Sis, Get Your Purse In Order: Janean Armstrong's Mission to Transform Financial Chaos into Confidence
- VOTV Podcast
- May 29
- 4 min read
By Voices of the Village Podcast
Financial literacy is one of the most powerful tools for creating freedom, stability, and generational wealth. Yet for many families, particularly within underserved communities, conversations about money have been absent for generations. Award-winning author, financial educator, and community leader Janean Armstrong is determined to change that narrative with her latest book, Sis, Get Your Purse In Order! Recently featured on the Voices of the Village Podcast with host Andreal Mallard Sr., Armstrong shared the inspiration behind her book and why she believes financial education is one of the greatest missing pieces in our communities today.
A Love Letter to the Women Who Were Never Taught
Armstrong describes Sis, Get Your Purse In Order! as a "love letter" to her younger self and to women everywhere who were never taught how money works. Growing up in a small Arkansas town, she recalls that financial literacy was never discussed at home, in school, or even in the community. Like many Americans, she learned about money through experience rather than education.
Today, despite advancements in technology and access to information, Armstrong believes the lack of financial education remains a major challenge. "We're still not teaching financial literacy in high schools," Armstrong explained. "And that's a problem." Her book aims to bridge that gap by providing practical guidance, worksheets, financial exercises, and real-life strategies designed to help readers take control of their finances.
Looking Good on the Outside Isn't Enough
One of the most powerful messages from Armstrong's book centers around appearance versus reality.
"We'll spend hundreds or even thousands on a purse," she said. "But inside the purse is empty."
For Armstrong, financial wellness isn't about appearances. It's about building a solid foundation that creates options, opportunities, and peace of mind. She encourages readers to reverse the mindset of looking financially successful while secretly struggling behind the scenes. Instead, she advocates focusing on financial education, planning, and long-term wealth-building.
"If you don't have a plan for your money, your money will have a plan for you."
From Vision Boards to Financial Vision
Many people create vision boards filled with dream homes, luxury cars, vacations, and lifestyle goals. Armstrong believes that's only part of the equation. In Chapter 9 of her book, she challenges readers to create a financial vision board instead. Rather than focusing solely on what they want, she encourages people to map out how they will achieve those goals financially.
A financial vision board includes:
Savings goals
Debt reduction plans
Investment milestones
Emergency fund targets
Retirement objectives
Generational wealth strategies
"When you create a plan for your finances," Armstrong explained, "the house, the car, and everything else can come together."
Financial Date Nights: Building Wealth Together
One of the standout concepts discussed during the podcast was the idea of "Financial Date Nights."
Many couples avoid discussing money because finances often become emotional or stressful topics. Armstrong recommends scheduling intentional monthly conversations focused solely on family finances.
These meetings should be relaxed, productive, and future-focused.
Whether over dinner, coffee, or a quiet evening at home, couples should discuss:
Monthly spending
Family goals
Savings targets
Debt reduction
Retirement planning
Generational wealth
By removing the pressure and creating a routine, families can begin building stronger financial foundations together.
The Importance of Emergency Savings
Perhaps the most impactful lesson from Armstrong's book is the importance of being prepared when life happens.
Her personal mantra is simple:
"When life happens, you're ready."
Armstrong recently experienced unexpected challenges in her own life and credits her financial preparation for providing peace of mind during difficult times. Because she had established emergency savings, she didn't have to worry about making mortgage payments, covering car expenses, or maintaining financial stability. She encourages readers to work toward saving:
Six months to one year of housing expenses
Six months to one year of vehicle expenses
Emergency funds for unexpected life events
The key, she says, is starting small. Skipping a few coffee shop visits each week and redirecting those dollars into a high-yield savings account can create significant results over time. Small habits become major financial victories.
Taking the Fear Out of Financial Conversations
Another challenge Armstrong addresses in her book is the fear many people feel when meeting with financial advisors.
Many individuals avoid seeking professional guidance because they don't know what questions to ask or fear being judged for what they don't know. That's why Sis, Get Your Purse In Order! includes practical worksheets, discussion guides, and conversation starters designed to empower readers. Her goal is to help people walk into financial conversations with confidence rather than uncertainty.
From Chaos to Confidence to Freedom
At its core, Sis, Get Your Purse In Order! is more than a financial guide. It is a blueprint for transformation.
Armstrong's mission is simple: Take people from chaos to confidence to freedom. Through education, preparation, intentional planning, and financial discipline, she believes every person can build a stronger financial future. For women, families, entrepreneurs, and future generations, the message is clear:
Financial freedom begins with financial knowledge. And according to Janean Armstrong, now is the time to get your purse in order.
About Janean Armstrong
Janean Armstrong is an award-winning author, financial educator, executive leader, and community advocate committed to helping individuals and families achieve financial wellness. Through her book Sis, Get Your Purse In Order!, she provides practical tools, financial strategies, and real-world guidance designed to help readers build confidence, security, and generational wealth.
Watch the Full Interview
Catch the complete conversation with Janean Armstrong on the Voices of the Village Podcast, where real conversations inspire real change. Hosted by Andreal, Voices of the Village Podcast highlights leaders, changemakers, entrepreneurs, and experts who are making an impact in communities across Georgia and beyond.
Get Your Copy Today "Sis, Get Your Purse In Order" by Award Winning Author Janean Armstrong
Janean Armstrong Appeared on VOTV Talking About Her New Book!
Comments