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One afternoon at my job a couple of years back, an alert popped up on my mobile device: my paycheck had been deposited. It was a decent sum for a someone still at university, so I proceeded with my usual payday ritual: I opened every single retail application on my phone. Amazon, Vinted, Etsy, Depop, Zara, the list was endless. In under 60 minutes, I had parted with £90 on apparel, home decor and a totally unused weighted blanket that I never used.

A few days later, I returned to the internet and bought a blow dryer. I already owned one, but thought an extra one wouldn't be a problem. Then I added light strips and two pairs of shoes that weren’t even my size. This wasn't a new pattern. 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 always ended in an unplanned shopping spree. My excuse was constantly: “Oh well, it’s just £5.” But £5 turned into £10, then £20, and continued.

I was never entirely sure why I did this. Maybe it was because my upbringing in a low-income family, where we’d go months without purchasing new outfits or anything to brighten up the house. So any time I had extra money, there was always a hidden yearning for novel and thrilling things. Or possibly, and definitely more likely, I was just bad with money and succumbed easily to capitalism’s demands.

The Game-Changing Strategy

Eventually, I opted to experiment with a novel idea. Prior to acquiring anything, I’d put it in my basket, wait 24 hours, then make a choice on whether to check out. The best part of this technique was that it gave me space to reflect – something I’d never done before. For the first time since I turned 18, I began asking myself: “Do I truly require this? Is it within my budget?” More often than not, the answer was negative.

If I opened Amazon, Depop or Zara and found products lingering in my cart, I’d remove them and start fresh. Using this method, I ceased buying things that I intuitively knew I would never use. I once considered purchasing a trio of games, but after a waiting period before visiting the store, I realised I never actually engage with board games.

I also contemplated buying a single-use camera for my first trip to the coast. After pausing I recalled I possessed a phone, like most people, that features a perfectly adequate camera, and therefore did not need to buy a separate camera.

The Lasting Impact

It additionally means I am more discerning about the things I do buy, and I can finally look at my bank statements devoid of feeling guilt or discomfort.

Naturally, there have been times I’ve slipped back into previous habits – it’s only natural. The difference now is that I can recognise the signs early, especially when I’m rushing into a purchase. I’ve come to understand ennui is a powerful trigger. It’s probably the primary motivator of my impulsive expenditure.

Modern culture preys on this idleness and our need for immediate satisfaction. That’s the reason, looking back, compelling myself to halt before purchasing has felt strangely liberating. Gaining control over my impulses and reaffirming that I don't have to spend my diligently earned money on non-essential goods feels as revolutionary as it is straightforward.