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One day at work a couple of years back, an alert popped up on my mobile device: my paycheck had come through. It was a decent sum for a someone still at university, so I proceeded with my what I always did payday ritual: I launched every retail application on my device. Amazon, Vinted, Etsy, Depop, Zara, you name it. Within the space of an hour, I had spent £90 on clothes, home decor and a totally unused heavy blanket that never touched.

A few days later, I went online again and bought a hairdryer. I already owned one, but thought an extra one wouldn't be a problem. Then I added LED strip lights and two pairs of shoes that didn't even fit me. This wasn't a new pattern. In reality, I’d been infamous for it since I started earning.

Whenever I felt stressed, tired or bored, I would mindlessly scroll until it inevitably ended in an unplanned shopping binge. My justification was constantly: “Oh well, it’s just £5.” But £5 turned into £10, then £20, and continued.

I was never completely certain about the reason. Maybe it was due to my upbringing in a poor family, where we’d go months without buying new clothes or anything to brighten up the home. So any moment I had extra money, there was always a subconscious desire for novel 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

Eventually, I opted to try a novel idea. Prior to acquiring anything, I’d put it in my basket, wait 24 hours, then make a choice on whether to check out. The best part of this technique was that it gave me time to think – something I’d never taken. For the first time since adulthood, I started questioning: “Do I truly need this? Can I afford it?” Most of the time, the answer was no.

If I opened my shopping apps and found items sitting in my basket, I’d remove them and start fresh. Using this system, I stopped buying things that I knew deep down I would never use. I once wanted to purchasing three board games, but after waiting before going to the shop, I understood I never actually engage with tabletop games.

I also contemplated buy a disposable film camera for my first trip to Croatia. After waiting I recalled I possessed a phone, similar to everybody else, that features a perfectly good lens, and thus did not need to acquire a separate device.

The Enduring Benefits

It also means I am more selective about the things I do purchase, and I can at last review my bank statements without feeling shame or discomfort.

Naturally, there have been occasions I’ve slipped back into previous habits – it’s only natural. The difference now is that I can recognise the warning signs sooner, particularly when I’m rushing into a transaction. I’ve realised boredom is a powerful catalyst. It’s probably the primary motivator of my impulsive expenditure.

Consumer culture preys on this boredom and our need for instant satisfaction. That’s why, looking back, compelling myself to pause before purchasing has felt strangely freeing. Gaining command over my impulses and reaffirming that I don't have to spend my diligently earned money on non-essential products feels as radical as it is straightforward.