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One day at work a couple of years back, an notification hit on my mobile device: my paycheck had come through. It was a fair amount for a someone still at university, so I did my what I always did when payday arrived: I opened every retail application on my phone. Amazon, Vinted, Etsy, Depop, Zara, the list was endless. Within the space of an hour, I had spent £90 on apparel, decorative items and a completely unused heavy blanket that I never used.

A few days later, I returned to the internet and purchased a blow dryer. I already owned one, but thought an extra one couldn't hurt. Then I added LED strip lights 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 since I started earning.

Whenever I felt anxious, tired or bored, I would doomscroll until it always culminated in an impulsive shopping spree. My justification was always: “Oh well, it’s just £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 poor family, where we’d experience months without buying new outfits or anything to brighten up the house. So any moment I had extra money, there was always a hidden yearning for new and exciting things. Or possibly, 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 buying 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 space to reflect – an action I’d never taken. For the first time since I turned 18, I started asking myself: “Do I actually need this? Can I afford it?” More often than not, the answer was no.

If I accessed 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 intuitively knew I would never use. I once wanted to buy a trio of games, but after a waiting period before visiting the store, I understood I never actually engage with tabletop games.

I also contemplated buying a single-use camera for my first trip to Croatia. After waiting I remembered I had a smartphone, like everybody else, that features a perfectly adequate camera, and therefore did not need to buy a separate device.

The Enduring Benefits

It additionally means I am more selective about the things I do buy, and I can finally review my financial records devoid of experiencing shame or discomfort.

Of course, there have been times I’ve slipped back into old habits – it's human nature. The key change is that I can recognise the warning signs sooner, especially when I’m hastening into a transaction. I’ve come to understand ennui is a strong trigger. It’s perhaps the biggest motivator of my impulsive expenditure.

Consumer culture exploits this idleness and our desire for immediate satisfaction. That’s why, looking back, compelling myself to halt before purchasing has felt unexpectedly liberating. Gaining control over my urges and reaffirming that I don’t need to expend my hard-earned money on unnecessary products feels as revolutionary as it is simple.