🔗 Share this article

One day at work two years ago, an alert popped up on my phone: my paycheck had been deposited. It was a decent sum for a someone still at university, so I proceeded with my usual when payday arrived: I opened every single retail application on my device. Amazon, Vinted, Etsy, Depop, Zara, you name it. Within the space of an hour, I had parted with £90 on apparel, home decor and a totally useless heavy blanket that never touched.

A short while after, I returned to the internet and bought a blow dryer. I already owned one, but reasoned another wouldn't be a problem. Then I added light strips and two shoes that didn't even fit me. This wasn't a new pattern. In reality, I’d been notorious for it ever since I could afford to buy my own things.

Whenever I felt anxious, tired or uninterested, I would mindlessly scroll until it always culminated in an unplanned shopping spree. My excuse was always: “It's only £5.” But £5 turned into £10, then £20, and continued.

I was never entirely certain why I did this. Perhaps it was because I grew up in a poor family, where we’d go months without purchasing new outfits or anything to decorate the house. So any moment I had some disposable income, there was always a subconscious desire for novel and thrilling things. Or maybe, and almost certainly, I was just financially irresponsible and gave in readily to capitalism’s consumerism.

The Game-Changing Strategy

In the end, I opted to experiment with a novel idea. Prior to acquiring anything, I’d place it in my basket, delay for 24 hours, then make a choice on whether to finalize the purchase. The best part of this technique was that it provided me space to reflect – an action I’d never done before. For the first time since adulthood, I began questioning: “Do I truly require this? Can I afford it?” Most of the time, the response was negative.

If I opened my shopping apps and discovered items lingering in my basket, I’d clear them out and start fresh. Using this method, I stopped acquiring things that I intuitively knew I would never use. I once wanted to buy three board games, but after waiting before going to the store, I realised I never actually engage with board games.

I also contemplated buying a single-use camera for my first trip to Croatia. After pausing I remembered I had a smartphone, like everybody else, that has a perfectly good lens, and thus had no requirement to buy a separate camera.

The Enduring Benefits

It additionally means I am more selective about the things I do buy, and I can finally look at my financial records devoid of feeling guilt or embarrassment.

Naturally, there have been times I’ve slipped back into previous habits – it’s only natural. The difference now is that I can identify the signs sooner, especially when I’m hastening into a transaction. I’ve realised boredom is a strong catalyst. It’s probably the primary motivator of my reckless expenditure.

Modern culture exploits this boredom and our need for instant satisfaction. That’s the reason, in hindsight, forcing myself to halt before buying has felt strangely freeing. Gaining control over my urges and remind myself that I don't have to spend my hard-earned money on unnecessary goods feels as radical as it is simple.