From a Spendthrift to a Smarter Spender: The Simple Trick That Transformed My Habits

One day at work a couple of years back, an notification hit 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 opened every single retail application on my phone. Amazon, Vinted, Etsy, Depop, 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 I never used.

A short while after, I returned to the internet and purchased a hairdryer. I already owned one, but reasoned another couldn't hurt. Then I added LED strip lights and two pairs of shoes that didn't even fit me. This wasn’t new behaviour. In fact, I’d been infamous for it ever since I could afford to buy my own things.

Whenever I felt anxious, tired or bored, I would mindlessly scroll until it inevitably culminated in an unplanned shopping binge. My justification was always: “It's only £5.” But £5 turned into £10, then £20, and so on.

I was never entirely sure about the reason. Perhaps it was because my upbringing in a poor family, where we’d experience months without buying new clothes or anything to decorate the home. So any moment I had extra money, there was always a hidden desire for new and exciting things. Or possibly, and definitely more likely, I was just financially irresponsible and succumbed readily to capitalism’s consumerism.

The Game-Changing Strategy

In the end, I decided to try something new. Before acquiring any item, I’d put it in my basket, wait 24 hours, then decide on whether to finalize the purchase. The greatest advantage of this technique was that it gave me time to reflect – an action I’d never done before. For the first occasion since I turned 18, I started questioning: “Do I truly need this? Is it within my budget?” Most of the time, the response was negative.

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

I also wanted to buy a disposable film camera for my first trip to Croatia. After waiting I recalled I had a phone, similar to most people, that has a perfectly good camera, and thus did not need to buy a separate device.

The Lasting Impact

It additionally means I am more selective about the items I do buy, and I can at last review my financial records devoid of experiencing shame or embarrassment.

Of course, there have been occasions I’ve relapsed into previous patterns – it’s only natural. The key change is that I can recognise the signs sooner, particularly when I’m rushing into a purchase. I’ve come to understand boredom is a powerful catalyst. It’s perhaps the primary driver of my reckless expenditure.

Modern culture exploits this boredom and our need for immediate gratification. That’s why, looking back, forcing myself to pause before buying has felt unexpectedly liberating. Gaining command over my impulses and reaffirming that I don't have to spend my hard-earned money on non-essential products feels as radical as it is straightforward.