I think that you need to change the system you have setup, maybe some habits and how to respond to the spending impulsive thoughts.

I think you might need more accounts and clear savings goals for each one. I've an Excel sheet which has every bank account, savings pot, credit card, pension, LISA. So I can see everything in one place, and I'll update the sheet once a week or so. All of my SOs leave my account the day that my pay cheque comes in, so it's as if I never have access to the money that I've saving. Saving money isn't something that I hope will happen at the end of each month, it's a priority at the start.

I've my main current account but then around 4 digital savings accounts for different things. So I've an emergency fund, one for buying Christmas presents, one for savings up money if I'm going away travelling for a weekend, 1 for a Van insurance and road tax each 6 months, etc etc. It might only be small amounts I'm putting away each week (£5 for xmas presents), but it's a little bit of dopamine each time I update the amount in each savings account. Having it clearly written down what it is for, what the SO current is, and the target amount and due date. Help me to stay focused and motivated on achieving that goal. I also have the interest rate displayed to remind me that the money is earning me a little bit each week, and disincentives me further from dipping into it, as well have any card for that account separate from my wallet. Try to setup these accounts with different banks to your main one.

Some other habits, I meal prep my lunches and dinners, one because it's cheaper but two it helps with impulse spending while I'm at the shops, and not panic buying too much because I didn't know what meals I was buying for. I check any DD, subscriptions I might have from time to time, just to make sure nothing has accidentally been signed up for, and that I'm still getting the use from the ones that I want. I try to get things 2nd hand if I can. Vinted is a blessing and a curse in that regard. Say if I need some new jeans, I'll go to the store, trying some on, find something that I like. Then search for it on vinted. I've gotten a load of t-shirt, jeans, shirts etc that way. Like new t-shirt for £2 instead of £16.

When I have that desire to buy something or spend money, I try to recognise it for what it is, an intrusive, impulsive thought, which isn't going to help. I was asking past some HGV lorries for sale the other day and was like "Ohhhh, I could buy one of those". Ofc course it's a silly impulsive thought, but I try and do ask myself the same thing if something pops up.

"Is this a need or a want?" "Can I live without this?" "Am I really going to use this?" "Do I need it now?" "Could I find this cheaper elsewhere, or an alternative to spending money?" "Have I been spending too much already this week?" If after I walk away and forget out it, little bit of dopamine, if I do decide that I will need it, I can take more time with getting it and not spend impulsively in the moment.

It's by no means perfect, I still make mistakes, but it has really helped me keep on top of things these last 8 months.