I couldn't stop impulse buying – but these 'buy less' tricks helped me save hundreds. I spent a month testing anti-consumption strategies, from cash stuffing to ditching Amazon Prime, to find the ones that genuinely cut my spending.
Setting a Budget and Sticking to It
I drew up a budget that included allowable 'wants' and wriggle room for unexpected essentials. This approach, recommended by personal finance experts, helped me recognize and justify every purchase. I color-coded categories including subscriptions, going out, and impulse-bought 'stuff'. In February alone, impulse buys included a pillow, moisturizer, a book, a soup maker, and cork board. Impulse buys were my biggest overspend, with nearly £100 frittered weekly. The budget for March banned impulse buys, which felt liberating. Difficulty: 6/10. Savings: £350.
Ditching Amazon Prime
I didn't unsubscribe from Prime but avoided buying. I added items to my basket and clicked 'Save for later', which turned into 'Save for never'. My January purchase history showed £280 of barely used items. Difficulty: 3/10. Savings: £280.
Switching Back to Cash
Cash stuffing is hard these days as many retailers are cashless. I gave myself a weekly cash allowance of £250. Using cash in shops was embarrassing and inconvenient, especially at self-checkouts. My Lidl visits dropped from five days to one. Difficulty: 6/10 to 10/10. Savings: at least £200 in two weeks before I failed.
Shopping in My Own Home
I sorted through clothes and cleared the loft, finding duplicates and forgotten items. This reduced the impulse to buy new things. Difficulty: 9/10. Savings: £150 or more.
Unsubscribing from Retailers' Newsletters
I cancelled all newsletters, which curbed inbox-based boredom buying. Difficulty: 1/10. Savings: potentially £100.
Buying Secondhand
I searched eBay and Vinted for items I'd bought new, finding significant savings. For example, a hammer drill for £17.99 vs. £70 new. Difficulty: 5/10. Savings: could have saved £90 on February's buys.
Overall, these strategies helped me save hundreds and reduce waste. The most effective were setting a budget and ditching Amazon Prime.
