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 what I always did when payday arrived: I launched every shopping app 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 completely unused weighted blanket that never touched.

A short while after, I returned to the internet and purchased a blow dryer. I already owned one, but thought an extra one wouldn't be a problem. Then I included light strips and two shoes that didn't even fit me. This wasn’t new behaviour. In fact, I’d been notorious 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 always ended in an impulsive shopping binge. My excuse was constantly: “Oh well, it’s just £5.” But £5 turned into £10, then £20, and continued.

I was never entirely sure about the reason. Perhaps it was due to I grew up in a low-income family, where we’d experience months without buying new clothes or anything to brighten up the home. So any time I had some disposable income, there was always a hidden desire for novel and exciting things. Or maybe, and definitely more likely, I was just bad with money and succumbed readily to the lure of demands.

The Game-Changing Strategy

In the end, I decided to try something new. Prior to acquiring any item, I’d put it in my basket, wait 24 hours, then make a choice on whether to finalize the purchase. The greatest advantage of this technique was that it provided me time to think – something I’d never done before. For the first time since adulthood, I started questioning: “Do I actually require this? Is it within my budget?” Most of the time, the response was no.

If I accessed Amazon, Depop or Zara and discovered products sitting in my basket, I’d remove them and start fresh. Using this system, I stopped acquiring goods that I knew deep down I would never use. I once wanted to purchasing a trio of games, but after waiting before visiting the store, I understood I never actually play tabletop games.

I also contemplated buy a disposable film camera for my first trip to Croatia. After waiting I recalled I possessed a smartphone, similar to most people, that features a perfectly adequate camera, and therefore had no requirement to acquire a dedicated camera.

The Lasting Impact

It additionally means I am more selective about the things I do buy, and I can finally look at my bank statements devoid of experiencing shame or embarrassment.

Of course, there have been times I’ve relapsed into old habits – it’s only natural. The difference now is that I can recognise the warning signs sooner, especially when I’m hastening into a transaction. I’ve come to understand boredom is a powerful catalyst. It’s perhaps the biggest driver of my impulsive expenditure.

Modern culture exploits this idleness and our need for immediate gratification. That’s the reason, looking back, forcing myself to halt before buying has felt strangely liberating. To be able to have control over my impulses and reaffirming that I don't have to expend my hard-earned money on unnecessary goods feels as radical as it is straightforward.