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One afternoon at my job a couple of years back, an alert popped up on my mobile device: my salary had come through. It was a fair amount for a student, so I proceeded with my what I always did payday ritual: I opened every retail application on my device. Amazon, Vinted, Etsy, Depop, Zara, the list was endless. Within the space of an hour, I had spent £90 on clothes, home decor and a totally useless weighted blanket that never touched.

A few days later, I went online again and bought a blow dryer. I already had one, but reasoned 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 a new pattern. In reality, I’d been notorious for it ever since I could afford to buy my own things.

Whenever I felt anxious, tired or uninterested, I would mindlessly scroll until it inevitably ended 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. Perhaps it was due to my upbringing in a poor family, where we’d experience months without buying new clothes or anything to brighten up the home. So any moment I had some disposable income, there was always a hidden yearning for new and thrilling things. Or possibly, and almost certainly, I was just bad with money and gave in readily to the lure of consumerism.

The Game-Changing Strategy

Eventually, I opted to experiment with something new. Prior to acquiring any item, I’d place it in my digital cart, wait 24 hours, then decide on whether to check out. The best part of this technique was that it gave me time to reflect – something I’d never done before. For the first time since I turned 18, I started asking myself: “Do I truly require this? Is it within my budget?” Most of the time, 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 method, I ceased acquiring goods that I knew deep down I would never utilize. I once considered purchasing a trio of games, but after waiting before visiting the store, I understood I never actually play board games.

I also contemplated buy a disposable film camera for my first trip to Croatia. After waiting I recalled I had a phone, similar to everybody else, that features a perfectly adequate lens, and thus did not need to buy a separate camera.

The Enduring Benefits

It also signifies I am more discerning about the things I do buy, and I can at last review my financial records without feeling shame or embarrassment.

Of course, there have been occasions I’ve slipped back into old habits – it’s only natural. The key change is that I can identify the warning signs sooner, particularly when I’m hastening into a transaction. I’ve realised boredom is a powerful trigger. It’s probably the biggest motivator of my reckless expenditure.

Consumer culture preys on this idleness and our need for instant satisfaction. That’s the reason, looking back, compelling myself to halt before buying has felt unexpectedly freeing. Gaining command over my urges and reaffirming that I don’t need to spend my diligently earned money on unnecessary goods feels as radical as it is straightforward.