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One day at work two years ago, an alert popped up on my phone: my salary had come through. 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 device. Amazon, Vinted, Etsy, Depop, Zara, you name it. In under 60 minutes, I had spent £90 on apparel, decorative items and a completely useless heavy blanket that never touched.

A short while after, I went online again and purchased a hairdryer. I already had one, but thought another wouldn't be a problem. Then I added light strips and two shoes that didn't even fit me. This wasn't a new pattern. In fact, I’d been infamous 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 always ended in an unplanned shopping binge. My excuse was always: “Oh well, it’s just £5.” But £5 turned into £10, then £20, and continued.

I was never entirely sure about the reason. Perhaps it was because I grew up in a low-income family, where we’d go months without purchasing new outfits or anything to brighten up the house. So any time I had some disposable income, there was always a subconscious desire for new and thrilling things. Or maybe, and definitely more likely, I was just bad with money and gave in easily to the lure of demands.

A Revolutionary Approach

In the end, I decided to experiment with something new. Before buying any item, I’d place it in my digital cart, wait 24 hours, then decide whether to check out. The greatest advantage of this method was that it provided me time to reflect – something I’d never done before. For the first occasion since I turned 18, I began questioning: “Do I truly need this? Can I afford it?” More often than not, the response was negative.

If I accessed Amazon, Depop or Zara and found items lingering in my basket, I’d clear them out and begin anew. Using this method, I ceased acquiring goods that I knew deep down I would never use. I once considered purchasing three board games, but after a waiting period before going to the store, I realised I never actually engage with board games.

I also wanted to buying a disposable film camera for my first trip to Croatia. After pausing I remembered I possessed a smartphone, similar to most people, that has a perfectly adequate camera, and thus did not need to acquire a dedicated device.

The Lasting Impact

It also signifies I am more discerning about the things I do purchase, and I can at last review my bank statements devoid of experiencing shame or discomfort.

Of course, there have been times I’ve slipped back into previous habits – it’s only natural. The difference now is that I can identify the signs sooner, particularly when I’m rushing into a purchase. I’ve come to understand boredom is a strong catalyst. It’s perhaps the biggest driver of my impulsive expenditure.

Modern culture preys on this boredom and our need for instant satisfaction. That’s why, in hindsight, compelling myself to pause before purchasing has felt unexpectedly liberating. To be able to have control over my impulses and remind myself that I don't have to spend my hard-earned money on non-essential products feels as revolutionary as it is simple.