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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

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

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 PRIORITIES-TREASURES IN HEAVEN I believe that “treasures on earth” include money and material things. Back to Priorities Treasures in Heaven By: Tom Copland June 13, 2020 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 PRIORITIES-TREASURES IN HEAVEN I believe that “treasures on earth” include money and material things. These are the things that we tend to prize during our lifetime but that will have no importance when we get to heaven. The apostle Paul made it clear: “For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it” (1 Timothy 6:7). On the other hand, “treasures in heaven” include things that will be important to us when we get to heaven. I believe that “treasures in heaven” include salvation (as one’s salvation will last for eternity) and the rewards in heaven that God promises to his faithful stewards. The concept of rewards in heaven is difficult to grasp in concrete terms because we don’t really know what heaven will be like, and scripture does not explicitly describe heavenly rewards. However, it is important to realize that what we do here on earth does have an effect on what awaits us in heaven. 1 Timothy 4:7 tells us that “godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.” Godliness includes the way we handle our finances. We read about treasures in heaven again in 1 Timothy 6:18, 19: “Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way, they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.” In the Parable of the Talents, the concept of rewards is specifically linked to faithful financial stewardship. To servants who have been faithful stewards, God has promised that he will put them “in charge of many things” and that they will enjoy happiness with their master. Jesus said, “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!” (Matthew 25:21). As human beings, it is easy to get focused on money and material things that we can enjoy while we are here on earth. However, because money and material things are temporary, it is the wise Christian who focuses on “treasures in heaven.” Colossians 3:1, 2 states, “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” May I encourage you to take a few minutes right now and pray, asking God to reveal to you how you need to adjust your focus from treasures on earth to treasures in heaven. Previous Article Next Article More Topics Investing Counsel & Wisdom Stewardship Principle Read More Read More Read More

We want to say thank you! We have been attending your zoom study on financial management God's way. We have both learned so much. Personally, I never dreamed the Bible had so much to say on finances. We are currently working on a budget for ourselves and are actively paying down our debt. Thank you so much for teaching this awesome study. Back to Testimonials Zoom Webinar Testimony We want to say thank you! We have been attending your zoom study on financial management God's way. We have both learned so much. Personally, I never dreamed the Bible had so much to say on finances. We are currently working on a budget for ourselves and are actively paying down our debt. Thank you so much for teaching this awesome study. L.A. Oxbow, SK, Canada Previous Next

Discover TV Shows 28-Minute Shows that teach financial wisdom. Explore TV Shows 28-Minute Shows for insights on handling money God's way. TV Shows Tom's 28-minute videos Handling Money God's Way A featured series for individuals and families Session: 1 Stewardship Stewardship is acknowledging in your heart and mind that God owns everything 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: 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 Session: 4 Budgeting Includes biblical principles of investing 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: 6 Godly Attitude Toward Money Question: Can money in and of itself, be corrupt or evil? $ Handling Money God' Way 28-Minute Shows God’s Financial Wisdom For Government Leaders and Voters Government leaders need to learn and apply biblical principles in managing government finances Managing Money During Difficult Times When people are in a state of fear or anxiety about their finances, they will often make hasty decisions. Management of Money Impacts Relationship with Spouse Most people buy things they don't need, accumulate debt, and eventually suffer the consequence. Advanced Biblically-Based Estate Planning God's Word, the Bible, has phenomenal wisdom on finances. God's Financial Wisdom for Young People Unfortunately, many Christians do not pray and wait for God's provision. In a sense, they don't even give God a chance to provide. Discerning God's Will in Managing Money An overview of the Bible's financial guidelines so you can really discern what God wants you to do. God's Financial Wisdom for Business This series is appropriate for business owners and managers. Applicable to anyone who makes important financial decisions for a business. Dealing with Inflation and High Interest Rates from a Biblical Perspectives The objective here is to determine whether you have a surplus or deficit in your monthly cash flow. God's Financial Wisdom for churches and Church Leaders You've been faithful with a few things. I'll. I'll trust you, with you, with many things. Management of Money Impacts Eternity Does how you manage money here on earth impact eternity in any significant way? Questions to Consider Before Borrowing It is not a sin to borrow money, but it is a sin to borrow without repaying. This series takes you through important things to consider before deciding to borrow money. Investing God's Way The Bible provides 12 principles related to investing. This 3-session series teaches you how to fulfill your stewardship responsibilities by way of investing the money God has entrusted to you. The Dangers of Co-signing The biblical perspective is to have minimal debt or no debt. And the Bible warns of the dangers of cosign doesn't say you can't co-sign, but it warns of the dangers. The worldly perspective is to use debt freely, which results result in lots of debt and the world's perspective. Obtaining Godly Counsel Too often we believe that we have to figure things out on our own, but this is not God’s will. God wants us to seek his counsel on any important decision. Secular Perspective vs Biblical Perspective Session 1 Overview A person with a biblical perspective will be called a biblical steward Featured Series 28-Minute Videos

Blessings to you! I've continued to watch you on Financial Moments on YesTV and you always have a wealth of information - I loved the comparison between secular and non-secular ways of managing money it really spoke to me and reminded me of the importance of managing money God's way. Back to Testimonials God willing will have the mortgage paid off in September Blessings to you! I've continued to watch you on Financial Moments on YesTV and you always have a wealth of information - I loved the comparison between secular and non-secular ways of managing money it really spoke to me and reminded me of the importance of managing money God's way. I'm writing to ask for your prayers in that, although I hope to continue to make ends meet (God willing will have the mortgage paid off in September), our new Burlington mayor has been increasing taxes dramatically (about an extra $730 or so for me in two years). I ask that you may have me in your prayers as I'm nervous about whether I will be able to retire under such circumstances. Thanks and God bless! Jennifer Jennifer Burlington Ontario Previous Next

In this world, we are bombarded with all kinds of advertisements and advice that entice us to borrow money. As a result, many people believe the lie that it’s okay to “buy now and pay later” or that “smart people use other people’s money”. Back to Debt Principles God's Warning - Debt is Dangerous! By: Tom Copland June 15, 2020 In this world, we are bombarded with all kinds of advertisements and advice that entice us to borrow money. As a result, many people believe the lie that it’s okay to “buy now and pay later” or that “smart people use other people’s money”. What many people don’t realize is that this advice is contrary to God’s Word, the Bible, as God warns in Proverbs 22:7 that if you borrow money, you will likely become a servant to the lender. “The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is a servant to the lender.” [NIV] “The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower becomes the lender’s slave. [NASB] The biblical truth is that we are here on this earth to serve God, not a lender. When you borrow money, you are limiting your future options and legally committing yourself to service the debt. In the process of servicing the debt, you may become a servant to the lender and encounter one or more of the following detrimental consequences: Detrimental Consequences: 1. A spouse must work additional hours in order to repay debts, and as a result, family relationships suffer (I Timothy 5:8). 2. A wife does not have the option to stay at home with her children, as she must work in order to help her husband “service” their debt load. 3. A Bible college or seminary graduate is unable to accept a full-time job in ministry, as the salary is insufficient to enable him or her to repay student loans. 4. An older individual or couple cannot retire but must continue to work (regardless of health issues) in order to meet their financial obligations. 5. Many people experience anxiety and stress from their debt load because they have used credit cards and/or personal lines of credit to “live beyond their means”. 6. When debts accumulate, generally giving to God’s work decreases or disappears. 7. With a lot of debt, you could be forced into bankruptcy and lose everything. 8. Nasty calls from creditors and threats from lenders to repossess your home, car etc. will generate tension between a husband and wife, destroying their relationship and often resulting in divorce. 9. Many family businesses have been forced into receivership, because of their debt load. 10. Debt causes stress, which frequently results in health problems. 11. A Christian’s time and energy are consumed by money related problems, reducing your time with the Lord and His word, thus hindering their relationship with God (Mathew 6:24). In light of the above, it’s no wonder that every reference in the Bible to borrowing is negative! You won’t find one positive reference in Scripture with respect to borrowing. God loves us and he does not want us to become a servant to a lender and suffer the consequences outlined above. In summary, God warns of the dangers of debt and strongly discourages borrowing. In upcoming financial moments, I will expand on what the Bible says on debt and provide some practical steps to get out of debt. More Topics Stewardship Principle Read More The Joseph Principle Read More Financial Deceptions Read More

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. Back to Testimonials 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 Previous Next

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

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

I love listening to your radio show on Faith FM 99.9 London. Your heart for ministry and our Lord is most appreciated; a real person ministering to real people, with real solutions drawn from the word of God. Thanks for your ministry. It's always an encouragement. Back to Testimonials Financial Moment Listener I love listening to your radio show on Faith FM 99.9 London. Your heart for ministry and our Lord is most appreciated; a real person ministering to real people, with real solutions drawn from the word of God. Thanks for your ministry. It's always an encouragement. C.A. London, ON, Canada Previous Next

Thank-you for leading our finance course! It has helped convict my heart to make some practical changes. The difference between this course and the other course Jamie and I did 8-9 years ago is the infusion of God's word into the curriculum. It's neat having my Bible beside me while I'm working through the case studies. So, thank you both (and Tom Copland) for providing such a strong Biblical foundation to what we are learning. I'm finding not only is my mind (and pocket-book) being challenged, but my heart is as well. I feel God is challenging my thinking on faith and trust in Him as well. Back to Testimonials It has helped convict my heart Thank-you for leading our finance course! It has helped convict my heart to make some practical changes. The difference between this course and the other course Jamie and I did 8-9 years ago is the infusion of God's word into the curriculum. It's neat having my Bible beside me while I'm working through the case studies. So, thank you both (and Tom Copland) for providing such a strong Biblical foundation to what we are learning. I'm finding not only is my mind (and pocket-book) being challenged, but my heart is as well. I feel God is challenging my thinking on faith and trust in Him as well. T.N. Calgary, AB Previous Next