You did fabulous as always! You dove right in and tackled the subjects in such a way as to provide solid answers…but also compelling information that would cause a listener to want more info. Back to Testimonials Fabulous as always! You did fabulous as always! You dove right in and tackled the subjects in such a way as to provide solid answers…but also compelling information that would cause a listener to want more info. Anonymous Previous Next

Thank you for your plentiful Bible-based financial information that you so freely make available and for your assistance to your brothers and sisters in Christ. May He richly bless you and your loved ones. Back to Testimonials Plentiful Bible-based financial information Thank you for your plentiful Bible-based financial information that you so freely make available and for your assistance to your brothers and sisters in Christ. May He richly bless you and your loved ones. A.H. Toronto, ON Previous Next

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

I began seriously studying God's Word on finances around 2008 when going through a Sunday School seminar on Debt Reduction God's Way led by Tom Copland (shortly after he had joined our church in Ajax). Back to Testimonials I have come to realize that Biblical stewardship is not an area that can be faked. I began seriously studying God's Word on finances around 2008 when going through a Sunday School seminar on Debt Reduction God's Way led by Tom Copland (shortly after he had joined our church in Ajax). This seminar not only opened my eyes to the dangers of debt, but prompted me to participate in several other similar seminars over the coming years, with the focus on Financial Management God's Way. I am thankful for this material that has helped me appreciate that the Lord is deeply interested in how I use the money and material things He has entrusted me with, and to that end, I have come to realize that Biblical stewardship is not an area that can be faked. I am also thankful for the many opportunities Tom has presented me with to lead others in this area, which the Lord has used to continue to show me that in order to maximize my spiritual impact as a Biblical steward, contrary to conventional 'worldly wisdom', the Lord's wisdom is that borrowing is generally discouraged and giving is generally encouraged. After many years of study and resolve to follow God's Word, I am thankful to have been able to persevere by avoiding many financial temptations, and as a result now am totally debt-free. I would recommend following Tom Copland's material on managing money God's way for anyone who is looking to do the same. E.L Ontario, Canada Previous Next

Thanks so much for the opportunity to take Financial Management God's Way. Blessings to Tom and his team. Back to Testimonials Zoom Small group Participant Testimony I'm constantly amazed that this excellent course, Financial Management God's Way, is offered free of charge. The leaders are experienced, knowledgeable and very open and easy to talk to. The book is user-friendly and overflowing with God's word and how it relates to everyday life. Just the understanding that God owns everything and we are His caretakers is mind-changing. I encourage everyone - young and old - to take this course. I wish I had learned these practical financial principles when I was younger. It would have helped me be better prepared for my senior years and left me in a much better position, both financially and in my relationship with God. Thanks so much for the opportunity to take Financial Management God's Way. Blessings to Tom and his team. JG Kemptville, Ontario Canada Previous Next

God admonishes us to obtain counsel. Proverbs 12:15 states, “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, But a wise man is he who listens to counsel” (NASB), and Proverbs 15:22 states, “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers, they succeed.” Obtain Biblical Counsel Back to Investing By: Tom Copland October 19, 2021 God admonishes us to obtain counsel. Proverbs 12:15 states, “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, But a wise man is he who listens to counsel” (NASB), and Proverbs 15:22 states, “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers, they succeed.” God recommends that we obtain biblical counsel from a godly investment adviser and God’s Word. Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law, he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prosper. (Psalm 1:1–3) I believe that the following are excellent sources of godly biblical counsel. 1. First, and foremost, spend quality time with the Lord in prayer and ask God to reveal his counsel to you through the Holy Spirit. “But Jehoshaphat also said to the king of Israel, ‘First seek the counsel of the LORD.’” (1 Kings 22:5) God has promised that he will provide his counsel and direction in all matters, including investing. “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.” (Psalm 32:8) 2. Meditate on God’s Word to ensure that any proposed investment is within biblical guidelines. “Your statutes are my delight; they are my counsellors.” (Psalm 119:24) For example, use minimal debt, or ideally no debt, as God’s Word discourages the use of debt (Proverbs 22:7). The use of debt increases the risk and the volatility of your portfolio. 3. In addition, before making any major decision, seek the advice of two or three godly investment counsellors/advisers. In my view, an appropriate definition for such a person would be as follows: a spiritually mature Christian who understands and applies God’s investment principles (Psalm 111:10), has a close personal relationship with God (John 15), has the necessary practical investment knowledge (Proverbs 24:3, 4) and habitually puts the interests of clients first (Philippians 2:3, 4. I believe that one of your investment counsellors should be your spouse (Genesis 2:24), even if he or she has limited investment knowledge. God, through his Holy Spirit, can give his peace or lack of peace to an objective spouse who is not emotionally excited about or biased against a particular investment. After obtaining the counsel outlined above, it is your responsibility to pray and ask God to give you his wisdom (James 1:5) in weighing that advice. Proverbs 14:15 states, “A simple man believes anything, but a prudent man gives thought to his steps.” In summary, before making any major investment decision, I recommend that you seek counsel, from God and his Word, two or three godly investment advisers, and from your spouse. Proceed only after God has given you his peace and his wisdom in respect to that particular investment decision. Previous Article Next Article More Topics Freedom from Financial Anxiety Read More Priorities Read More Counsel & Wisdom Read More

Do you feel burdened and worried about your finances? Do you feel overwhelmed by financial problems? Back to Freedom from Financial Anxiety Are You Overwhelmed by Financial Problems? By: Tom Copland January 4, 2021 Do you feel burdened and worried about your finances? Do you feel overwhelmed by financial problems? Jesus said, “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” (Matt, 11: 28–30). Jesus gently encourages us to come to him humbly, first asking for his help and then “yoking” with him—that is, depending on God to carry the heavy part of the load. God has promised that he will sustain us, no matter how difficult the circumstances. "Listen to me, O house of Jacob, all you who remain of the house of Israel, you whom I have upheld since you were conceived, and have carried since your birth. Even to your old age and gray hairs, I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you." (Isa. 46:3, 4) In order to relieve some of the financial pressures, as a practical matter, I recommend you consider some of the following suggestions: 1. Track your expenditures for two or three months to determine where your money is going. Most people don’t know where their money is being spent. 2. Develop a budget—my firm has developed an Excel-based budgeting system that is available at no charge. Call us if you would like a copy (905-477-1300). 3. In the process of developing and following a budget, ensure that you are spending less than you are making in order to provide a monthly surplus. 4. Use that surplus to pay down debt with the highest interest cost first, which is generally credit cards. 5. Next, pay down your other debts, and save some money for emergencies. (See Proverbs 21:20.) Be sure to spend quality time with God daily, asking him for specific direction about your finances. God has promised that if we ask him for wisdom, he will give it to us (James 1:5) and if we ask him for his specific direction, then he will provide direction to us (Prov. 3:5, 6). Previous Article Next Article More Topics Co-Signing/Surety Read More Investing Read More Priorities Read More

Thanks be to God I am debt-free and I'm able to be used to help others in this world. Many many thanks for your ministry. Back to Testimonials Thanks be to God I am debt-free 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 many thanks for your ministry. LP Toronto, Canada Previous Next

It is now 2026 and we are so blessed to say our business is debt free! We are only in our early forties, with Gods help this is possible for you too! All the glory goes to God! Back to Testimonials Business Testimonial We thought having large amounts of debt to run a business was a good and normal practice. We were very stressed and we did not give to the Lords work regularly. We new something was wrong and we needed to change our financial system. Something did change, in 2019 the Lord directed us to Copland Financial Ministry. We signed up to take the small group classes was offered [on Zoom titled "Financial Management God's Way"]. We learned so much. The Bible is full of financial wisdom. We got very serious about handling our finances Gods way. We started aggressively paying down our debt and giving to the Lord regularly. It is now 2026 and we are so blessed to say our business is debt free! We are only in our early forties, with Gods help this is possible for you too! All the glory goes to God! L & A Saskatchewan, Canada Previous Next

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

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

When people get into financial difficulty, many believe that declaring bankruptcy will solve their financial problems. Unfortunately, bankruptcy just treats the symptom. Back to Financial Deceptions Bankruptcy Will Solve My Financial Problems By: Tom Copland June 14, 2020 When people get into financial difficulty, many believe that declaring bankruptcy will solve their financial problems. Unfortunately, bankruptcy just treats the symptom. Statistics show that approximately 80 percent of people who go bankrupt, do so again within 10 years. This is generally because the real problem is the violation of God’s financial principles, which often continues even if current debts are eliminated by bankruptcy. The Bible is clear that it is not God’s will for anyone to go bankrupt. “The wicked borrow and do not repay, but the righteous give generously” (Psalm 37:21). In other words, it is a sin to declare bankruptcy. On the other hand, a righteous person pays what is owed (which is implied) and goes “the extra mile” by giving generously even where there is no financial obligation. In addition, it is not a good testimony when a Christian declares bankruptcy. Hence, I believe that it is not God’s will for a Christian to go bankrupt. If you are in financial difficulty, I recommend that you learn and implement God’s financial principles in conjunction with a budget. If you do this, God has promised that he will meet your needs (Matthew 6:31–33), but not necessarily your wants and desires. Since 1982, I have had the privilege of counselling more than 300 Christians who have been in financial difficulty. In those situations where the Christian learned and implemented God’s financial principles, God blessed in unusual ways, and no one declared bankruptcy. If you have declared bankruptcy already, then may I encourage you in several ways. 1. God loves you, and God will forgive the act of bankruptcy if you confess that sin to the Lord: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). 2. In dependence upon the Holy Spirit and God’s wisdom from his Word, ask God to reveal to you the real cause(s) of your bankruptcy. Even Christians can unknowingly violate God’s financial principles. Or it may be an ungodly attitude or mindset about money that you need to change. It is critical that you study and meditate on God’s Word with respect to finances so that you have “the mind of Christ” (1 Corinthians 2:16) in managing the money that God has entrusted you with. Excellent materials can be obtained from Crown Financial Ministries (www.crown.org ). 3. Develop and implement a budget to ensure that you are spending less than you are earning on a monthly basis so that you have a surplus for non-monthly and unexpected expenditures. A budget is simply a tool that can be used in a practical way to do short-term and long-term financial planning. In summary, the deception of this world is that bankruptcy will solve one’s financial problems. Bankruptcy only treats the symptom. Generally, the true cause of the problem is the violation of one or more biblical principles. I recommend that, in dependence on God, you learn and apply God’s financial principles in conjunction with implementing a budget. Previous Article Next Article More Topics The Joseph Principle Read More Co-Signing/Surety Read More Freedom from Financial Anxiety Read More