Time to stock up on stamps before postage rates increase at the end of the month.
The cost of most sending most letters and packages will jump slightly Jan. 27 when the US Postal Service ups its rates to help cover the costs of delivering the mail.
Forever Stamps, the ones that remain good despite future postal rate increases, will increase to 46 cents. (Penny-pinching hint: Purchase a bunch of 45-cent Forever Stamps now.)
Here's a rundown of price increases:
- Letters (1 oz.) — 1-cent increase to 46 cents
- Letters additional ounces — unchanged at 20 cents
- Letters to all international destinations (1 oz.) — $1.10
- Postcards — 1-cent increase to 33 cents
The USPS will also introduce a new First-Class Mail Global Forever Stamp. The stamp allows people to mail letters anywhere in the world for $1.10. (For those of us with overseas relatives it's a good idea to stock up on these, too, once they hit the market.)
In addition, there will be several new shipping services products will be available in January. Free tracking will be offered to all competitive packages, including retail Priority Mail and Parcel Post.
