From a Spendthrift to a Smarter Spender: The Simple Trick That Changed Everything

One afternoon at my job two years ago, an notification hit on my mobile device: my salary had been deposited. It was a fair amount 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, the list was endless. In under 60 minutes, I had parted with £90 on apparel, decorative items and a completely unused 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 weren’t even my size. This wasn't a new pattern. In reality, I’d been infamous for it since I started earning.

Whenever I felt stressed, exhausted or uninterested, I would mindlessly scroll until it inevitably culminated in an impulsive shopping spree. My excuse was constantly: “Oh well, it’s just £5.” But £5 became £10, then £20, and continued.

I was never entirely certain why I did this. Perhaps it was due to I grew up in a poor family, where we’d experience months without purchasing new outfits or anything to brighten up the home. So any time I had some disposable income, there was always a subconscious yearning for novel and thrilling things. Or possibly, and almost certainly, I was just bad with money and gave in easily to capitalism’s demands.

The Game-Changing Strategy

In the end, I decided to experiment with something new. Prior to buying anything, I’d put it in my basket, delay for 24 hours, then decide whether to check out. The best part of this technique was that it gave me space to think – an action I’d never taken. For the first time since I turned 18, I started questioning: “Do I actually require this? Can I afford it?” Most of the time, the response was negative.

If I opened Amazon, Depop or Zara and discovered products lingering in my cart, I’d clear them out and begin anew. By employing this system, I stopped buying things that I knew deep down I would never utilize. I once wanted to buy a trio of games, but after a waiting period before visiting the store, I understood I never actually engage with board games.

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

The Lasting Impact

It additionally signifies I am more discerning 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 relapsed into old habits – it's human nature. The key change is that I can recognise the signs early, particularly when I’m rushing into a transaction. I’ve realised boredom is a strong trigger. It’s probably the biggest motivator of my reckless expenditure.

Consumer culture preys on this idleness and our need for instant satisfaction. That’s the reason, looking back, compelling myself to halt before buying has felt unexpectedly liberating. Gaining command over my urges and remind myself that I don't have to spend my diligently earned money on unnecessary products feels as radical as it is simple.