It seems like the price of the first class stamp just recently went up to the current 41 cents since it was only last May when it happened. The post office, however, is at it again and has decided to once again raise the price of stamps. The price per stamp will go up by one cent beginning on May 12, 2008. It may not seem like all that much, but since it’s happening so frequently these days it can start to take its toll. I should also note that the price for each additional ounce is not going up, but rather staying put at 17 cents.

At the same time as the price hike last May, the USPS also introduced the new forever stamp. These stamps can be used for first class mail no matter when they are purchased. This means that you can buy them for 41 cents until May and then still use them whenever you want afterwards. I wouldn’t rush out and buy a whole slew of them just to try and beat the price hike since it’s only going to save you 2.4%, but you may want to look into at least buying another roll or a few booklets.

I would suggest that when you do buy stamps, you go ahead and get the forever stamp. Not really to hedge against the price increase like I mentioned before, but instead to keep you from having to buy those annoying 1 and 2 cent stamps. It’s just something extra to think about and deal with.

Along with the price increase for first class postage, here is a quick run-down of some of the other increases that will also take place at the same time:

• Mailing a post card, up 1 cent to 27 cents
• Certified Mail, up 5 cents to $2.70
• First class international to Canada or Mexico, up 3 cents to 72 cents
• First class international to other countries, up 4 cents to 94 cents

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