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One afternoon at my job two years ago, an alert popped up on my mobile device: my paycheck had been deposited. It was a decent sum for a someone still at university, so I proceeded with my what I always did when payday arrived: I opened every shopping app on my phone. From Amazon to Zara, the list was endless. Within the space of an hour, I had parted with £90 on clothes, home decor and a totally unused weighted blanket that never touched.

A few days later, 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 light strips and two pairs of shoes that weren’t even my size. This wasn't a new pattern. In reality, I’d been infamous for it since I started earning.

Whenever I felt stressed, tired or uninterested, I would mindlessly scroll until it always ended in an impulsive shopping spree. My excuse was constantly: “It's only £5.” But £5 became £10, then £20, and so on.

I was never completely sure why I did this. Maybe it was due to I grew up in a poor family, where we’d experience months without purchasing new outfits or anything to brighten up the home. So any moment I had extra money, there was always a subconscious desire for new and exciting things. Or maybe, and definitely more likely, I was just financially irresponsible and succumbed easily to capitalism’s demands.

The Game-Changing Strategy

In the end, I decided to experiment with something new. Before acquiring any item, I’d place it in my basket, wait 24 hours, then make a choice whether to check out. The best part of this method was that it provided me time to think – an action I’d never taken. For the first occasion since adulthood, I began asking myself: “Do I truly need this? Is it within my budget?” More often than not, the answer was negative.

If I opened my shopping apps and discovered products sitting in my cart, I’d clear them out and start fresh. By employing this system, I ceased acquiring goods that I intuitively knew I would never utilize. I once considered purchasing three board games, but after a waiting period before visiting the store, I understood I never actually play tabletop games.

I also wanted to buy a disposable film camera for my first holiday to the coast. After waiting I recalled I had a smartphone, like most people, that features a perfectly good camera, and thus did not need to buy a separate device.

The Enduring Benefits

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

Of course, there have been occasions I’ve relapsed into previous habits – it's human nature. The difference now is that I can identify the warning signs sooner, especially when I’m hastening into a purchase. I’ve come to understand boredom is a strong catalyst. It’s perhaps the biggest motivator of my reckless expenditure.

Modern culture exploits this boredom and our desire for immediate gratification. That’s why, in hindsight, compelling myself to pause before buying has felt unexpectedly liberating. To be able to have control over my urges and reaffirming that I don't have to expend my diligently earned money on unnecessary goods feels as revolutionary as it is simple.