things. God provides us with wisdom in all areas of finances including debt, budgeting, investing, counsel, stewardship, priorities, giving, cosigning, obtaining God's peace, and providing a distinction between worldly attitudes as opposed to godly attitudes with respect to money. If you have financial questions, let us know and Tom or one of our trained financial coaches will advise you. Contact Us Upcoming Events Tom Leonard and Michael Howes Small Group-Financial Management God's Way- Thursdays 7:30 pm to 9:30pm Sep 24, 2026, 7:30 p.m. EDT – Dec 10, 2026, 9:30 p.m. EST Zoom More info More Details IN-PERSON-Financial Management God's Way by Geoffrey Saliani Oct 06, 2026, 7:00 p.m. – Dec 08, 2026, 9:00 p.m. Life Branch Church, 10 Lancaster Dr, Dartmouth, NS B3A 4Y9, Canada More info More Details Randy Ziegenhagel and Al McClaney - Financial Management God’s Way- Tuesday evenings Oct 06, 2026, 7:30 p.m. EDT – Dec 15, 2026, 9:30 p.m. EST Zoom More info More Details Events Featured Tom's New Book Management of Money Impacts Relationship with God, Spouse and Eternity Small Group Ads Financial Moment Small Groups Advertisement Tom's Daily Devotional Book Financial M oments: Biblical Principles that Will Transform How You Manage Money Featured New Resources Sept. 30, 2023- Dealing with Inflation and Interest Rate- Parkway Watch Series May 3, 2023- Dealing with Inflation and Interest Rate- Zoom Watch Series Managing Money Difficult Times Watch Series God's Financial Wisdom for Young People Watch Series Discerning God's Will in Managing Money Webinar Series (2021) Watch Series Testimonials We thank you for your ministry "My husband and I have greatly benefited from the Debt Reduction CDs and DVDs for Businesses and Individuals. We thank you for your ministry and the impact it has had on our lives, our family, and the people around us. We would like to make monthly donations to Copland Financial Ministries." Anonymous See More Testimonials About the Author and Founder Tom Copland is a servant of the Lord Jesus Christ who has been called to teach God’s Word on finances since 1982. Tom is the founder and president of Copland Financial Ministries and the author of his book Financial Management God’s Way including many other CDs and DVDs. Tom is also a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA, CA) who operates his own public accounting practice in Toronto, Canada (www.copland-ca.com ). About Author

Explore our Downloadable PDFs for finance tutoring. Access comprehensive resources and enhance your learning with our Downloadable PDFs today! Downloadable PDFs Resources from Tom's past seminars and workshops Bible Verses About Money Key Bible verses on money, grouped by topic. Two printable pages. Download Financial Management God's Way Presented at Agincourt Pentecostal Church Download Debt Reduction God's Way Presented at Bayfair & Westney Baptist Church Download Handling Money God's Way For individuals and families. Presented at First Filipino Baptist Church Download God's Perspective on Money Presented at Scarborough Grace Church Download God's Wisdom in Managing Money Interactive series presented at Greenhills Christian Fellowship Download God's Perspective on Debt Series with suggested solutions presented at InTouch Ministries Download Debt Reduction God's Way Interactive series presented at Morningstar Christian Fellowship Download Administración Financiera con Base en los Principios de Dios Financial Management God's Way - Spanish Version Download Discerning God's Will in Managing Money Advanced series presented by Tom Copland Download

I really needed help and I searched the internet for Tom Back to Testimonials I really needed help I really needed help and I searched the internet for Tom, I saw his segments on vision tv and thought that would help me. It did, changing my mind set from I own it to it belongs to God has helped. I had a budget before this course but I could never follow it. It was too simple and I always messed up. PB Hallifax, Canada Previous Next

It is clear from Scripture that God is indeed in control. If God is in control, then why does he allow Christians to have significant financial problems? Over the past 23 years, I’ve had the privilege of counselling hundreds of Christian couples and individuals. Back to Freedom from Financial Anxiety Why Does God Allow Financial Problems? By: Tom Copland June 14, 2020 It is clear from Scripture that God is indeed in control. If God is in control, then why does he allow Christians to have significant financial problems? Over the past 23 years, I’ve had the privilege of counselling hundreds of Christian couples and individuals. One common reason for financial problems is that the people have unknowingly violated one or more of God’s financial principles. I believe there is no substitute for understanding the fundamentals of what God has taught in his Word regarding finances. I recommend the materials and Bible studies provided by Crown Financial Ministries as an excellent resource for understanding what God has to say about finances. On the other hand, some Christians have financial problems through no fault of their own. They have followed God’s principles, but they still have financial problems. Why? I believe that the most common reason would be found in John 15, where Jesus said, “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.” (John 15:1, 2, emphasis added) In the same way that a gardener prunes a vine, God prunes his children by way of trials (including financial trials) so that we will depend on God more and remain connected to the Lord on an ongoing basis, for the purpose of bearing more spiritual fruit. Jesus said, “ I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me, you can do nothing” (John 15:5). Regardless of how difficult or insurmountable, our financial problems are, we know that God can solve them—either very quickly or slowly. He is in control. He is the all-powerful, everywhere-present, and all-knowing God. We also know that God loves us unconditionally (Rom. 8:38, 39). God has a purpose for any trial in the believer’s life, and God will bring some good out of every hardship. Romans 8: 28, 29 states, And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. In short, because God is in control, and because he loves us unconditionally, we know with confidence that we can trust him to allow only those financial trials that are within his will. We can also trust him to provide the wisdom, direction, and strength that we need to endure any financial trial that God allows. Previous Article Next Article More Topics Co-Signing/Surety Read More Investing Read More Priorities Read More

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

Thank you Tom for your faithfulness in teaching through God's word, and many hours on your own time, for our benefit and God's call. It has been great and very much appreciated by me and I am sending a donation for your ministry, by mail today. I will continue to pray for your ministry, too. Thank you again for all you do. Back to Testimonials Thank you Tom for your faithfulness Thank you Tom for your faithfulness in teaching through God's word, and many hours on your own time, for our benefit and God's call. It has been great and very much appreciated by me and I am sending a donation for your ministry, by mail today. I will continue to pray for your ministry, too. Thank you again for all you do. L.M. Stouffville, ON, Canada Previous Next

Bible verses on debt and borrowing, with one-minute videos from Tom Copland on getting out of debt. Download the free Copland budget worksheet. Debt What does the Bible say about debt and borrowing? Ads tell us to buy now and pay later, and that smart people use other people’s money. The Bible says something different: “The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender” (Proverbs 22:7). God wants us free to serve Him, not a lender. In these one-minute Financial Moments videos , Tom Copland explains what Scripture says about borrowing, how to decide before you borrow, and practical steps to get out of debt. Watch one, or work through the whole series. The borrower is slave to the lender Why does God warn that the borrower becomes a servant? Because when debts can’t be paid, the results are real: tension between husband and wife, a calling to ministry put on hold, sleepless nights and health problems. God wants us free to serve Him, not a lender. Also in this series: Bob & Joan – A Typical Real-Life Case Study Is it a sin to borrow? No. But Psalm 37:21 says, “The wicked borrow and do not repay.” Jesus told us to let our light shine before others (Matthew 5:16), so paying our debts on time is part of a Christian’s testimony. “Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another” (Romans 13:8). What the Bible says about debt, in one minute It is not a sin to borrow, but it is a sin to borrow and not repay. Still, God warns of the dangers of debt, and His pattern throughout Scripture is to meet needs without it. Contentment, prayer, a budget and saving ahead all reduce the pull to borrow. Borrowing presumes on the future A loan assumes you will have the income to repay it, but only God knows tomorrow: “Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow” (James 4:14). Spend time in prayer to learn whether it is God’s will before you borrow (Psalm 32:8). Four questions before you borrow Have you prayed and given God a chance to provide the cash? Is the purchase a real need (Matthew 6:33)? Do you, and your spouse if you’re married, have God’s peace about it? And have you made a budget to be sure you can afford the payments? A free budget worksheet is available at the bottom of this page. Consolidating debt treats the symptom Bill has no budget. He moves his credit card debt onto a line of credit, then onto his mortgage, then into his retirement savings. Restructuring debt doesn’t fix the real problem: spending more than you earn. A budget does. Seven steps to get out of debt 1. Pray and ask God to direct you (Isaiah 48:17). 2. Study God’s Word on finances. 3. Know your financial facts, not guesses. 4. Make and follow a budget, and use the surplus to pay down debt. 5. Ask God to help you be content. 6. Pay the most expensive debt first, usually credit cards. 7. Depend on the Lord and persevere until you are debt-free. Contentment means less debt “Godliness with contentment is great gain” (1 Timothy 6:6). Paul learned to be content in every situation through Christ (Philippians 4:11–13). When eternal things matter more than temporary ones, the urge to borrow and buy fades. Save instead of borrowing The world says buy now, pay later. God’s wisdom is to save for future needs (Proverbs 21:20) and to count the cost before you build (Luke 14:28–30). Since God has promised to meet our needs (Philippians 4:19), we can trust Him rather than a credit card. God doesn’t need a lender God fed Israel with manna, multiplied a widow’s oil so she could pay her debts (2 Kings 4:1–7), and fed thousands with a few loaves. Tom has seen God provide “little miracles” for people who start managing money His way: unexpected income, a better job, a good deal. Put Him first (Matthew 6:33) and ask before you borrow. There is hope for your financial mess “Do not fear, for I am with you” (Isaiah 41:10). Tom’s four steps: ask God for wisdom (James 1:5), study His Word, make a budget, and don’t give up, because His grace is sufficient (2 Corinthians 12:9). Watch or listen to the whole series All 22 Financial Moments on debt, one minute each. Watch the full playlist on YouTube, or listen to the audio versions below. God’s Warning - Debt is Dangerous Play Video Bob & Joan – Typical Real-Life Case Study Play Video Borrowing Presumes on the Future Play Video Questions to Consider Before Borrowing Play Video Debt Watch Now Share Whole Channel This Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied Share Channel Info Close Watch all 22 on YouTube Go deeper: Tom’s full teaching on debt Have half an hour? Watch Tom’s workshop on practical, biblical steps to get out of debt. Watch Part 2 Watch Part 3 Key Bible verses about debt and borrowing Proverbs 22:7 – The borrower is slave to the lender Romans 13:8 – Let no debt remain outstanding, except the debt to love one another Psalm 37:21 – The wicked borrow and do not repay Proverbs 22:26–27 – Do not put up security for another’s debts James 4:13–15 – You do not know what tomorrow will bring Luke 14:28–30 – Count the cost before you build Proverbs 21:20 – The wise save; the foolish spend all they have 1 Timothy 6:6–8 – Godliness with contentment is great gain Philippians 4:11–13 – I have learned to be content in any situation Matthew 6:31–33 – Seek first His kingdom, and your needs will be met Philippians 4:19 – God will meet all your needs 2 Kings 4:1–7 – God provides oil for a widow to pay her debts Isaiah 41:10 – Do not fear, for I am with you James 1:5 – Ask God for wisdom, and He will give it generously Keep learning, free of charge 1. Download the free budget worksheet. Know your numbers and start paying down debt. 2. Take the free online course. Sessions 4, 5 and 6 of the 11-session course Financial Management God’s Way cover debt, getting out of debt and budgeting. 3. Join a free small group. Work through the course with others. 4. Download the free workbook. Follow along at your own pace. 5. Get new Financial Moments by email. Join our email list . Download budget worksheet Start the free course Find a small group Get the workbook Join our email list

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

Discover the perfect Accountant/Bookkeeping person needed for your finance needs. Ensure proper book keeping with our expert services today! Accountant/Bookkeeping Person Needed _______________ Responsibilities & Requirements: The job entails a mixture of bookkeeping, some reasonably straightforward public accounting work [including preparing financial statements corporate returns and personal returns], and an individual who is flexible enough to do some bookkeeping and some administration. Required a minimum of 3 years of accounting & bookkeeping experience, ideally working in a public accounting firm. Bookkeeping includes some bookkeeping for clients and preparation of some Excel schedules for our firm. Some of the administrative responsibilities would include Zoom meetings with clients from time to time, drop packages at the post office and some other duties. Must be proficient in MS Office including Microsoft Word, Outlook and Excel and comfortable with computers. The ideal candidate would have knowledge of QuickBooks, Sage 50, and experience with Caseware, Caseview and profile T1 and T2 software. Must have access to a vehicle and a valid G2 drivers license in order to pick up things for the office from time to time. Must be flexible as there are other tasks that could be required. Remuneration will be based upon the candidates experience and knowledge and initially we may engage their services on an independent contractor basis, and at a later date as an employee. Working hours required minimum of 7 or 8 hours per day on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday ideally working from 12 noon to 7 PM or 8 PM. There is some flexibility here. And if the candidate can prepare financial statements, corporate tax returns, there would be 40 hours per week of work available. This role must be performed in-office, and cannot be done remotely so the successful candidate needs to be within reasonable driving distance of our Markham office. Copland CPA Professional Corporation provides accounting and tax services to private corporations and in addition, Tom Copland provides biblically-based financial advice to the clients. Our website is www.copland-ca.com

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