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One day at work two years ago, an notification hit on my mobile device: my salary had come through. It was a decent sum for a student, so I proceeded with my what I always did when payday arrived: I launched every single shopping app on my device. From Amazon to Zara, you name it. In under 60 minutes, I had parted with £90 on clothes, home decor and a completely 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 another couldn't hurt. Then I included light strips and two shoes that didn't even fit me. This wasn’t new behaviour. In reality, I’d been infamous for it ever since I could afford to buy my own things.

Whenever I felt anxious, tired or bored, I would mindlessly scroll until it inevitably ended in an impulsive shopping binge. My excuse was constantly: “It's only £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 poor family, where we’d go months without buying new outfits or anything to decorate the home. So any time I had some disposable income, there was always a hidden desire for novel and thrilling things. Or maybe, and almost certainly, I was just financially irresponsible and gave in easily to capitalism’s consumerism.

The Game-Changing Strategy

Eventually, I opted to try a novel idea. Prior to acquiring any item, I’d place it in my basket, delay for 24 hours, then decide on whether to finalize the purchase. The best part of this method was that it gave me space to think – an action I’d never taken. For the first occasion since adulthood, I started asking myself: “Do I truly require this? Is it within my budget?” More often than not, the response was no.

If I accessed Amazon, Depop or Zara and discovered items sitting in my cart, I’d remove them and begin anew. Using this system, I ceased acquiring goods that I knew deep down I would never utilize. I once wanted to purchasing a trio of games, but after waiting before going to the shop, I realised I never actually play tabletop games.

I also contemplated buy a disposable film camera for my first trip to the coast. After pausing I recalled I possessed a phone, like everybody else, that features a perfectly adequate camera, and thus had no requirement to acquire a dedicated device.

The Enduring Benefits

It additionally means I am more selective about the things I do buy, and I can finally review my bank statements without feeling shame or embarrassment.

Naturally, there have been occasions I’ve relapsed into previous patterns – it’s only natural. The key change is that I can recognise the signs early, particularly when I’m hastening into a purchase. I’ve come to understand ennui is a strong trigger. It’s perhaps the primary motivator of my reckless spending.

Consumer culture exploits this boredom and our need for immediate satisfaction. That’s why, in hindsight, compelling myself to halt before buying has felt strangely freeing. Gaining command over my impulses and reaffirming that I don’t need to expend my diligently earned money on unnecessary products feels as revolutionary as it is simple.