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One afternoon at my job 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 usual when payday arrived: I launched every single retail application on my phone. Amazon, Vinted, Etsy, Depop, Zara, the list was endless. Within the space of an hour, I had parted with £90 on apparel, home decor and a completely unused heavy blanket that I never used.

A short while after, I returned to the internet and bought a hairdryer. I already owned one, but reasoned an extra one couldn't hurt. Then I added light strips and two pairs of shoes that weren’t even my size. This wasn’t new behaviour. In reality, I’d been notorious for it since I started earning.

Whenever I felt stressed, exhausted or bored, I would mindlessly scroll until it inevitably culminated in an unplanned shopping spree. My excuse was constantly: “It's only £5.” But £5 became £10, then £20, and so on.

I was never completely certain why I did this. Maybe it was because I grew up in a low-income family, where we’d experience months without purchasing new clothes or anything to decorate the home. So any time I had some disposable income, there was always a subconscious yearning for novel and thrilling things. Or maybe, and definitely more likely, I was just financially irresponsible and succumbed readily to capitalism’s consumerism.

A Revolutionary Approach

In the end, I opted to try a novel idea. Prior to acquiring anything, I’d place it in my basket, wait 24 hours, then decide whether to check out. The best part of this method was that it gave me time to reflect – something I’d never taken. For the first time since adulthood, I began asking myself: “Do I truly require this? Can I afford it?” More often than not, the answer was no.

If I opened my shopping apps and discovered items sitting in my basket, I’d clear them out and start fresh. Using this system, I ceased acquiring goods that I intuitively knew I would never utilize. I once wanted to buy three board games, but after waiting before going to the shop, I understood I never actually play board games.

I also contemplated buy a single-use camera for my first trip to the coast. After waiting I recalled I possessed a phone, similar to most people, that has a perfectly good camera, and thus had no requirement to acquire a dedicated device.

The Enduring Benefits

It additionally means I am more discerning about the things I do buy, and I can finally look at my bank statements without experiencing guilt or embarrassment.

Naturally, there have been times I’ve relapsed into old patterns – it’s only natural. The difference now is that I can recognise the warning signs early, especially when I’m hastening into a purchase. I’ve come to understand boredom is a powerful trigger. It’s perhaps the biggest driver of my impulsive expenditure.

Consumer culture exploits this boredom and our need for instant satisfaction. That’s the reason, in hindsight, compelling myself to pause before purchasing has felt unexpectedly freeing. Gaining command over my impulses and remind myself that I don't have to spend my diligently earned money on non-essential goods feels as revolutionary as it is straightforward.