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One day at work a couple of years back, an notification hit on my mobile device: my salary had come through. It was a decent sum for a someone still at university, so I proceeded with my usual when payday arrived: I opened every single shopping app on my device. From Amazon to Zara, the list was endless. Within the space of an hour, I had spent £90 on apparel, home decor and a totally useless heavy blanket that never touched.

A few days later, I returned to the internet and purchased a blow dryer. I already had one, but thought another wouldn't be a problem. Then I included light strips and two pairs of shoes that didn't even fit me. This wasn’t new behaviour. In fact, I’d been infamous for it ever since I could afford to buy my own things.

Whenever I felt anxious, exhausted or bored, I would doomscroll until it always culminated in an unplanned shopping spree. My excuse was always: “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 low-income family, where we’d experience months without buying new outfits or anything to decorate the house. So any moment I had some disposable income, there was always a subconscious yearning for novel and exciting things. Or maybe, and definitely more likely, I was just bad with money and gave in readily to the lure of demands.

A Revolutionary Approach

In the end, I decided to try something new. Before acquiring any item, I’d place it in my digital cart, wait 24 hours, then make a choice whether to check out. The best part of this method was that it provided me space to think – something I’d never done before. For the first time since I turned 18, I started questioning: “Do I truly require this? Is it within my budget?” More often than not, the response was negative.

If I accessed my shopping apps and discovered items sitting in my cart, I’d clear them out and start fresh. By employing this system, I ceased acquiring things that I knew deep down I would never utilize. I once considered buy a trio of games, but after waiting before going to the store, I realised I never actually play tabletop games.

I also wanted to buy a disposable film camera for my first trip to the coast. After pausing I remembered I possessed a smartphone, similar to most people, that has a perfectly good camera, and therefore had no requirement to acquire a separate camera.

The Lasting Impact

It also signifies I am more selective about the things I do purchase, and I can at last review my financial records devoid of feeling guilt or embarrassment.

Naturally, there have been times I’ve slipped back into old patterns – it’s only natural. The difference now is that I can recognise the signs sooner, particularly when I’m rushing into a transaction. I’ve come to understand boredom is a powerful catalyst. It’s probably the primary motivator of my reckless expenditure.

Modern culture exploits this idleness and our need for immediate satisfaction. That’s the reason, looking back, forcing myself to halt before purchasing has felt strangely freeing. Gaining control over my impulses and remind myself that I don't have to spend my hard-earned money on unnecessary products feels as radical as it is straightforward.