Just when you thought you were getting your finances in order, tightening your belt in this shifting economy and getting your budget under control...

The U.S. Post Office is raising their rates...again.

As of May 11, 2009, it will cost another 2¢ more to mail a regular first class letter (up to 44¢ from 42¢) and 1¢ more to mail a regular-sized postcard (up to 28¢ from 27¢). The last postage hike was on May 12, 2008. (For other rate increases in detail, you can visit www.usps.com.)

Plan ahead now - order your 1¢ and 2¢ stamps so that you can use up your old stamps. It's simple to order postage at the U.S. Post Office website, so that you don't have to wait in line at the Post Office. And if you use a lot of stamps, order some of the current denomination when you order those 1¢ and 2 ¢ stamps, since many Post Office locations do not always have the new stamps immediately.

Better yet, save yourself time and stamp moneyby looking into paying your bills online by visiting the websites of your credit card, utilities companies, etc. and setting up online bill-pay - sometimes they'll even offer you incentives to do so, so be sure you ask!

Also, if you're self-employed or do a lot of mailings for your business, look into companies that help you set up and distribute email marketing and newsletters (we like Constant Contact, but there are many choices out there) - it can save you the postage but also help you and your business be greener!

And as always, if you have any questions about North Metro Atlanta area real estate, contact The Gebhardt Group today!

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Maura Neill, ABR, CRS, MA
The Gebhardt Group
RE/MAX Greater Atlanta
10220 Medlock Bridge Road
Johns Creek, GA 30097

(770) 238-0595
email: Maura@GebhardtGroup.com
website: http://www.GebhardtGroup.com/
blog: http://www.GebhardtGroupBlog.com/