As of 1/22/12, expect to pay more to send your friend a letter, pay a bill or mail a birthday card. Rates will go up a mere $.01 for first class mail. (Other rate increase may be higher, view chart HERE.) Although this slight increase probably does not warrant an emergency trip to buy stamps, it would be worth your time ask for a book the next time you are checking out at the grocery store. (You will save $.20 if you purchase a book before 1/22/12.)
Greater savings can be had by following these tips:
- Arrange to pay bills online. Utility companies often will allow you to set up automatic payments that will be deducted from your checking account each month. Credit cards also allow online payments, but be sure to know how long it takes to set up this type of payment to avoid late fees and interest. (Savings equals $5.28 per year, per bill.)
- Pay charge card bills in person. If you have a charge card for a particular retailer, hopefully you are paying the bill off when it comes and using the card to earn extra savings. Changes are, these cards are for stores from which you make frequent purchases. If so, take your statement and check with you on your next shopping excursion. Although some stores accept payments at checkout, it's best to take these to Customer Service, if you are not sure. Also, be sure to pay these on time. If you are concerned you will forget to make the payment, it's far cheaper to stick everything in the envelope and attach a stamp than it would be to pay a late fee and interest!
- Make donations online. Larger charities often give you the option of donating funds online. Use caution if you receive a solicitation from a charity, as this could be bogus. Only give to charities you have investigated and be sure the web address begins with "https", to avoid being scammed.
- Send an email. Before sending out a letter, consider whether an email would be suffice. For example, if you are planning a birthday party, consider creating an invitation on your computer and emailing this. If you are inviting just five guests, you will save $2.20 in postage, in addition to ink, paper and an envelope (or invitations).
- Use the phone. At one point in time, sending a letter was the least expensive way to contact someone who lived in another area of the country. This may not be the case anymore. In addition to email (see above), you should consider your phone plan. Verizon FIOS for example, charges a flat rate for Internet and phone, making it free for users to call anyone in the country. Those who have extra cell phone minutes each month would also benefit from calling someone, rather than mailing something to him/her.
- Group mailings. If you happen to be sending several items to the same address (for example 2 or 3 birthday cards), consider placing the sealed envelopes into a larger one. Although it costs $.44 to mail up to 1 oz, it only costs an additional $.20 for each additional oz. See chart HERE. You would pay $.64 or $.84 to mail one envelope, verses $1.32 to mail all three. (Consider the cost of the envelope.)
- Use the Media Rate to send educational materials. Whether your mailing a book, DVD or VHS, don't pay the First Class rate! These qualify as "Media" and can be shipped for less. View rates and restrictions HERE.
Chances are, reducing your postage costs won't change your quality of life, however will will make you more aware of little expenses. Whether you make an effort to save $.44 or $.01, you will begin to think about other areas of spending. Soon you will have saved small amounts on lots of little things, which could add up to really big savings!
