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One afternoon at my job a couple of years back, an notification hit on my phone: my paycheck had been deposited. It was a fair amount for a someone still at university, so I proceeded with my what I always did when payday arrived: I opened every single retail application on my device. Amazon, Vinted, Etsy, Depop, Zara, the list was endless. In under 60 minutes, I had spent £90 on clothes, decorative items and a totally useless weighted blanket that never touched.

A short while after, I returned to the internet and purchased a blow dryer. I already owned one, but reasoned an extra one wouldn't be a problem. Then I added LED strip lights and two shoes that weren’t even my size. This wasn’t new behaviour. In fact, I’d been infamous for it since I started earning.

Whenever I felt anxious, tired or bored, I would mindlessly scroll until it inevitably culminated in an impulsive shopping binge. My justification was always: “It's only £5.” But £5 turned into £10, then £20, and continued.

I was never entirely certain why I did this. Perhaps it was due to my upbringing in a poor family, where we’d experience months without buying new clothes or anything to brighten up the home. So any moment I had extra money, there was always a hidden yearning for novel and exciting things. Or maybe, and almost certainly, I was just financially irresponsible and gave in easily to the lure of demands.

The Game-Changing Strategy

Eventually, I opted to try something new. Prior to acquiring any item, I’d put it in my digital cart, wait 24 hours, then make a choice on whether to finalize the purchase. The best part of this technique was that it gave me time to reflect – something I’d never done before. For the first occasion since adulthood, I started questioning: “Do I actually require this? Can I afford it?” Most of the time, the response was negative.

If I opened Amazon, Depop or Zara and found products sitting in my basket, I’d remove them and start fresh. Using this system, I ceased buying goods that I intuitively knew I would never utilize. I once considered buy three board games, but after waiting before going to the shop, I realised I never actually play board games.

I also wanted to buying a disposable film camera for my first holiday to the coast. After waiting I recalled I possessed a phone, like everybody else, that features a perfectly good camera, and thus did not need to buy a separate camera.

The Lasting Impact

It also signifies I am more discerning about the items I do buy, and I can finally review my bank statements without experiencing shame or discomfort.

Of course, there have been occasions I’ve relapsed into old habits – it’s only natural. The key change is that I can recognise the signs early, especially when I’m hastening into a transaction. I’ve realised boredom is a strong catalyst. It’s probably the biggest driver of my reckless expenditure.

Modern culture exploits this idleness and our desire for immediate gratification. That’s the reason, looking back, forcing myself to halt before buying has felt strangely liberating. To be able to have control over my urges and reaffirming that I don't have to spend my hard-earned money on non-essential products feels as revolutionary as it is simple.