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One afternoon at my job 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 did my what I always did payday ritual: I launched every shopping app on my phone. From Amazon to Zara, you name it. Within the space of an hour, I had parted with £90 on clothes, home decor and a completely unused heavy blanket that never touched.

A few days later, I returned to the internet and purchased a blow dryer. I already owned one, but thought an extra one wouldn't be a problem. Then I added LED strip lights and two shoes that didn't even fit me. 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 stressed, exhausted or bored, I would doomscroll until it always culminated in an unplanned shopping spree. My excuse was constantly: “Oh well, it’s just £5.” But £5 turned into £10, then £20, and continued.

I was never completely sure why I did this. Perhaps it was due to I grew up in a low-income family, where we’d go months without buying new clothes or anything to brighten up the home. So any moment I had extra money, there was always a hidden yearning for new and exciting things. Or possibly, and definitely more likely, I was just financially irresponsible and gave in readily to the lure of demands.

The Game-Changing Strategy

Eventually, I decided to experiment with a novel idea. Before acquiring any item, I’d put it in my basket, delay for 24 hours, then make a choice whether to finalize the purchase. The best part of this technique was that it gave me space to think – an action I’d never done before. 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 my shopping apps and discovered products lingering in my basket, I’d clear them out and begin anew. By employing this method, I stopped buying goods that I knew deep down I would never use. I once wanted to buy three board games, but after waiting before visiting the store, I understood I never actually engage with board games.

I also contemplated buy a disposable film camera for my first trip to the coast. After waiting I remembered I possessed a smartphone, like most people, that features a perfectly adequate lens, and thus had no requirement to acquire a dedicated camera.

The Enduring Benefits

It additionally signifies I am more selective about the items I do purchase, and I can finally review my financial records without feeling shame or discomfort.

Naturally, there have been times I’ve slipped back into old habits – it's human nature. The difference now is that I can recognise the warning signs early, especially when I’m rushing into a transaction. I’ve realised boredom is a powerful trigger. It’s perhaps the biggest motivator of my reckless spending.

Modern culture preys on this boredom and our need for instant satisfaction. That’s the reason, looking back, forcing myself to halt before purchasing has felt strangely freeing. To be able to have command over my urges and reaffirming that I don't have to expend my diligently earned money on unnecessary goods feels as radical as it is straightforward.