Saving Money: From Toilet Paper Anxiety to Small Comforts
A little more than a decade ago, during the dot-com bust, money was tight. Like so many others, we were in a tough spot and had to get creative to make ends meet. At the time, it felt like there was no expense too small to reconsider.
We started by cutting out all the usual “extras”—eating out, attending activities with entrance fees, and canceling every subscription we had. But then we looked deeper. We drove fewer miles to save on gas, meticulously planned errands to avoid unnecessary trips, and even tried to time bathroom visits with being out of the house to save on toilet paper.
Yes, toilet paper. It might sound extreme, but in those days, every penny counted. And while we made it through that rough patch, the memory of stressing over something as basic as toilet paper still sticks with me. It was humbling and, in hindsight, almost comical.
Fast forward to today, and while I still try to be mindful about money, I no longer have toilet paper anxiety—and that’s thanks to a bidet.
A Simple Upgrade with Big Benefits
In May 2020, we installed a bidet toilet seat on one of our home’s toilets, and let me tell you—it has been a game-changer. With five people sharing two bathrooms, toilet paper consumption used to be a constant concern, but now it’s one less thing to worry about. Beyond the toilet paper savings, the bidet has also been a huge benefit during that time of the month. I deal with cramps that are aggravated by tampons, so pads are my go-to solution—but I don’t like feeling unclean. The bidet helps me feel fresher and more comfortable, even on tough days.
Of course, our bidet isn’t the fanciest model, but it does have a heated seat—something everyone in the house has grown to appreciate (especially in the winter). And while I sometimes joke that rising energy prices might force us to turn off the heated seat feature, I can confidently say we’d never go back to life without a bidet. It’s practical, economical, and honestly, more comfortable.
Lessons Learned
Looking back, those lean years taught me a lot about the value of small changes. They showed me that even the smallest expenses, like toilet paper, can add up—and that sometimes a small investment (like a bidet) can lead to big savings and added comfort over time.
We don’t have to live in constant “saving mode” anymore, but those lessons still stick with me. Today, I approach money with a mix of gratitude and resourcefulness. I’m not afraid to save when it matters, but I’ve also learned that some investments—like a warm bidet seat—are worth it.
A Small Comfort in Tough Times
If you’re looking for ways to cut costs, my advice is to start small. Evaluate what you truly need and where you can make adjustments. But also keep in mind that some changes, like switching to a bidet, can save money over time while making your life just a little bit better.
What’s one small change you’ve made to save money? I’d love to hear your tips in the comments!
