Mom’s Money

Postage Is On The Increase Very Soon

I know you probably don’t send mail a whole lot anymore what with email, texting, and twittering.  But, Mom, you probably still use the mail for some things, like getting those school pictures to Grandma, sending thank you notes (yes, kids, it’s still the proper thing to do), sending sympathy cards, get-well cards, and all sorts of personal wishes.  So, a little heads-up here could save you a bit of cash.

This is just a quick reminder that the USPS is raising their postage rates effective May 11, 2009, from 42-cents to 44-cents.  Why warn you now?  Because the post office offers what’s called the “Forever Stamps”.  Purchase these stamps before the rate increase at the current 42-cent rate and you can use them as long as you want.  They will not expire when the new rates go into effect.  As a matter of fact, like the name suggests, you can use those stamps forever, even through years of rate increases.  If you think you’ll be mailing rather regularly throughout the upcoming year or so, buy several books.  Don’t wait too long because the Post Office only prints a certain amount of these stamps.  When they run out, they run out.

It looks like the rates for all the services will be getting an increase, so if you’re sitting on a package you meant to mail some time ago, now is the time to get that package out.  Of course, you’ll want to compare the price to that of other shipping services, but if the USPS is the way to go, go now and save.

Just thought you’d like to know.  It’s only 2-cents, but every penny really does matter when you’re trying to raise a family on a tight budget.