How to Use the Forever Stamp to Save on USPS Postage

With the cost of postage stamps going up again it makes sense to stock up on the Forever Stamp. Forever Stamps are sold at the current price of a first class stamp (as of 2/09 the price is .42), but can be used regardless of future rate hikes...thus it's good forever. The USPS (US Postal Service) can raise the rate of a first-class stamp every May, but by stocking up on the Forever Stamp, you can save money in postage. Read on for how to buy and use the Forever Stamp.

Instructions

1. 

   Before the next rate hike, which happens every May, go to your nearest USPS post office and ask to buy as many Forever Stamps as you want. Remember the Forever Stamp will be sold to you at the current price of a first class postage stamp. However, you need to specifically ask for the Forever Stamp because first class stamps will not retain their value after the next USPS rate hike. You can also purchase the Forever Stamp online at www.USPS.gov

2. 

   Look at the stamps carefully and make sure they're marked "Forever." Click on the picture on the left for a detailed view.

3. Don't use your Forever Stamps right away, unless that's all you buy. You want to wait until after the annual rate hike until you start sending letters with a Forever Stamp. After the 2009 rate hike you'll save .02 every time you use a Forever Stamp, purchased at the .42 rate. If you bought a lot of Forever Stamps you may even have enough where you can continue using them after the 2010 rate hike, saving you even more.

Tips & Warnings

• It's a good idea to never buy anything but Forever Stamps. You can use them at the current price or after the rate hike.

• The price of the Forever Stamp will go up to .43 after May 11, 2009 to match the price of the first class postage stamp so make sure you buy before the rate hike.

• The Forever Stamp only comes with the Liberty Bell design. That means if you want to by holiday stamps you'll have to purchase the traditional first class stamps and then buy two cent stamps to accompany them after the rate hike.

Resources

• Avoid the US Post Office for Good