🔗 Share this article

One day at work a couple of years back, 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 what I always did payday ritual: I launched every single retail application on my phone. From Amazon to Zara, the list was endless. Within the space of an hour, I had parted with £90 on apparel, decorative items and a totally useless weighted blanket that never touched.

A few days later, I went online again and purchased a blow dryer. I already owned one, but reasoned an extra one couldn't hurt. Then I included light strips and two pairs of shoes that didn't even fit me. 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 always ended in an unplanned shopping spree. My justification was always: “It's only £5.” But £5 became £10, then £20, and continued.

I was never entirely certain why I did this. Maybe it was because my upbringing in a poor family, where we’d go months without purchasing new outfits or anything to decorate the home. So any time I had extra money, there was always a subconscious yearning for novel and thrilling things. Or possibly, and almost certainly, I was just financially irresponsible and gave in easily to capitalism’s demands.

The Game-Changing Strategy

Eventually, I opted to experiment with something new. Before buying anything, I’d put it in my basket, delay for 24 hours, then make a choice on whether to check out. The greatest advantage of this technique was that it provided me time to think – an action I’d never taken. For the first time since I turned 18, I began asking myself: “Do I truly require this? Can I afford it?” Most of the time, the response was no.

If I opened my shopping apps and discovered products lingering in my cart, I’d clear them out and start fresh. By employing this method, I ceased acquiring goods that I knew deep down I would never use. I once wanted to buy three board games, but after a waiting period before visiting the shop, I realised I never actually play tabletop games.

I also contemplated buying a disposable film camera for my first trip to the coast. After waiting I recalled I had a smartphone, like everybody else, that has a perfectly adequate camera, and therefore did not need to acquire a separate device.

The Lasting Impact

It additionally signifies I am more selective about the things I do buy, and I can finally look at my financial records without feeling guilt or embarrassment.

Of course, there have been occasions I’ve slipped back into old patterns – it’s only natural. The key change is that I can identify the warning signs early, especially when I’m hastening into a purchase. I’ve come to understand ennui is a powerful catalyst. It’s perhaps the biggest driver of my reckless spending.

Consumer culture preys on this idleness and our need for instant satisfaction. That’s why, looking back, compelling myself to pause before purchasing has felt unexpectedly liberating. Gaining control over my urges and reaffirming that I don't have to expend my hard-earned money on non-essential products feels as radical as it is simple.