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Copland Financial Ministries provides free financial advice based on biblical principles. Please consider donating to support this ministry. Donations can be made online through PayPal or by mailing a cheque to our office. Donate We appreciate you taking the time to check our donation page. You can donate online by completing the form below or mail a cheque payable to Copland Financial Ministries at: 325 Renfrew Drive, Suite 301 Markham, ON L3R 9S8 Canada henry@copland-ca.com Canadian Charitable Registration No. 818256802 RR 0001

This teaching is EXACTLY what I need and want, and I have been learning and applying. I also let others know about it. I purchased some of the books, and was blessed to receive a free one too, and I give these books to my friends and family members. Back to Testimonials I have been blessed to be a part of this Biblical teaching! "Hello Tom, 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 study definitely benefits my personal relationship with God, and helps me to see that it was really lacking in the area of finances. I really appreciate the participants materials/ workbook, because I really like to see things in print, so I can read it. The case studies are very very helpful. Love the highlighted memory verses.I really appreciate the overall STRUCTURE of the course, which is something that I really need. Structure and guidance, specifically BIBLICAL guidance, is really an answer to my prayers. Tony and Eli provided exceptional leadership to our group. They work very well together, they know how to move things along, for efficient use of time, while also recognizing when it is beneficial to spend more time on a certain topic, showing lots of common sense, respect and wisdom. I appreciate that they each have their own personal relationship/ walk with God, and this is evident. Tony and Eli encouraged others to participate, which helps people to grow, come out of our comfort zone ( which I would not have done unless prompted ) and go to a higher level. I was sad when the group was finished, but I plan to do more. Yes, I have made, and continue to make significant changes in the way I manage (God's) money. Overall, this teaching is EXACTLY what I need and want, and I have been learning and applying. I also let others know about it. I purchased some of the books, and was blessed to receive a free one too, and I give these books to my friends and family members. Thank you very much. BG Saskatchewan, Canada Previous Next

God’s Word warns of the dangers of signing surety, which includes a situation in which a company owner gives a personal guarantee for the company’s debt. Back to Co-Signing/Surety Avoiding Surety for Company By: Tom Copland June 15, 2020 God’s Word warns of the dangers of signing surety, which includes a situation in which a company owner gives a personal guarantee for the company’s debt. By refusing to give a personal guarantee for company debt, you will effectively protect your family’s assets, such as your home, retirement fund, etc. The objective is not to avoid paying your obligations, but rather to limit your risk and the potential negative consequences if something goes wrong. If you do not provide personal guarantees, and if the company does have a bad year, you will be in a much better negotiating position with your bank. Although financial institutions generally ask for personal guarantees, it is definitely possible to obtain a business bank loan without signing surety. If your company has a lot of debt, it may take a few years for you to convince the lender to release you from your personal guarantee. However, it is possible fundamentally because all things are possible with God, and it is clearly God’s desire that you do not sign surety. The following are some practical suggestions to avoid signing surety. 1. Build sufficient retained earnings in your company with the objective of negotiating the release of your personal guarantees. 2. Develop and implement a personal budget in order to minimize your salary from the company so that you are able to build the retained earnings of the company faster. 3. Another option is to obtain equity investors, who generally do not require personal guarantees because the nature of their investment is equity, not a loan. To do this, you will have to give up a portion of the ownership of your business. If your company has significant debt, the use of equity investors is a much safer way to finance your business. Also, when the company has a bad year, equity investors are your partners, who want to help, whereas a bank generally is focused on protecting its position. 4. Frankly, the best option is to develop and implement a plan to reduce and eliminate your company’s indebtedness. God warns of the dangers of borrowing (Proverbs 22:7), and every reference to borrowing in the Bible is a negative one. I firmly believe that the God of this universe does not need a bank in order for God to bless a business. Over the past 23 years, I have been blessed by God with the privilege of assisting approximately 200 businesses and families become debt-free both corporately and personally. Philippians 4:19 states, “And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” Please note that it is God himself who promises to meet our needs—God does not need the bank. Previous Article Next Article More Topics Financial Deceptions Read More Freedom from Financial Anxiety Read More Investing Read More

Just watched your program on Vision TV ….and was so encouraged by your very Christ centred & biblical teaching . Back to Testimonials You truly a servant of God Just watched your program on Vision TV ….and was so encouraged by your very Christ centred & biblical teaching . You a truly a servant of God . I will pray for you as the Lord leads …for His protection , & guidance …in all He leads you to do . The Lord bless you and keep you ! In Christ Jesus our Lord. Janet, St. Catharines Ontario" Janet St. Catharines Ontario Previous Next

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 15, 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

All of us are responsible to God, regardless of the amount of material wealth that he has entrusted to us. 1 Corinthians 4:2 states, “Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful”. Romans 14:12 states, “So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God.” Back to Stewardship Principle God Requires Faithfulness By: Tom Copland June 15, 2020 All of us are responsible to God, regardless of the amount of material wealth that he has entrusted to us. 1 Corinthians 4:2 states, “Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful”. Romans 14:12 states, “So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God.” God gives different amounts of money and material wealth to different people. However, individual accountability does not change. Luke 12:48 states, “From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked”. In short, those who have been entrusted with larger amounts have the greater responsibility than those who have been entrusted with smaller amounts. As a side point, I would like to point out that this does not mean that a Christian who has limited financial resources has necessarily been an unfaithful or unbiblical steward. In the 21st chapter of Luke, we are told of the widow who gave a few copper coins, which, in terms of monetary value, was insignificant. However, Jesus said that she gave more than all the rest, because they gave out of their great abundance, whereas she gave all that she had to live on. The widow, with her limited amount of material wealth, demonstrated biblical stewardship, while others with significant wealth did not. In addition, we can think of certain great men of God whom God decided in his sovereignty not to entrust with large amounts of material wealth. One example is the Apostle Paul. Notwithstanding his limited financial resources. Paul was still a tremendously committed Christian and an excellent steward of what God did entrust him with. In short, it’s really God’s sovereign decision as to how much he is going to entrust to each individual. Low income does not imply unfaithful stewardship. In summary, regardless of the amount of money that you have, God requires faithful stewardship of the resources that he has entrusted to you. Previous Article Next Article More Topics The Joseph Principle Read More Debt Principles Read More Counsel & Wisdom Read More

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.” Back to Counsel & Wisdom From Godly Financial Advisers By: Tom Copland June 15, 2020 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.” Unfortunately, sometimes Christians refuse to seek counsel because of pride. Proverbs 13:10 states, “Pride only breeds quarrels, but wisdom is found in those who take advice. Proverbs 11:2 states, “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.” Nevertheless, God indicates that your probability of success is greater with many advisers. Proverbs 24:6 states, “For waging war you need guidance, and for victory many advisers.” God recommends that we obtain biblical counsel from godly financial advisers. The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them because they are spiritually discerned. The spiritual man makes judgments about all things, but he himself is not subject to any man’s judgment. (1 Corinthians 2:14, 15) Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked. (Psalm 1:1) I have met some non-Christian financial advisers who do give good practical advice. However, if you want advice from a biblical perspective, which I believe is God’s will for every Christian, then you can get godly advice only from a godly financial adviser. For example, a nonbeliever is simply not going to understand the desire in the believer’s heart for giving a significant portion of one’s income to God’s work. The believer has an eternal perspective, wanting to build up “treasures in heaven” rather than “treasures on earth.” (Matthew 6:19–21) In addition, a godly adviser would counsel you to use minimal debt (Proverbs 22:7), while many worldly advisers would encourage the use of a lot of debt, based on the belief that “smart people use other people’s money” or “buy now and pay later.” Therefore, before making any major financial decision, I recommend that you seek the advice of two or three godly financial 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 financial principles (Psalm 111:10), has a close personal relationship with God (John 15), has the necessary practical financial knowledge (Proverbs 24:3, 4), and habitually puts the interests of clients first (Philippians 2:3, 4). I believe that one of your financial counsellors should be your spouse (Genesis 2:24), even if she or he has limited financial 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 financial decision. 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 the advice you have received. Proverbs 14:15 states, “A simple man believes anything, but a prudent man gives thought to his steps.” In summary, before making any major financial decision, seek counsel from two or three godly financial advisers and from your spouse. Proceed only after you and your spouse have spent considerable time in prayer, and God has given you his peace and his wisdom. Previous Article Next Article More Topics Priorities Read More Stewardship Principle Read More Debt Principles Read More

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

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

Your ministry is a blessing to me & my family. I am very appreciative of your 'all wise' emails. DM, Chester Basin, Nova Scotia Canada. Back to Testimonials Your ministry is a blessing to me Your ministry is a blessing to me & my family. I am very appreciative of your 'all wise' emails. DM Chester Basin, Nova Scotia 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. God's Financial Wisdom for churches and Church Leaders Session 1: God’s Wisdom on Debt & Saving Learn to Listen to God & Discerning God’s will. Sessions 1- God's wisdom on debt and saving for churches Play Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied Session 1 Sessions 2 - God s wisdom on debt and saving for churches Play Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied Session 2: Budgeting, Raising Funds Teaching Members God’s financial Wisdom and Questions before Borrowing Session 2 Sessions 3 God's wisdom on debt and saving for churches Play Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied Session 3: Church Case Studies You've been faithful with a few things. I'll. I'll trust you, with you, with many things. Come and share your master's happiness. Session 2

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