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

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

Several years ago I received a phone call from a woman who indicated that the bank had just taken a significant portion of her and her husband’s retirement fund to pay off a loan for which they had cosigned with their son. Back to Co-Signing/Surety Co-Signing for Loans By: Tom Copland June 14, 2020 Several years ago I received a phone call from a woman who indicated that the bank had just taken a significant portion of her and her husband’s retirement fund to pay off a loan for which they had cosigned with their son. Without understanding the implications, the parents had cosigned for a loan for their son and daughter-in-law. After the son and his wife had missed two or three payments, the bank lost patience, legally demanded the loan, and unilaterally used the cosigners’ money to pay it off. As well as losing a lot of money, Mom and Dad lost the good relationship they had had with their son and daughter-in-law, who felt guilty because of what happened. Invitations for dinner were turned down, and both parties at best found it awkward when they got together, because of the significant strain that cosigning had put on the relationship. In my experience, most Christians are not aware that God’s Word strongly advises against cosigning. The terminology for cosigning that is used in the book of Proverbs is to “strike hands in pledge.” It’s important to understand that at the time the book of Proverbs was written, they did not have lengthy legal documents for their agreements; a handshake was sufficient. “To strike hands in pledge” meant to shake hands in the process of making a pledge to pay a financial obligation. God warns that if you strike hands in pledge or cosign for a debt, something very negative could happen to you. Proverbs 22:26, 27 states, “Do not be a man who strikes hands in pledge or puts up security for debts; if you lack the means to pay, your very bed will be snatched from under you” (emphasis added). I believe that an appropriate contemporary analogy to having “your bed snatched out from under you” would be to lose something valuable to you, such as your home or part of your retirement fund. God’s Word in regard to cosigning is a principal, not a law. It is not a sin to cosign, but God warns that if you cosign, you may suffer negative consequences. Proverbs 17:18 is very clear regarding risks of co-signing: “A man lacking judgment strikes hands in pledge and puts up security for his neighbour.” The policy that my wife, Cathy, and I have established is to never co-sign for anyone, regardless of the circumstances. If a friend or relative has a real need, we will pray, and, if directed by God, we will give the person the money. I believe another option is to simply lend your own money to the individual for that need—with the mindset that you are prepared to forgive the loan if need be. (See Luke 6:35.) If you follow one of these two policies, you will have effectively advanced the funds to the friend or relative on a “free-will basis” rather than being forced to provide the money when the bank takes legal action against you as the cosigner because the borrower has defaulted on the loan. In short, if there is a real need, and if you give or lend the money (being willing to forgive the debt), then generally the relationship will remain intact. In addition, you will retain your own peace of mind, as you will not end up in a stressful situation where you are legally forced to pay off the debt. Previous Article Next Article More Topics Financial Deceptions Read More Freedom from Financial Anxiety Read More Investing Read More

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

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

Dear Tom, Just watched you again on Vision TV. As a Christian widow, I truly appreciated your insight and biblical wisdom. Thank you for your spiritual wisdom, prayers, and encouragement to store up treasures in heaven. People need to stay in the scriptures for their source of truth and I sense this in your ministry!! May the Lord bless you in your ministry. Back to Testimonials Thank you for your spiritual wisdom and prayers Dear Tom, Just watched you again on Vision TV. As a Christian widow, I truly appreciated your insight and biblical wisdom. Thank you for your spiritual wisdom, prayers, and encouragement to store up treasures in heaven. People need to stay in the scriptures for their source of truth and I sense this in your ministry!! May the Lord bless you in your ministry. J.E. St. Catherine's, ON, Canada Previous Next

Learn how to manage your money based on Biblical principles. If you have financial questions, let us know and Tom Copland or one of our trained financial coaches will advise you. UPDATE - God Is Blessing! Keep Reading For A Special Offer _______________ God is continuing to expand His kingdom through Copland Financial Ministries! Here's an overview of what the Lord has done during 2022. The financial moment ministry has grown tremendously - now on 192 radio facilities and 7 TV stations across Canada and some northern United States. Between the Financial Moments and the one-half hour radio and TV shows, we are reaching an estimate of about 2.5 million people a week. Praise God!! That's the hand of the Lord! Although COVID 19 has created a number of challenges, it has also resulted in opportunities. For example, Tom developed and presented a series twice on the topic "Dealing with Inflation and High Interest Rates from a Biblical Perspective" and we had people from almost every province in the country and some from the United States. In addition, we had several small groups on Zoom going through Tom's in-depth study "Financial Management God's Way" led by various small group leaders. Here are some testimonies from people who attended these webinar/small group series: 1. “I sincerely thank you (Copland Financial Ministries) for hosting these wonderful sessions on Financial Management God's Way. I'm forever grateful! I value your insights, along with the tips you gave me. Praise the Lord who enabled me to pay off that mortgage! I'm so glad I'm mortgage-free. What a relief it is! To Him, I give all the glory for what He made happen for me.” SP Toronto, Canada 2. “Your ministry has been a great blessing to me and your email responses helped me avoid taking another loan of about 40% interest just to pay off the other debt. …I need to thank you and those who labour with you in your ministry.” NF, Brampton Ontario Canada. 3. "I attended the financial workshop and by God’s grace I was able to pay off my debts supernaturally by God’s provision. I know God transformed my situation after years of financial bondage now I am debt free and can give more and do more for His Glory. I give God the praise and glory for his direction and wisdom, and for you and your financial management course. May your ministry continue to be blessed as you speak God's word into our lives for practical use and adaptation?” SE, Toronto Canada. 4. “I would also like to thank Copland Financial Ministries, Tom Copland and Randy Ziegenhagel for this amazing teaching on Financial Management God’s Way for Women. I have learned how to manage my finances according to Biblical principles. It has been an eye open experience for me. Thanks Again! I feel truly blessed!” RG, Calgary Alberta. 5. “Dear Tom, I attended one of your courses many years ago. Your teaching and your humbleness before the Lord has stayed with me. Thanks be to God I am debt-free and I'm able to be used to help others in this world. Many thanks for your ministry.” LP, Toronto Canada 6. “I was able to start reading your book today and I’m barely into it and already feel the presence of God as I’m reading. Tom, I truly love you brother. You are such an encouragement to me and so many people. The way you include scripture throughout your writing is so timely and applicable…you teach the Bible so clearly and well. Yes, God has picked you for this ministry and I’m sure thankful for that. God bless you Tom!!” RZ, Holland Landing Ontario. 7. “Thank you for having these workshops. I didn’t realize how much I needed them and how much I needed to change. It has given me encouragement to take my financial picture more seriously and to want to use money God’s way.” AH, Edmonton Alberta. 8. “I have been blessed to be a part of this Biblical teaching! God continues to make a difference in my entire life through this workshop series, because applying Biblical principles on finances, seems to have a domino effect resulting in other areas of my life and health being improved, especially peace of mind and contentment. This teaching is EXACTLY what I need and want, and I have been learning and applying. I also let others know about it.” BG Saskatchewan, Canada. 9. “Thank you for your financial seminar I took for Singles last year. Your seminars are excellent biblical teaching that works and I am still using today. Thank you Tom and thank you God!” PH, Vancouver Canada. 10. “Tom you are without a doubt one of the most humble people I have ever had the privilege to listen to. That has to be the reason why the Holy Spirit draws so many people to your teachings, He is your partner. God Bless,” DWP, Shaw Bill Québec Canada. Expansion of the ministry. And Darlene continues to expand the ministry through our website and social media. You can follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter under @biblefinance and be sure to check us out at coplandfinancialministries.org and our YouTube channel Copland Financial Ministries. Biblical-based financial counseling Between Tom and his small group leaders/financial coaches, we provided biblically-based financial advice on a ministry bases at no charge to over 1,300 people during the last year [that's up from 1,000 last year]. Hard Copy - Click here eBook - Click here - Use promo code "TOM" for 20% off God enabled Tom to write a new book it’s titled "Debt Reduction, Biblical Principles to Do with Inflation and High Interest Rates and Eliminating Debt". With the incredible increase in interest rates and inflation in the past year, the majority of people are hurting financially. However for those who have followed the biblical financial principles and have no debt, higher interest rates does not affect them. And for those who have saved according to biblical principles [Proverbs 21:20] but this surplus of cash, they will be able to handle the increased cost of living. If you are interested in a physical copy of this book you can click HERE . To purchase the eBook version, click HERE . Use the promo code "TOM" at check-out for 10% off. If you wish to have a copy of the book but cannot afford it, please reply to this email and explain your situation. If it is reasonable and you commit to reading it and pray for our ministry regularly, we will send you the book for free. NOTE: This offer only applies within Canada. Half hour programs We recorded several new half-hour radio and TV programs including: "Dealing with Inflation and High Interest Rates from a Biblical Perspective" and 3 new half-hour programs titled "Investing God's Way". You can watch these on our website www.coplandfinancialministries.org . 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, ON. This year, God opened the door for several additional half-hour shows to go on Miracle Channel in Western Canada, and with respect to Eastern Canada, we now have 9 half-hour programs on the Harvesters stations covering almost all of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and PEI. Praise God! 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, so we would encourage you to prayerfully consider giving to this ministry. [We have a donor who will match all donations so when you give your funds are immediately doubled!] Contributions can be made by automatic monthly donations or one time donations. To give, go to coplandfinancialministries.org/donate or send a check to: Copland Financial Ministries 325 Renfrew Drive, Suite 301 Markham, ON L3R 9S8, Canada We are registered with Canada Revenue Agency and will issue donation receipts. Proverbs 3:9, 10 says: "Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops, then your barns to be filled overflowing and your vats will brim over with new wine". Thank you for your prayers and financial support! Tom Copland, President

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

I hope this email finds you well. I wanted to reach out and express my gratitude for the impact your work has had on my life over the past two years. Your radio programs have been a daily source of inspiration and have guided me towards discovering my purpose. Back to Testimonials Your radio programs have been a daily source of inspiration I hope this email finds you well. I wanted to reach out and express my gratitude for the impact your work has had on my life over the past two years. Your radio programs have been a daily source of inspiration and have guided me towards discovering my purpose. ME Waterloo, Ontario Previous Next

Where do I begin? The Lord our God, my Heavenly Father, brought me to Copland Financial Ministries. I have been both convicted and encouraged. Since taking Financial Management God’s Way for Singles, I have made two or three major financial decisions that I believe please God. Knowing and understanding and then implementing the Word of God in my finances are a great blessing bringing peace and joy. Back to Testimonials The expressions of my gratitude are many Where do I begin? The Lord our God, my Heavenly Father, brought me to Copland Financial Ministries. I have been both convicted and encouraged. Since taking Financial Management God’s Way for Singles, I have made two or three major financial decisions that I believe please God. Knowing and understanding and then implementing the Word of God in my finances are a great blessing bringing peace and joy. I have begun budgeting using the excel budget spreadsheet from the ministry. I have also decided to pay my debts in full by the grace of God. I have corresponded with Tom via email to ask specific financial questions. He has been used by God to help me make the wise decision to forego a “shark-like” high-interest charge. Tom also let me know that my credit card is not for everyday use and that the balance ought to be paid in full each month. The expressions of my gratitude are many. God reveals His love for me in countless ways, and I know this is one of them. Over the years, I have experienced pain because of the management of my finances. I thank God abundantly for His care to help me learn, grow, and mature in specific matters of my finances. Thank you so very much to Tom for his leadership and heart to see people managing their finances God’s way. Far more than the value of any currency is the wealth of life, peace, and gratitude that springs from following and obeying God. I love pleasing Jesus, and although I do fall short, He encourages me forward. The Lord Himself is my strength and help. N.F. Brampton, ON, Canada Previous Next