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One afternoon at my job a couple of years back, an notification hit on my mobile device: my paycheck had been deposited. It was a fair amount for a someone still at university, so I proceeded with my usual payday ritual: I launched every retail application on my phone. Amazon, Vinted, Etsy, Depop, Zara, you name it. Within the space of an hour, I had parted with £90 on apparel, decorative items and a completely unused heavy blanket that never touched.

A few days later, I went online again and purchased a hairdryer. I already owned one, but reasoned an extra one couldn't hurt. Then I added light strips and two pairs of 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 uninterested, I would mindlessly scroll until it inevitably ended in an impulsive shopping binge. My excuse was always: “It's only £5.” But £5 turned into £10, then £20, and continued.

I was never completely certain why I did this. Maybe it was due to my upbringing in a poor family, where we’d go months without purchasing new outfits or anything to decorate the house. So any moment I had some disposable income, there was always a hidden desire for new and thrilling things. Or possibly, and definitely more likely, I was just financially irresponsible and gave in easily to the lure of demands.

A Revolutionary Approach

In the end, I decided to try something new. Before acquiring any item, I’d put it in my basket, delay for 24 hours, then make a choice whether to check out. The best part of this technique was that it provided me space to reflect – something I’d never done before. For the first time since adulthood, I started asking myself: “Do I truly need this? Can I afford it?” Most of the time, the response was negative.

If I accessed Amazon, Depop or Zara and found products lingering in my basket, I’d clear them out and begin anew. By employing this system, I stopped buying goods that I intuitively knew I would never utilize. I once wanted to buy three board games, but after waiting before going to the store, I understood I never actually engage with tabletop games.

I also wanted to buying a single-use camera for my first trip to Croatia. After waiting I remembered I possessed a phone, similar to most people, that features a perfectly adequate camera, and therefore had no requirement to buy a dedicated camera.

The Enduring Benefits

It additionally signifies I am more discerning about the items I do buy, and I can finally look at my financial records devoid of experiencing guilt or discomfort.

Naturally, there have been occasions I’ve slipped back into previous patterns – it’s only natural. 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 catalyst. It’s perhaps the biggest motivator of my reckless spending.

Modern culture exploits this boredom and our desire for instant satisfaction. That’s the reason, looking back, forcing myself to pause before buying has felt unexpectedly freeing. To be able to have control over my impulses and remind myself that I don't have to expend my hard-earned money on unnecessary goods feels as radical as it is straightforward.