Get your Forever stamps this week

[waterfell]

This could be another example of how inflation is still with us. The price of a first-class Forever stamp will go from 78 cents to 82 cents this Sunday.

USPS to raise the price of a Forever stamp to 82 cents on Sunday. Here's what...

The USPS announced the increase in April, saying the higher price was intended to bolster its finances. Over the past five years, the agency has raised the price of a first-class stamp six times, increasing the cost 34% from 58 cents in 2021 to 78 cents before the hike set to kick in on July 12.

The USPS has struggled for years with high costs and shrinking mail volumes, while policy changes implemented by Congress also weakened the agency’s finances.

The Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act of 2006 (PAEA) — which, among other changes, created a fund that required the agency to prepay health care benefits for postal service retirees — contributed to the agency’s losses in subsequent years and sharply increased its debt load, according to a 2025 report by the USPS Office of the Inspector General.

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A few weeks ago, there was a separate thread on the dangers of check washing. It was noted by a few posters that they no longer or rarely still write physical checks. There are other, often superior options now available. No longer having to buy a roll of new stamps every few months is another advantage, as it now costs $0.82 just to send a letter.

_ Pete

[tjscott0]

@waterfell

It was noted by a few posters that they no longer or rarely still write physical checks. There are other, often superior options now available. No longer having to buy a roll of new stamps every few months is another advantage, as it now costs $0.82 just to send a letter.

_ Pete

Yup.

Long ago I quit writing checks. And I file taxes via computer. And a few years ago I quit sending cards. I call folks and have a 30 or 60 minutes conversation. Seems more personal.

16 years ago I bought a bunch of “forever” stamps. I have 10 left. I likely will never use them.

[JLC]

@waterfell

The price of a first-class Forever stamp will go from 78 cents to 82 cents this Sunday.

I last bought a 100 count roll of Forever stamps about 8 years ago. I still occasionally write and mail a check but usually when the recipient company wants to charge me way more than the cost of the stamp and envelope. For example, some places want to charge 3% or so for an electronic transfer or e-check. So a check for $5k they want me to cough up $150 for convenience? No thanks. Here is a paper check, have your lackey take it to the bank. If they ever get to where they don’t accept a check, they no longer get my business.