Forever Stamps and Online Bill Pay Appealing as Postal Rates Rise Again

Kelly Herdrich
Forever Stamps and Online Bill Pay Appealing as Postal Rates Rise Again
Neighborhood: Annapolis
Annapolis, MD 21409
United States of America
Forever stamps are all the buzz today, as the Postal Service announces that it'll raise the price of first class stamps again in May 2009. The USPS announcement that first class stamps will rise from 42 cents to 44 cents on May 11, 2009, comes just months after an increase in the price of both Express and Priority Mail in January 2009. With price increase upon price increase, Forever Stamps, online bill pay, and limited mailings are pretty tempting options for those who can't seem to forgo the snail mail.

In an increasingly paperless world, the need for the USPS and the traditional mail system still remains. But the increases in mailing prices over the past few years have left consumers seeking ways to avoid emptying their pocketbook at the post office. Forever stamps are just one option for individuals anxious about yet another rise in the price of first class stamps.

Forever Stamps are purchased at the current postal rate, and can be used until you run out, regardless of the current rate for a first class letter. They're worth the investment if you mail items regularly. If you are looking for other ways to cut your spending at the USPS without shelling out money up front like you would for Forever Stamps, there are other options.

Pay your bills online. Most banks offer online bill pay and don't charge a mailing fee, even for funds they have to mail instead of transfer.

Cut down on your non-essential mailings. Don't send holiday cards to every family member or friend you know--instead, par down the list to immediate family and close friends. Consider blog updates and emails instead of handwritten notes.

If the increased postal rate for a first class letter in May 2009 is on your mind, purchasing Forever Stamps, paying your bills online, and cutting down on non-essential mailings are all great ways to keep your budget on track.

Sources:

USPS; Price Changes; http://www.usps.com/prices/pricechanges.htm

CNN; Cost of Stamps to Go Up 2 Cents; http://edition.cnn.com/2009/US/02/11/stamp.increase/

Published by Kelly Herdrich - Featured Contributor in Health & Wellness, Travel and Lifestyle

Kelly has a bachelor s degree in elementary education, raises three young daughters, and recently returned from three years living and traveling overseas. Since beginning her freelance writing career, Kelly...  View profile

5 Comments

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  • Jen Warner2/14/2009

    yet another reason to finally sit down and start the online bill pay!

  • jpsixbear2/14/2009

    I don't mail much, just the rent once a month and a letter to Mom.

  • Lenora Murdock2/11/2009

    Good coverage.

  • Carol Wilkins2/11/2009

    I bought my forever stamps when they first started selling them. Good investment!

  • jcorn2/11/2009

    Love those Forever Stamps :)

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