The one change that worked: I began listing everything I bought – and finally got my spending under control

The habit of meticulously logging every purchase with detailed lists in a notes app has gone unnoticed until someone remarks on it. These lists categorize everything bought—everything from groceries to clothes and random purchases like takeaway coffee or bus fares—and help control impulse buying, especially during times of financial uncertainty. Surprisingly, this method hasn’t turned shopping into a chore but has allowed the writer to resist unnecessary expenses while still enjoying occasional treats.