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One afternoon at my job two years ago, an notification hit on my phone: my salary had been deposited. It was a decent sum for a someone still at university, so I proceeded with my usual payday ritual: I launched every single retail application on my phone. Amazon, Vinted, Etsy, Depop, Zara, you name it. In under 60 minutes, I had parted with £90 on clothes, decorative items and a totally useless weighted blanket that never touched.

A short while after, I returned to the internet and purchased a blow dryer. I already owned one, but reasoned 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 a new pattern. In fact, I’d been notorious for it ever since I could afford to buy my own things.

Whenever I felt anxious, exhausted or bored, I would mindlessly scroll until it always ended in an unplanned shopping spree. My excuse was constantly: “Oh well, it’s just £5.” But £5 became £10, then £20, and continued.

I was never completely certain why I did this. Maybe it was due to I grew up in a poor family, where we’d go months without purchasing new clothes or anything to brighten up the home. So any time I had extra money, there was always a subconscious desire for novel and thrilling things. Or maybe, and almost certainly, I was just financially irresponsible and succumbed easily to capitalism’s demands.

A Revolutionary Approach

Eventually, I decided to try something new. Before buying anything, I’d put it in my basket, delay for 24 hours, then decide whether to finalize the purchase. The best part of this technique was that it provided me space to reflect – something I’d never taken. For the first occasion since I turned 18, I began questioning: “Do I actually require this? Is it within my budget?” More often than not, the answer was negative.

If I opened my shopping apps and found products sitting in my basket, I’d remove them and start fresh. By employing this system, I stopped buying goods that I intuitively knew I would never use. I once wanted to buy three board games, but after waiting before visiting the store, I understood I never actually play tabletop games.

I also wanted to buying a disposable film camera for my first trip to Croatia. After pausing I recalled I had a phone, like most people, that has a perfectly adequate lens, and therefore had no requirement to buy a dedicated device.

The Lasting Impact

It additionally signifies I am more discerning about the items I do purchase, and I can finally look at my financial records without experiencing guilt or embarrassment.

Naturally, there have been times I’ve relapsed into old patterns – it’s only natural. The key change is that I can identify the warning signs sooner, especially when I’m hastening into a transaction. I’ve realised boredom is a strong trigger. It’s perhaps the biggest motivator of my reckless spending.

Modern culture exploits this idleness and our need for immediate satisfaction. That’s why, in hindsight, compelling myself to halt before purchasing has felt strangely freeing. Gaining command over my urges and remind myself that I don't have to spend my diligently earned money on non-essential goods feels as radical as it is straightforward.