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One day at work two years ago, an alert popped up on my mobile device: my salary had come through. It was a decent sum for a student, so I did my usual when payday arrived: I launched every retail application on my device. From Amazon to Zara, the list was endless. Within the space of an hour, I had parted with £90 on apparel, home decor and a totally unused heavy blanket that I never used.

A short while after, I returned to the internet and purchased a hairdryer. I already owned one, but reasoned another couldn't hurt. Then I included light strips and two shoes that weren’t even my size. This wasn’t new behaviour. In fact, I’d been notorious for it ever since I could afford to buy my own things.

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

I was never completely sure about the reason. Maybe it was because my upbringing in a poor family, where we’d go months without buying new clothes or anything to decorate the home. So any time I had some disposable income, there was always a hidden yearning for new and exciting things. Or maybe, and almost certainly, I was just bad with money and gave in readily to capitalism’s demands.

The Game-Changing Strategy

Eventually, I decided to try something new. Before acquiring any item, I’d put it in my basket, wait 24 hours, then make a choice whether to check out. The best part of this technique was that it gave me space to think – an action I’d never done before. For the first time since adulthood, I started questioning: “Do I actually require this? Is it within my budget?” More often than not, the response was no.

If I opened my shopping apps and found items lingering in my basket, I’d clear them out and begin anew. By employing this system, I ceased buying things that I knew deep down I would never utilize. I once wanted to purchasing three board games, but after waiting before visiting the shop, I understood I never actually play tabletop games.

I also contemplated buy a disposable film camera for my first holiday to the coast. After waiting I recalled I had a smartphone, similar to everybody else, that features a perfectly good camera, and therefore had no requirement to buy a separate device.

The Lasting Impact

It additionally means I am more discerning about the items I do purchase, and I can at last review my bank statements devoid of feeling guilt or discomfort.

Of course, there have been times I’ve slipped back into old habits – it’s only natural. The difference now is that I can identify the signs early, especially when I’m rushing into a purchase. I’ve realised boredom is a strong catalyst. It’s probably the primary driver of my impulsive spending.

Modern culture exploits this boredom and our desire for immediate satisfaction. That’s why, in hindsight, forcing myself to pause before buying has felt strangely freeing. To be able to have command over my urges and remind myself that I don’t need to expend my diligently earned money on non-essential products feels as radical as it is straightforward.