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One day at work two years ago, an notification hit on my mobile device: my salary had been deposited. It was a fair amount for a someone still at university, so I did my usual payday ritual: I launched every shopping app on my phone. Amazon, Vinted, Etsy, Depop, Zara, the list was endless. Within the space of an hour, I had spent £90 on apparel, home decor and a completely useless heavy blanket that never touched.

A short while after, I went online again and bought a blow dryer. I already owned one, but thought another couldn't hurt. 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 always culminated in an unplanned shopping binge. My excuse was constantly: “It's only £5.” But £5 became £10, then £20, and so on.

I was never completely certain about the reason. Maybe it was because I grew up in a poor family, where we’d go months without purchasing new clothes or anything to decorate the house. 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 bad with money and gave in readily to capitalism’s demands.

The Game-Changing Strategy

In the end, I decided to experiment with a novel idea. Prior to 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 method was that it gave me time to think – an action I’d never done before. For the first time since I turned 18, I started questioning: “Do I actually require this? Is it within my budget?” Most of the time, the response was no.

If I accessed my shopping apps and discovered items sitting in my cart, I’d clear them out and start fresh. Using this method, I ceased acquiring things that I knew deep down I would never use. I once considered purchasing three board games, but after waiting before going to the store, I realised I never actually play board games.

I also wanted to buying a single-use camera for my first trip to Croatia. After pausing I recalled I possessed a phone, similar to most people, that has a perfectly adequate camera, and thus did not need to acquire a dedicated device.

The Enduring Benefits

It also means I am more discerning about the things I do buy, and I can finally look at my bank statements without experiencing guilt or embarrassment.

Naturally, there have been times I’ve slipped back into previous habits – it’s only natural. The difference now is that I can identify the signs early, particularly when I’m rushing into a transaction. I’ve come to understand boredom is a powerful trigger. It’s probably the biggest motivator of my impulsive spending.

Modern culture preys on this idleness and our desire for immediate satisfaction. That’s why, looking back, forcing myself to pause before purchasing has felt strangely freeing. Gaining control over my impulses and remind myself that I don’t need to spend my diligently earned money on non-essential products feels as revolutionary as it is straightforward.