US Stamp Prices Are on the Rise Again

US Forever Stamp - www.usps.com

US stamp prices are on the rise for the fourth consecutive year.  On January 27, 2014, the price of a first class US stamp will rise from $0.46 to $0.49.  This $0.03 increase is the largest single increase by the US Postal Service since 1991.  The 2012 & 2013 increases were only $0.01 each year.  With the exception of 2010, US postage rates have risen annually since 2006. 

A 3oz first class package will remain at a cost of $1.95.  The postcard rate will rise $0.01 to $0.34, the cost of a first class stamp in 2001. 

The "Forever Stamp" was introduced in 2007.  It had an initial cost of $0.41.  Forever stamps have no expiration dates and they are still available at the $0.46 price will be available until January 25th.  Now is the time to stock up before prices increase. 

As the price of a stamp approaches $0.50, you have to wonder how many more people in 2014 will further reduce the amount of letters, Birthday cards, Christmas cards, etc that they mail each year.