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One day at work two years ago, an alert popped up on my phone: my salary had been deposited. It was a fair amount for a student, so I proceeded with my what I always did payday ritual: I launched every shopping app on my phone. 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 never touched.

A short while after, I returned to the internet and bought a hairdryer. I already had one, but thought another wouldn't be a problem. Then I included light strips and two pairs of shoes that weren’t even my size. This wasn't a new pattern. In reality, 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 impulsive shopping spree. My justification was always: “It's only £5.” But £5 became £10, then £20, and so on.

I was never entirely certain why I did this. Maybe it was because I grew up in a low-income family, where we’d experience months without buying new outfits or anything to decorate the home. So any moment I had extra money, there was always a hidden desire for novel and thrilling things. Or possibly, and definitely more likely, I was just financially irresponsible and gave in readily to the lure of consumerism.

The Game-Changing Strategy

In the end, I decided to try a novel idea. Before buying any item, I’d place it in my basket, delay for 24 hours, then decide on whether to check out. The best part of this method was that it provided me space to reflect – something I’d never taken. For the first time since I turned 18, I started questioning: “Do I truly need this? Can I afford it?” More often than not, the answer was negative.

If I accessed Amazon, Depop or Zara and found products lingering in my basket, I’d remove them and begin anew. By employing this system, I ceased buying things that I intuitively knew I would never utilize. I once considered purchasing a trio of games, but after a waiting period before going to the shop, I understood I never actually engage with tabletop games.

I also contemplated buying a single-use camera for my first trip to the coast. After pausing I recalled I had a phone, similar to everybody else, that has a perfectly adequate lens, and therefore had no requirement to buy a dedicated device.

The Lasting Impact

It additionally means I am more selective about the items I do purchase, and I can finally look at my bank statements without feeling shame or discomfort.

Of course, there have been times I’ve slipped back into old patterns – it’s only natural. The difference now is that I can recognise the signs early, especially when I’m hastening into a transaction. I’ve realised ennui is a strong trigger. It’s perhaps the primary motivator of my reckless expenditure.

Consumer culture preys on this idleness and our need for immediate satisfaction. That’s why, looking back, compelling myself to pause before purchasing has felt strangely freeing. To be able to have command over my urges and remind myself that I don't have to expend my diligently earned money on unnecessary products feels as revolutionary as it is simple.