In my experience, I’ve seen too many cases where an individual has invested the majority of retirement funds in one company or in one sector. Diversification (1 of 2) Back to Investing By: Tom Copland October 19, 2021 In my experience, I’ve seen too many cases where an individual has invested the majority of retirement funds in one company or in one sector. For “a season” these investments may do well, but inevitably every company and sector falls on bad times. This results in significant losses because the portfolio was not diversified in a manner that was consistent with God’s Word. Because no human can consistently predict the direction of any market (see James 4:13–15), it is important to diversify your assets into different categories of investments that will likely react differently to any given market condition. The Bible recommends this type of diversification. “Cast your bread upon the waters, for after many days you will find it again. Give portions to seven, yes to eight, for you do not know what disaster may come upon the land.” (Ecclesiastes 11:1, 2) At the time this was written, “Cast your bread upon the waters” was a metaphorical expression used in the grain trade that illustrated the potential successful prospects of a business investment (per Dr. Charles Ryrie’s study bible). In short, it is biblical to take some risk within one’s portfolio, however, verse 2 recommends diversifying your investments into 7 or 8 categories, because you do not know what disaster may come upon any particular company or sector. In 1999, I met with a client who had invested most of his money in 25 technology stocks. I recommended biblical diversification of his portfolio. He believed he was diversified because he owned 25 different stocks. I explained to him that generally, all stocks in any particular sector will react the same under the same market conditions. He made no changes and as a result, during the bear market (2000-2004), his portfolio decreased 70% in value! Biblical diversification is obtained by allocating one’s assets into different types of investments that will probably react differently to any particular market condition. Here are some examples: 1. During inflationary times (e.g. the 1970s), natural resource equities, commodities and real return bonds increase in value, while medium and long-term bonds do very poorly. 2. In a period of deflation (e.g. 1991-1995), medium and long-term bonds generally increase in value, while natural resource equities, commodities and real return bonds usually do poorly. Further, diversify your assets among several sectors of the economy and to appropriate countries, as generally, this will reduce the risk and volatility of your total portfolio. Many investors try to “time the market”—that is, they buy when they believe that the market is headed higher and sell when they believe the market is going lower. God says (and history shows) that no human can consistently predict the future value of any investment (Prov 27:1). Therefore, unless God specifically directs you otherwise [John 10:3, 4, 27], there is a need for biblical diversification in one’s portfolio because, under normal market conditions, if one category of investment decreases in value, generally another category will likely be increasing, thus reducing the volatility of your total portfolio. Over the long run, a well-thought-out biblically based portfolio should provide reasonable returns. In summary, it is biblical to take on a reasonable amount of risk within one’s investment portfolio. However, God recommends diversification. This will reduce the risk and volatility of your portfolio. See my next Financial Moment for suggested asset allocations. Previous Article Next Article More Topics Freedom from Financial Anxiety Read More Priorities Read More Counsel & Wisdom Read More

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

It is a common saying that you can determine an individual’s true priorities by reviewing how she or he spends time and money. Although people may say that their relationships with God and their families are of greatest importance to them, sometimes their Day-Timer or checkbook indicates otherwise. Back to Priorities A Spiritual Barometer By: Tom Copland June 13, 2020 It is a common saying that you can determine an individual’s true priorities by reviewing how she or he spends time and money. Although people may say that their relationships with God and their families are of greatest importance to them, sometimes their Day-Timer or checkbook indicates otherwise. I believe that how an individual handles money is an external visible indicator of an internal spiritual condition. As a practical matter, I believe that answering the following questions can help you determine where you are at spiritually in regard to your finances. 1. Do you give “the first fruits” to God’s work, or does God get the leftovers? Proverbs 3:9, 10 states, “Honor 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.” The guideline in scripture is to give at least 10 percent of your income to God’s work. 2. Do you borrow money without consulting God? God warns that those who borrow money may become a servant to the lender: “The borrower is a servant to the lender” (Proverbs 22:7). 3. Do you feel envious or jealous of what other people have materially? Exodus 20:17 warns against this. 4. When you have a material need or want, do you pray and wait patiently for God to provide in a manner that is glorifying to Him? Psalm 37:7 states, “ Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for Him.” 5. Have you developed and implemented a budget? A budget is simply a tool used for financial planning. In his illustration of building a tower (Luke 14:28–30), Jesus makes it clear that if we don’t plan ahead, we are foolish. 6. Are you content with God’s provision, or do you constantly want more? “But godliness with contentment is great gain... But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.” (1 Timothy 6:6, 8) 7. Do you spend quality time with God in prayer and reading God’s Word before you make any major financial decision? God has promised that he will direct us: “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you” (Psalm 32:8). May I encourage you to spend some quality time in prayer with God right now and ask him to reveal any areas of your life that God would like you to change in regard to your finances. Previous Article Next Article More Topics Investing Counsel & Wisdom Stewardship Principle Read More Read More Read More

From spending to saving and from drowning in debt to paying off collections and re-establishing good credit. Giving, saving, and being debt free are my priorities and focusing on the work of God's kingdom instead of the love/hate relationship with money and debt. Back to Testimonials God's provision and answered prayers I have learned and applied Biblical financial principles that have drastically influenced my relationship with money. From spending to saving and from drowning in debt to paying off collections and re-establishing good credit. Giving, saving, and being debt free are my priorities and focusing on the work of God's kingdom instead of the love/hate relationship with money and debt. Paying off what has been in collections for years and learning not to depend on anyone else but God for my provision and answered prayer, trying to live within my means, trying not to be covetous and trusting God for direction that I am doing what's right. VJ 321 West Brooklyn MTN Rd, Wolfville, NS B4P 0N8 Previous Next

I just want to let you know that I was listening to your message years ago when we were working together. You have changed my life. I sold my larger house and minimized my lifestyle and set new financial goals because of the time you spent talking with me and the CD’s you gave me. I wanted you to know that I was listening. I’ve made saving a priority. Thank goodness! I know it won’t be an easy time here, but boy I’m glad I’ve been saving. Back to Testimonials You have changed my life I just want to let you know that I was listening to your message years ago when we were working together. You have changed my life. I sold my larger house and minimized my lifestyle and set new financial goals because of the time you spent talking with me and the CD’s you gave me. I wanted you to know that I was listening. I’ve made saving a priority. Thank goodness! I know it won’t be an easy time here, but boy I’m glad I’ve been saving. B.P. South Carolina, USA Previous Next

I sincerely thank you (Copland Financial Ministries) for hosting these wonderful sessions on Financial Management God's Way. It really pushed me to pay off my mortgage sooner than later, and I'm forever grateful! Thank you for taking the time to chat with me after our session. I value your insights, along with the tips you gave me. Back to Testimonials It pushed me to pay off my mortgage I sincerely thank you (Copland Financial Ministries) for hosting these wonderful sessions on Financial Management God's Way. It really pushed me to pay off my mortgage sooner than later, and I'm forever grateful! Thank you for taking the time to chat with me after our session. I value your insights, along with the tips you gave me. Praise the Lord for His generous provisions, who enabled me to pay off that mortgage! I'm so glad I'm mortgage-free. What a relief it is! I went to church to thank the Lord for getting me out of mortgage debt. To Him, I give all the glory for what He made happen for me. With your godly counsel, I plan to stay free of debt and hope to build wealth so I can do some philanthropic work. Thank you for agreeing and believing it with me. S.P. Toronto, ON, Canada Previous Next

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

I've benefited greatly from your teaching as it has helped me change my thought process on handling my finances, planning for the future, and estate planning. I record your messages on my PVR so I can watch them from time to time. So again thank you again. Back to Testimonials I've benefited greatly from your teaching I've benefited greatly from your teaching as it has helped me change my thought process on handling my finances, planning for the future, and estate planning. I record your messages on my PVR so I can watch them from time to time. So again thank you again. L.C. Montréal, QC, 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

Recently a group of pastors were discussing that their churches were falling behind in their giving and having trouble meeting budgets. I was reluctant to share, less it appears to be bragging, that our church was in fact ahead in this year’s budget and we enjoyed a sizeable surplus. Upon reflection, I concluded that one of the reasons for the excellent response was because we have been scheduling some classes and seminars on personal finances and debt reduction/elimination. Back to Testimonials Daily living for God Recently a group of pastors were discussing that their churches were falling behind in their giving and having trouble meeting budgets. I was reluctant to share, less it appears to be bragging, that our church was in fact ahead in this year’s budget and we enjoyed a sizeable surplus. Upon reflection, I concluded that one of the reasons for the excellent response was because we have been scheduling some classes and seminars on personal finances and debt reduction/elimination. One of the reasons people fail to give what they should is because they are carrying a debt load. I am finding that in addition to giving challenges, debt is placing tremendous stress on marriages and affecting people’s emotional and physical health. Recently, one of the men who was baptized in our church testified to the fact that it was through the financial teaching in our church that he got his spiritual priorities straightened out and realized what that meant for his daily living for God. Anonymous Previous Next

I couldn't express enough how grateful I am to have Christine, and now Ton, helping us. Christine is incredibly skilled, creative and the most amazing blessing in so many ways! Back to Testimonials Sincerest thanks and may the Lord continue to bless you, your family and Copland financial ministries. Dear Tom, I couldn't express enough how grateful I am to have Christine, and now Ton, helping us. Christine is incredibly skilled, creative and the most amazing blessing in so many ways! I'm not exaggerating, in any way, that my life is so much fuller with her in it. Her help and wonderful person she is are a miracle in motion. I am/we are so incredibly blessed to have made this connection through you. I was near to giving up, in my own affairs, but feel so much hope moving forward. And, especially relieved and thankful for help with Paul's affairs. Sincerest thanks and may the Lord continue to bless you, your family and Copland financial ministries. SR & PN Stouffville Ontario Canada Previous Next

As explained in my previous Financial Moment, God’s Word recommends the diversification of one’s portfolio into different types of investments that will likely react differently to any particular market condition. Diversification (2 of 2) Back to Investing By: Tom Copland October 19, 2021 As explained in my previous Financial Moment, God’s Word recommends the diversification of one’s portfolio into different types of investments that will likely react differently to any particular market condition. By the way, if you have absolutely no peace in investing in equities because of the related risks, then perhaps God is directing you to invest solely in very safe categories, such as the government of Canada bonds, GICs, etc. The return on “a very safe portfolio” will be very modest, and therefore you will likely have to save considerably more money to meet future needs, compared to an investor who assumes a reasonable amount of risk within biblical guidelines. There is no “perfect portfolio allocation” for all Christians. God’s Word provides general principles—not specific details. That’s why there is absolutely no substitute for spending quality time with the Lord in prayer, asking God for His wisdom (James 1:5) and His specific direction with respect to investing the money that God has entrusted to you. God has promised to direct us [Psalms 32:8, John 10:3, 4, 27]. Subject to God’s specific direction, and under normal market and economic conditions, the following asset allocation could be appropriate in order to achieve diversification. Cash, T-bills, MMFs, 10% GICs, bonds-short, medium, long–incl some real return bonds 40% Canadian equities (several sectors incl Cdn banks & resource stocks.) 20% U.S. equities (several sectors) 10% Real estate, REITs and related equities 5% International equities incl Emerging Markets & Europe 15% Total 100% Note the above is not intended to be a specific recommendation for anyone – just an example of a diversified portfolio. Be sure to obtain investment advice from a trusted advisor. Of interest, as of the date of updating this financial moment [March 27, 2010], my own personal portfolio allocation is predominately in cash. God has specifically directed me to take a very conservative position as I sense from the Lord that the economic “recovery” in the USA and Canada will be weak and short-lived. Again, the biblical principle is that we should generally diversify our portfolios in a manner that is consistent with Ecclesiastes 11:1, 2. However, since only God knows the future (Isaiah 46: 9, 10), then the only possible way to “time the market” with any consistency is in total dependence upon God for his specific direction (see John 15:5, John 10:3, 4, 27, Psalm 32:8). Over the years, I have seen a few situations where God has revealed the direction of markets to his children, but this is rare. God may not reveal the direction of the markets to you, but I do believe, based upon God’s Word [e.g.Psalms 32:8, James 1:5, John 10:3, 4, 27 etc.], that God will direct you as to how he wants you to invest the money that he has entrusted to you. In summary, God’s Word generally recommends diversification of one’s portfolio into different types of investments that will likely react differently to any particular market condition. Since no human knows the future (James 4:13–15), in order to obey God with respect to investing, it is necessary to pray and listen [John 10:3, 4, 27] for God’s specific Will with respect to investing the money that God has entrusted to you. Previous Article Next Article More Topics Freedom from Financial Anxiety Read More Priorities Read More Counsel & Wisdom Read More