postage increase {july 14, 2022}

 Inflation strikes again.

This past Sunday, July 13, the U.S. Postal Service raised its rates. Among the price increases is a two cent raise for First-Class Mail Forever Stamps.

The Postal Service made the announcement in April, citing inflation and increased operating costs as the reason for the price hike. In the past, I've been aware of postage increases and stock up on the Forever stamps. Missed it this time around.

USPS said it raised first-class mail prices approximately 6.5%, which is lower than the current inflation rates. This comes after the Postal service raised the rate of Forever stamps from 55¢ to 58¢ less than a year ago. (FYI, to make the cents symbol on a Mac, press the "4" key while holding down the "Option" key).

Postage prices will continue to increase. Postmaster General Louis DeJoy said prices will rise "at an uncomfortable rate," until the agency is on track to be self-sustaining.

"As inflation and increased operating expenses continue, these price adjustments will help with the implementation of the Delivering for America plan, including a $40 billion investment in core Postal Service infrastructure over the nexxt ten years. With the new prices, the Postal Service will continue to provide the lowest letter-mail postage rates in the industrialized world and offer a great value in shipping." (https://about.usps.com/newsroom/national-releases/2022/0406-usps-new-prices-for-2022.htm)

In the past year I've been writing letters, sending cards, finding enjoyment in sending "snail mail." I still love to write my Christmas letter to include in the Christmas (sometimes New Year's) cards. It's sad to think about re-evaluating a long-standing tradition. I'll give it few seconds and decide to keep with tradition. 

I have fun going to the post office to see what stamps are available. I get a kick out of having a variety of stamps to fit different occasions. Last October my son-in-law's father died. His family is Mexican so I used a Dia de Los Muertos stamp to send his sympathy card. After my son and daughter-in-law's gender reveal party for their baby, I sent a congratulations card with a blue LOVE stamp on it. Sending cards and letters with a fun stamp hopefully brings a smile to the recipient. With postage increasing, the writing on the wall says texts, Tweets, likes, WhatsApp, Skype, and other forms of instant communication will take the lead over snail mail. Like the tortoise, I will keep plugging along to write my letters and send them with 60¢ postage stamp.