For one month, I used a device to block social media and shopping apps on my phone during weeknights. I cut my personal spending in half — without overhauling my budget.

Digital and information detox without devices to promote mindfulness and reduce screen time. Woman reading on background. Basket with smartphone, smartwatch and headphones

At 5 p.m., my phone locks me out. No scrolling on Instagram or adding things to my Amazon cart. No late-night look at the Target app. Instead, I’m with my kids on the couch — keeping money in my bank account.

In February, I started an experiment: I used a Brick device to block social media and shopping apps from 5 to 9 p.m. on weekdays — the time when I’m logged off work for the day, my kids are home from school and the chaos of my home is at its peak.

Originally published on nerdwallet.com, part of the BLOX Digital Content Exchange.

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