From Being a Spendthrift to a Savvy Consumer: The Simple Trick That Transformed My Habits

One day at work two years ago, an notification hit on my phone: my paycheck had come through. It was a decent sum for a someone still at university, so I proceeded with my usual when payday arrived: I opened every single shopping app on my device. 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 useless weighted blanket that I never used.

A few days later, I returned to the internet and purchased a hairdryer. I already owned one, but thought an extra one wouldn't be a problem. Then I included LED strip lights and two pairs of shoes that didn't even fit me. This wasn't a new pattern. In fact, I’d been infamous for it ever since I could afford to buy my own things.

Whenever I felt anxious, exhausted or bored, I would mindlessly scroll until it always culminated in an unplanned shopping spree. My excuse was always: “Oh well, it’s just £5.” But £5 became £10, then £20, and so on.

I was never entirely sure about the reason. Maybe it was because I grew up in a poor family, where we’d go months without buying new outfits or anything to decorate the home. So any time I had some disposable income, there was always a subconscious yearning for new and thrilling things. Or possibly, and definitely more likely, I was just bad with money and succumbed easily to capitalism’s consumerism.

A Revolutionary Approach

Eventually, I opted to experiment with something new. Before acquiring anything, I’d put it in my basket, delay for 24 hours, then decide whether to check out. The greatest advantage of this method was that it provided me time to think – an action I’d never done before. For the first occasion since adulthood, I began asking myself: “Do I truly require this? Is it within my budget?” Most of the time, the response was no.

If I opened Amazon, Depop or Zara and discovered products lingering in my basket, I’d clear them out and begin anew. Using this system, I stopped acquiring goods that I intuitively knew I would never use. I once considered purchasing three board games, but after waiting before going to the shop, I understood I never actually engage with tabletop games.

I also contemplated buy a single-use camera for my first trip to Croatia. After waiting I recalled I had a smartphone, like most people, that features a perfectly adequate camera, and therefore had no requirement to acquire a dedicated device.

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 without feeling shame or embarrassment.

Naturally, there have been occasions I’ve slipped back into old habits – it's human nature. The key change is that I can recognise the warning signs early, particularly when I’m hastening into a purchase. I’ve come to understand ennui is a strong trigger. It’s probably the biggest driver of my reckless expenditure.

Consumer culture preys on this idleness and our desire for instant gratification. That’s why, looking back, forcing myself to halt before buying has felt strangely liberating. To be able to have control over my urges and reaffirming that I don't have to spend my hard-earned money on unnecessary goods feels as radical as it is simple.