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One afternoon at my job two years ago, an alert popped up on my mobile device: my salary had come through. It was a fair amount for a student, so I proceeded with my usual payday ritual: I opened every shopping app on my phone. From Amazon to Zara, you name it. In under 60 minutes, I had parted with £90 on clothes, home decor and a totally unused weighted blanket that never touched.

A few days later, I went online again and purchased a hairdryer. I already owned one, but thought an extra one wouldn't be a problem. Then I included LED strip lights and two pairs of shoes that weren’t even my size. This wasn’t new behaviour. In reality, I’d been infamous for it since I started earning.

Whenever I felt anxious, tired or bored, I would mindlessly scroll until it always culminated 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 completely sure why I did this. Maybe it was due to my upbringing in a low-income family, where we’d go months without buying new clothes or anything to brighten up the home. So any time I had some disposable income, there was always a hidden desire for novel and exciting things. Or possibly, and definitely more likely, I was just financially irresponsible and gave in easily to the lure of consumerism.

The Game-Changing Strategy

In the end, I decided to experiment with a novel idea. Before buying any item, I’d put it in my digital cart, wait 24 hours, then decide whether to check out. The greatest advantage of this method was that it provided me space to reflect – an action I’d never taken. For the first occasion since adulthood, I began questioning: “Do I truly require this? Is it within my budget?” More often than not, the answer was no.

If I accessed my shopping apps and discovered items sitting in my cart, I’d clear them out and begin anew. Using this method, I ceased acquiring goods that I knew deep down I would never use. I once considered buy three board games, but after a waiting period before going to the store, I understood I never actually engage with tabletop games.

I also contemplated buy a single-use camera for my first holiday to Croatia. After pausing I recalled I had a smartphone, similar to everybody else, that has a perfectly good lens, and thus did not need to buy a dedicated device.

The Enduring Benefits

It additionally means I am more selective about the items I do buy, and I can finally review my financial records devoid of feeling shame or discomfort.

Naturally, there have been occasions I’ve relapsed into previous habits – it’s only natural. The key change is that I can recognise the signs early, especially when I’m hastening into a purchase. I’ve realised ennui is a strong trigger. It’s probably the biggest motivator of my impulsive expenditure.

Modern culture exploits this idleness and our desire for immediate gratification. That’s why, looking back, compelling myself to pause before purchasing has felt unexpectedly liberating. Gaining control over my urges and remind myself that I don't have to spend my hard-earned money on unnecessary goods feels as radical as it is straightforward.