In 1987, Bryan and Brenda Cooper began the journey to financial freedom when they began listening to and reading books authored by Larry Burkett of CFC-Christian Financial Concepts (now known as Crown Ministries.) Four years later they were able to pay off their first home (a starter home) using what they learned, and Brenda was able to become a stay-at-home mom when they started their family the same year.
In 1991, Bryan went through the process to become a CFC Certified Counselor. He then began counseling families at a local ministry and facilitated the CFC programs in his local church. In 1993, Bryan and Brenda relocated to central Ohio.
In 1999, Bryan and a friend created materials for a personal finance class that they taught for a couple of years at their church.
In 2007, Bryan completed the Dave Ramsey Certified Counselor Training Program. In the same year Bryan and Brenda began coordinating Financial Peace University at their church, which over 60 families have completed.
Both Bryan and Brenda have been involved with coaching and assisting families on financial matters through the years and are currently working on Baby Step 6. They have attended Delaware Christian Church since 1993.
Baby Steps
1. $1,000 to start an Emergency Fund 2. Pay off all debt using the Debt Snowball 3. Three to six months of expenses in savings 4. Invest 15 percent of household income into Roth IRAs and pre-tax retirement 5. College funding for children 6. Pay off home early 7. Build wealth and give! (above the tithe)
Other Information
Bryan has spent 24 years of his career with a Fortune 100 company and has had various roles including Business Consultant, Technical Consultant, Product Manager, Project Manager, and Corporate Trainer. Bryan is a veteran of the United States Coast Guard and a graduate of Mount Vernon Nazarene College with a degree in Business Administration. He is a former Elder at Delaware Christian Church and currently serves as a trustee at Round Lake Christian Assembly in Lakeville, Ohio.
Brenda is a former school teacher and currently teaches music privately. She is a graduate of Ashland College with a degree in Music Education and is involved with the Praise Band at church.
