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One day at work two years ago, an notification hit on my phone: my salary had been deposited. It was a fair amount for a student, so I proceeded with my usual payday ritual: I launched every shopping app on my device. Amazon, Vinted, Etsy, Depop, Zara, the list was endless. Within the space of an hour, I had parted with £90 on clothes, decorative items and a totally unused heavy blanket that never touched.

A few days later, I went online again and purchased a blow dryer. I already owned one, but reasoned another wouldn't be a problem. Then I added light strips and two pairs of shoes that didn't even fit me. This wasn't a new pattern. In reality, I’d been infamous for it since I started earning.

Whenever I felt anxious, tired or bored, I would doomscroll until it inevitably ended in an unplanned shopping binge. My excuse was always: “It's only £5.” But £5 turned into £10, then £20, and continued.

I was never entirely certain about the reason. Perhaps it was because I grew up in a low-income family, where we’d go months without purchasing new clothes or anything to decorate the house. So any moment I had some disposable income, there was always a hidden yearning for novel and exciting things. Or maybe, and almost certainly, I was just bad with money and gave in easily to the lure of demands.

A Revolutionary Approach

Eventually, I decided to experiment with a novel idea. Before acquiring any item, I’d place it in my basket, wait 24 hours, then decide on whether to check out. The best part of this method was that it gave me space to reflect – an action I’d never done before. For the first time since adulthood, I began asking myself: “Do I actually require this? Is it within my budget?” Most of the time, the response was no.

If I accessed my shopping apps and discovered items 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 going to the store, I realised I never actually engage with tabletop games.

I also wanted to buying a disposable film camera for my first trip to Croatia. After waiting I recalled I possessed a phone, like most people, that features a perfectly good lens, and thus did not need to buy a separate device.

The Enduring Benefits

It additionally means I am more selective about the things I do purchase, and I can at last look at my bank statements without experiencing shame or embarrassment.

Naturally, there have been times I’ve relapsed into previous patterns – it’s only natural. The difference now is that I can identify the signs sooner, particularly when I’m rushing into a transaction. I’ve realised boredom is a powerful trigger. It’s probably the biggest driver of my reckless expenditure.

Modern culture preys on this idleness and our need for immediate satisfaction. That’s why, looking back, compelling myself to halt before buying has felt strangely freeing. Gaining control over my impulses and reaffirming that I don’t need to spend my hard-earned money on non-essential goods feels as radical as it is simple.