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One day at work a couple of years back, an alert popped up on my mobile device: my salary had come through. 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 shopping app on my phone. From Amazon to Zara, the list was endless. In under 60 minutes, I had parted with £90 on apparel, home decor and a totally useless heavy blanket that I never used.

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 added LED strip lights and two shoes that weren’t even my size. This wasn't a new pattern. In reality, I’d been notorious for it since I started earning.

Whenever I felt stressed, tired or bored, I would doomscroll until it always culminated in an impulsive shopping binge. My justification was constantly: “It's only £5.” But £5 became £10, then £20, and continued.

I was never entirely sure why I did this. Maybe it was due to I grew up in a poor family, where we’d go months without buying new outfits or anything to decorate the house. So any time I had some disposable income, there was always a hidden desire for new and exciting things. Or maybe, and definitely more likely, I was just financially irresponsible and gave in easily to capitalism’s demands.

The Game-Changing Strategy

Eventually, I decided to experiment with something new. Before buying any item, I’d place it in my basket, wait 24 hours, then make a choice whether to finalize the purchase. The best part of this technique was that it provided me space to reflect – an action I’d never taken. For the first occasion since I turned 18, I started questioning: “Do I truly need this? Is it within my budget?” Most of the time, the answer was negative.

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

I also contemplated buying a disposable film camera for my first holiday to the coast. After pausing I recalled I had a smartphone, like most people, that has a perfectly good lens, and therefore had no requirement to buy a separate camera.

The Lasting Impact

It also signifies I am more selective about the items I do purchase, and I can finally look at my financial records without feeling shame or embarrassment.

Naturally, there have been occasions I’ve relapsed into old patterns – it’s only natural. The key change is that I can recognise the warning signs early, particularly when I’m rushing into a purchase. I’ve come to understand boredom is a powerful catalyst. It’s perhaps the biggest motivator of my reckless spending.

Modern culture exploits this idleness and our desire for immediate gratification. That’s why, in hindsight, forcing myself to halt before purchasing has felt unexpectedly liberating. To be able to have control over my impulses and remind myself that I don't have to expend my diligently earned money on unnecessary goods feels as revolutionary as it is straightforward.