🔗 Share this article

One afternoon at my job two years ago, an notification hit on my mobile device: my paycheck had come through. It was a decent sum for a student, so I proceeded with my what I always did when payday arrived: I launched every single shopping app on my phone. From Amazon to Zara, the list was endless. In under 60 minutes, I had parted with £90 on clothes, home decor and a totally useless heavy blanket that never touched.

A few days later, I returned to the internet and purchased a hairdryer. I already had one, but reasoned an extra one wouldn't be a problem. Then I added light strips 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 ever since I could afford to buy my own things.

Whenever I felt stressed, tired or uninterested, I would doomscroll until it always culminated in an unplanned shopping binge. My excuse was always: “Oh well, it’s just £5.” But £5 became £10, then £20, and continued.

I was never entirely sure why I did this. Perhaps it was due to I grew up in a poor family, where we’d go months without purchasing new clothes or anything to brighten up the home. So any time I had some disposable income, there was always a hidden desire for new and exciting things. Or maybe, and almost certainly, I was just bad with money and succumbed readily to the lure of consumerism.

A Revolutionary Approach

In the end, I decided to experiment with something new. Before buying anything, I’d put it in my basket, wait 24 hours, then make a choice whether to check out. The best part of this method was that it gave me space to think – something I’d never taken. For the first time since adulthood, I began asking myself: “Do I actually require this? Can I afford it?” Most of the time, the answer was negative.

If I opened my shopping apps and discovered items sitting in my basket, I’d remove them and begin anew. Using this system, I ceased acquiring things that I intuitively knew I would never use. I once wanted to buy a trio of games, but after waiting before visiting the store, I understood I never actually engage with tabletop games.

I also wanted to buy a single-use camera for my first holiday to Croatia. After waiting I recalled I had a phone, like most people, that has a perfectly adequate lens, and therefore did not need to acquire a dedicated device.

The Lasting Impact

It additionally signifies I am more selective about the items I do buy, and I can finally review my bank statements devoid of feeling shame or embarrassment.

Naturally, there have been occasions I’ve slipped back into old patterns – it's human nature. The key change is that I can recognise the warning signs sooner, especially when I’m hastening into a purchase. I’ve realised ennui is a powerful catalyst. It’s probably the biggest driver of my impulsive spending.

Consumer culture preys on this boredom and our desire for immediate gratification. That’s why, in hindsight, compelling myself to pause before buying has felt strangely liberating. Gaining command over my urges and reaffirming that I don't have to spend my diligently earned money on unnecessary products feels as radical as it is straightforward.