Search Results

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

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/ Need help with your finances? See our Upcoming Events below ⬇️ Scroll Below 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 Apr 09, 2026, 7:30 p.m. – Jun 25, 2026, 9:30 p.m. Zoom More info More Details Christine Kewallal Small Group-Financial Management God's Way- Saturday, 10am-12noon Jun 06, 2026, 10:00 a.m. EDT – Aug 29, 2026, 12:00 p.m. EDT Zoom More info More Details Tom Copland, Jonathan Grant , Josh Grant & Elijah Grant -"Management of Money Impact Your Relationship with God" Jun 14, 2026, 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Emmanuel Baptist Church, 300 Coldwater Rd W, Orillia, ON L3V 6X5, Canada More info More Details Alexandra and Joyce Financial Management God's Way Small Group Jun 17, 2026, 7:00 p.m. EDT – Sep 02, 2026, 9:00 p.m. EDT Zoom More info More Details Events Featured Tom's New Book Management of Money Impacts Relationship with God, Spouse and Eternity 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

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

While I have been aware of the workshop for a long time, I continually put it off because I was embarrassed, and to be honest, refused to submit to God’s truth. I learned that I was not alone. I am already making better choices but recognize that’s is a long way to go. Back to Testimonials I learned that I was not alone While I have been aware of the workshop for a long time, I continually put it off because I was embarrassed, and to be honest, refused to submit to God’s truth. I learned that I was not alone. I am already making better choices but recognize that’s is a long way to go. J.B. Alliston, Ontario Previous Next

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

Giving to God’s work is an investment with eternal rewards for both the giver and the beneficiaries of the gift. In regard to the giver, Jesus said: “For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father’s glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what he has done” (Matthew 16:27). Giving to God's Work Produces Eternal Benefits Back to Investing By: Tom Copland October 19, 2021 Giving to God’s work is an investment with eternal rewards for both the giver and the beneficiaries of the gift. In regard to the giver, Jesus said: “For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father’s glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what he has done” (Matthew 16:27). There are also eternal benefits for the recipients of the gift. For example, when you give money to an evangelical organization (including your church), and through that organization, someone accepts Jesus Christ as personal Savior, then that individual will be in heaven for eternity. Although investing to provide for future family needs is something that God wants us to do (1 Timothy 5:8), giving to God’s work is even more important, as it stores up “treasures in heaven.” Jesus said, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal” (Matthew 6:19, 20). It is easy to become focused on building your portfolio. However, investments are temporary: “For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it” (1 Timothy 6:7). As God blesses your investments, avoid hoarding. Jesus warned, “Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions” (Luke 12:15). I recommend that at least two times per year, you obtain an update of the fair market value of your investments, and ensure that you are giving at least 10 percent of the increased value of those investments to God’s work, in addition to any giving of your regular personal income. Remember, the tithe is the smallest percentage mentioned anywhere in scripture, and the emphasis in God’s Word is to give generously. (See Luke 6:38 and Matthew 13:44–46). Note that when Zacchaeus became a believer, he gave 50 percent of his assets in demonstration of his thankfulness for salvation in Christ (Luke 19:8). God instructs us to give him “the first fruits.” Proverbs 3:9 states, “Honour the LORD with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.” When we make giving to God’s work a priority, God has promised that he will bless us financially. If you make giving to God’s work a priority, God has promised that he will entrust you with even more money (2 Corinthians 9:6). Why? So you can spend it on yourself or hoard it? No, God’s purpose for entrusting you with more money is that you can give even more to his work! Now [God] who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us, your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.” (2 Corinthians 9:10–11, emphasis added) Jesus promised that if we sacrifice now, the return on our investment (as a result of giving to God’s work) will be a hundredfold in eternity! “And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life.” (Matthew 19: 29, emphasis added) Remember, there is absolutely no earthly investment that provides a hundredfold return and is guaranteed by God! In summary, although it is important to save and invest in providing for future family needs, always make investing in God’s work a priority, as it will produce eternal benefits! 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

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

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

The following steps should enable you to learn and implement God’s investment principles. 1. Pray and depend on God for his wisdom (James 1:5) and his direction (Psalm 32:8) when investing, because no human can consistently predict the direction of the markets (James 4:13–15). Overview Back to Investing By: Tom Copland October 19, 2021 The following steps should enable you to learn and implement God’s investment principles. 1. Pray and depend on God for his wisdom (James 1:5) and his direction (Psalm 32:8) when investing, because no human can consistently predict the direction of the markets (James 4:13–15). Listen for God’s “gentle whisper” (1 Kings 19:12), because only God knows the future and God is in control (1 Chronicles 29:11, 12). 2. Develop and implement a biblically-based investment strategy that reflects God’s will for your life (Jeremiah 29:11). Understanding God’s financial principles will enable you to avoid a lot of bad investments. 3. Diversify your investments in accordance with Ecclesiastes 11:1, 2. This requires allocation of your assets into different types of investments that will likely react differently to any particular market condition, which will reduce the risk and volatility of your portfolio. (Note there are two Financial Moments on this topic.) 4. Use minimal—or ideally no—debt, because God’s Word strongly discourages the use of debt. People who use leverage aggressively will likely be forced by a lender to sell at the wrong time—when their investments have decreased in value (Proverbs 22:7). 5. Ensure that you understand the investment. Generally, people lose money when they invest in something they do not understand (Proverbs 19:2). 6. Assess your tolerance for risk, and invest accordingly. It is biblical to assume some investment risk; however, if you don’t feel comfortable with the volatility of your portfolio, then reduce your equities and increase Canada bonds. 7. Avoid “get rich quick investments” and hasty decisions. If you do not have enough time to pray and evaluate a particular investment, then do not invest. Hasty decisions are usually bad decisions (Proverbs 21:5). God recommends saving and accumulating assets over a long period of time (Proverbs 13:11). 8. Obtain biblical counsel from more than one source (Proverbs 15:22). Ensure that your investment advisers understand God’s financial principles because, unfortunately, many Christians do not, and they inadvertently give unbiblical advice (Psalm 1:1–3). 9. Ensure that your motives are godly and not worldly (Proverbs 16:2). 10. Follow God’s directives (e.g., planning, patience), not human tendencies like fear and greed. 11. Give to God’s work, as it produces eternal benefits! (Matthew 19:28, 29) 12. Keep a balanced perspective on investing (1 Timothy 6:6–8). It is appropriate to invest with the objective of saving for future needs; however, don’t overdo it—don’t spend excessive amounts of time and energy on investing, as this is not God’s will (Proverbs 23:4, 5). The above is intended to provide an overview of God’s principles with respect to investing. Further details are provided in my individual Financial Moments for each step. 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

I just wanted to tell you what a blessing you have been in my life. You have taught me to study scripture, always ensuring that my thoughts match scripture. As people, we are prone to seek an answer to match our opinion as opposed to finding out what scripture has to say first. Ever since taking Financial Management I have tried to make sure that I have scripture backing before I make an opinion on a matter. It has changed many relationships for the better. Thank you! Back to Testimonials You are a blessing I just wanted to tell you what a blessing you have been in my life. You have taught me to study scripture, always ensuring that my thoughts match scripture. As people, we are prone to seek an answer to match our opinion as opposed to finding out what scripture has to say first. Ever since taking Financial Management I have tried to make sure that I have scripture backing before I make an opinion on a matter. It has changed many relationships for the better. Thank you! L.S. ON, Canada Previous Next