When Toilet Paper Is Worth Its Weight in Gold? We rarely, if ever, really think about the cost of toilet paper.  But as I learned in Havana Cuba, sometimes it could be priceless.

My husband and I had the pleasure of spending this last New Year’s Eve in Havana, Cuba.  Grumblings of the present occupant of the White House notwithstanding, the people and architecture of the island are just amazing and not to be missed. Fortunately, before we went we were told to bring toilet paper and heeded the advice like the good little planners that we are.

Avid and experienced travelers, we were planning on seeing every single thing we could on this trip.  This was going to mean long days out and about and availing ourselves of public restrooms.  Throw in possible digestive issues – what’s the Cuban equivalent of Montezuma’s Revenge? – so common when traveling and you get the picture.

Take a look at this Cuban hotel lobby bathroom. What’s wrong with this picture?  First, you will notice there is no toilet seat. You may also notice there is no toilet paper or even a toilet paper holder.  True, this is a men’s bathroom so 90% of the time it’s not that big of a deal.  But the other 10% of the time, ay caramba, it’s very much of a hot button issue. This tropical dearth of TP also serves as the ultimate lesson in cost versus value.

Shopping for toilet paper

Toilet paper is pretty much a commodity when you are in the store shopping for it.  Sure, there are brands but no Apple iPhone toilet paper that is sooooo much better you would pay some super premium price.  Some is super cheap and scratchy, some is nice and soft but still, it’s basically good old American toilet paper.  I’m guessing most of us make the decision based on price with softness and recycled materials close runners up.  Our own household is not brand loyal and will usually stock up when the good stuff is on sale.  Since it’s about bulk price, well I don’t really put much value on an individual sheet of toilet paper or cost ‘per serving’.

(True story:  Since she was a kid, my good friend Julie reports she has taken a big pull off the roll then lassoes her arm around in the air like Pecos Bill until she amasses a wad as big as cotton candy before use. Her grandfather could never understand why they would go through so many rolls whenever she came to visit and demanded a (clothed) demonstration of her technique. Horrified, he admonished her to economize because it didn’t come free and told her she’d have never made it through the Depression.)

Using toilet paper

It’s only when you actually need toilet paper that you realize its true value.  Again, when you have enough TP on hand, you probably don’t put much value on each piece.  But when you are down towards the end of your last roll, then each sheet may seem just a little more valuable. That’s the basic economic principle of scarcity.

So sometimes even a commodity like toilet paper can be extremely valuable if the situation warrants it. Sometimes toilet paper is priceless; as when you need it and none is there.  When nature calls and you walk into a bathroom and there is no toilet seat. A toilet seat quickly becomes priceless.  Or maybe the previous occupant didn’t leave a very clean toilet seat for you.  Or you’re a spoiled ass citizen of the First World who’s never had to give tushy tissue a second thought.  Under the right circumstance, toilet paper may be worth its weight in gold.

Take away insights on cost versus toilet paper value

Life goes better when you are prepared.  Luckily, I packed a roll of Charmin in my backpack.  But if I hadn’t been prepared I would have paid anything for just a few small squares of the stuff. And what if there was none to be had at any price? It’s no exaggeration to say it could have ruined the trip or at least a day of it.

Toilet tissue issues aside, please do try to visit Cuba while you still can. When you meet these wonderful people face to face and spend time with them, it becomes clear what all this political posturing over the years has been worth.  Absolutely nothing.

Live for today, but Plan for Tomorrow.

DAVID RAE, CFP®, AIF® is a Los Angeles-based Fiduciary Certified Financial Planner with  DRM Wealth Management. He has been helping friends of the LGBT community reach their financial goals for over a decade. A regular contributor to the Advocate Magazine, Investopedia and Huffington Post as well as the author of the Financial Planner Los Angeles Blog. He lives in West Hollywood with his husband and two Chihuahuas. For more information check out his Fiduciary Financial Planning Website www.davidraefp.com

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