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One day at work a couple of years back, an notification hit 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 what I always did when payday arrived: I launched every single retail application on my phone. From Amazon to Zara, the list was endless. In under 60 minutes, I had spent £90 on clothes, home decor and a totally unused heavy blanket that I never used.

A few days later, I returned to the internet and purchased a hairdryer. I already owned one, but thought an extra one wouldn't be a problem. Then I added LED strip lights and two pairs of shoes that didn't even fit me. This wasn’t new behaviour. In reality, I’d been notorious for it ever since I could afford to buy my own things.

Whenever I felt stressed, tired or bored, I would mindlessly scroll until it inevitably ended in an unplanned shopping spree. My justification was always: “Oh well, it’s just £5.” But £5 turned into £10, then £20, and continued.

I was never completely sure about the reason. Perhaps it was due to I grew up in a low-income family, where we’d experience months without purchasing new clothes or anything to brighten up the home. So any moment I had some disposable income, there was always a hidden yearning for new and thrilling things. Or possibly, and definitely more likely, I was just financially irresponsible and succumbed readily to the lure of demands.

The Game-Changing Strategy

Eventually, I opted to experiment with a novel idea. Before acquiring any item, I’d place it in my digital cart, wait 24 hours, then decide whether to finalize the purchase. The best part of this technique was that it provided me time to reflect – something I’d never taken. For the first time since I turned 18, I started asking myself: “Do I actually require this? Can I afford it?” More often than not, the answer was no.

If I accessed Amazon, Depop or Zara and discovered items lingering in my basket, I’d clear them out and start fresh. By employing this system, I stopped acquiring things that I intuitively knew I would never use. I once considered buy three board games, but after a waiting period before visiting the store, I realised I never actually play board games.

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

The Lasting Impact

It also signifies I am more selective about the things I do buy, and I can finally look at my financial records devoid of experiencing shame or discomfort.

Of course, there have been times I’ve slipped back into previous patterns – it's human nature. The key change is that I can recognise the signs sooner, especially when I’m rushing into a purchase. I’ve realised boredom is a strong catalyst. It’s perhaps the primary driver of my impulsive spending.

Consumer culture preys on this idleness and our need for immediate satisfaction. That’s why, in hindsight, forcing myself to halt before purchasing has felt unexpectedly liberating. Gaining command over my urges and reaffirming that I don't have to expend my diligently earned money on unnecessary goods feels as revolutionary as it is straightforward.