USPS Stamps 2024: How to Save Money on the Latest Postage Rates

Starting from January 21, 2024, the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) has adjusted the prices of its stamps and other mailing products, following the approval of the Postal Regulatory Commission. The price changes affect both domestic and international mail, as well as various types of stamps, such as forever stamps, two-ounce stamps, postcard stamps, and global stamps. In this article, we will explain the new postage rates and offer some tips on how to save money on USPS stamps 2024.

The New Postage Rates for USPS Stamps 2024

According to the official announcement from USPS, the new postage rates for USPS stamps 2024 are as follows:

• Forever stamps: 68 cents, up from 66 cents
• Two-ounce stamps: 93 cents, up from 90 cents
• Postcard stamps: 53 cents, up from 51 cents
• Global stamps: $1.55, up from $1.50

Forever stamps are stamps that can be used to mail a one-ounce letter to any address in the United States, regardless of the current or future postage rates. Two-ounce stamps are stamps that can be used to mail a two-ounce letter to any address in the United States. Postcard stamps are stamps that can be used to mail a standard-sized postcard to any address in the United States. Global stamps are stamps that can be used to mail a one-ounce letter to any country in the world.

The new postage rates also affect other mailing products and services, such as priority mail, priority mail express, first-class package service, media mail, and certified mail. You can find the complete list of the new prices on the USPS website.

The Demand and Supply of USPS Stamps 2024

One of the reasons why USPS has to increase the prices of its stamps and other mailing products is to cope with the rising operational costs and the declining revenue. USPS is facing a financial crisis due to the decline in mail volume, the increase in labor and transportation costs, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the legal obligation to pre-fund its retiree health benefits. In 2023, USPS reported a net loss of $9.2 billion, despite a surge in package delivery revenue.

Another reason why USPS has to adjust the prices of its stamps is to balance the demand and supply of its products. USPS stamps are not only used for mailing purposes, but also collected by many people as a hobby or an investment. Some stamps are more popular and valuable than others, depending on their design, theme, rarity, and condition. For example, the 2019 US flag stamps, which feature the American flag in different settings and seasons, are among the most sought-after stamps by collectors and patriotic customers.

However, the popularity and value of some stamps also mean that they are often in short supply or out of stock, especially at the post offices and the USPS website. This can cause frustration and inconvenience for customers who need to buy stamps for their mailing needs. Therefore, USPS has to adjust the prices of its stamps to reflect the market demand and supply, as well as to encourage customers to buy stamps in advance or online.

How to Save Money on USPS Stamps 2024

If you are looking for ways to save money on USPS stamps 2024, here are some tips that you can follow:

• Buy stamps in bulk or in advance. Buying stamps in bulk or in advance can help you save money and avoid the hassle of running out of stamps or finding them out of stock. You can buy stamps online from the USPS website, or from other authorized retailers, such as Amazon, eBay, or theUSPSstamps.com. You can also buy stamps from your local post office, but you may have to wait in line or face limited availability. Buying stamps in bulk or in advance can also help you lock in the current or lower prices, before they increase in the future.
• Compare the prices and benefits of different online retailers. Buying stamps online can offer you more convenience, variety, and discounts than buying stamps from the post office. However, not all online retailers are the same. You should compare the prices and benefits of different online retailers, such as USPS, Amazon, eBay, and the USPS stamps, before you make your purchase. Here is a table that summarizes some of the pros and cons of each online retailer:

• Choose the right type and amount of stamps for your mailing needs. Buying the right type and amount of stamps for your mailing needs can help you avoid wasting money or postage. You should choose the type of stamps that matches the weight, size, and destination of your mail. For example, if you want to mail a one-ounce letter to a domestic address, you should use a forever stamp. If you want to mail a two-ounce letter to a domestic address, you should use a two ounce stamp. If you want to mail a postcard to a domestic address, you should use a postcard stamp. If you want to mail a one-ounce letter to an international address, you should use a global stamp. You should also avoid using more stamps than necessary, or using stamps that have a higher value than the required postage. For example, if you use a two ounce stamp to mail a one-ounce letter, you are wasting 17 cents of postage. You can use the USPS postage calculator to find out the exact postage for your mail.
• Buy stamps with classic or timeless designs. Buying stamps with classic or timeless designs can help you save money and enjoy the aesthetic value of your stamps. Stamps with classic or timeless designs are stamps that feature themes or images that are not likely to change or become outdated, such as the American flag, the Statue of Liberty, or famous landmarks. These stamps can be used for any occasion, and they can also retain or increase their value over time. Some examples of stamps with classic or timeless designs are:

• 2019 US flag stamps: These stamps feature the American flag in different settings and seasons, such as sunrise, sunset, winter, and summer. They are perfect for expressing patriotism and pride, as well as for celebrating holidays and events, such as Independence Day, Veterans Day, and Election Day.

• Message monster stamp: This stamp features a cute and colorful monster holding a sign that says “I love you”. It is ideal for sending love and affection to your friends and family, as well as for celebrating Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and birthdays.

• Giving tree stamp: This stamp features a scene from the classic children’s book “The Giving Tree” by Shel Silverstein, which tells the story of a boy and a tree that gives him everything he needs throughout his life. It is suitable for expressing gratitude and generosity, as well as for sharing literature and art.

• Barns postcard stamp: This stamp features a photograph of a red barn in a rural landscape, with a blue sky and green fields. It is a great choice for sending postcards to your friends and family, as well as for showcasing the beauty and diversity of the American countryside.

• Sunflower Bouquet : This stamp features a photograph of a sunflower bouquet flower. It is a lovely option for mailing two-ounce letters, such as wedding invitations, greeting cards, or thank-you notes. It is also a symbol of spring and renewal.

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