Here’s another implicit, nefarious tax – US Postal Service raised the cost of a stamp, again, this time by 2 cents. The rate is now 44 cents for the first ounce, up from 42 cents.

Things to note about this:

• Consider buying “forever” stamps. If you mail out a lot of stuff, these may be worthwhile. However,
• This is one more reason to automate your finances, most of which is done online, for FREE.

I use one stamp every 4-6 months, so the last roll I bought two years ago is still full. Bad move on my part.

Seriously, I don’t really use stamps at all. As an example of where I used to use a stamp but instead used my bank’s “bill pay” method, I “mailed” my friend a check for a fishing trip we’re going on; in the past, I would have filled out a check, rummaged through the house for an envelope, found a stamp, licked the envelope sealed and stamp onto the front, written out his address and mine on the envelope, gone to the post office and dropped it off.

Whew, I’m tired just thinking about it!

This time, however, I signed onto my bank, typed in my friend’s address (I only have to do this once), told my bank how much to write the check for, and hit “submit.”

Done.

My friend got my check in the same amount of time it would have taken me to send it by mail. I don’t know how the banks can afford to do this, but since they offer the service for free, why not take advantage of it?

Easy peasy.

New postage rates in effect – UPI.com