Do you have a stash of Forever stamps? I hope so because another postal rate increase is in the works.
Yes, it is true, the cost of first class stamps and other postage will probably go up again, even though it seems as though we just had a rate hike. In actuality, prices went up in May 2009, more than a year ago. It only seems like it just happened, I think, because we have been so used to rate hikes coming few and far between for the longest time. And now that is changing.
I do have to say that this is one institution that can raise prices without too much grumbling on my part. For less than a couple of quarters, a letter can be sent anywhere within the country, and I think that is an amazing bargain. We all know that the post office has been in trouble for some time. Despite cutting more than 40,000 jobs, removing mail boxes and making other cuts, it still came up short by $3.8 billion last year. By the way, the post office has also proposed eliminating Saturday mail delivery in order to cut costs, but that requires separate congressional approval.
More people turn to the internet to communicate, and many advertisers reduced the number of items they mail due to the bad economy.
So what will those stamps go up to in price? The post office is requesting a hike to $.46 for first class mail and $.30 for postcards, only $.02 more in each case than the current costs. If the postal rate increase occurs, it will be effective starting January 2, 2011.
Keep an eye on the news and stock up on Forever stamps, which can be used indefinitely, no matter what the increase. The current Forever stamps feature the Liberty Bell. A new design will be issued with trees, but both types can be used after a rate increase.
You can read more blog posts by Mary Ann Romans here!
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