Another Price Increase Starts This Weekend in New York State

Prices seem to be climbing on just about everything in New York State.

Have you looked at your latest utility bill? The cost of electricity, natural gas, and other household expenses continues to rise, with another utility rate increase already announced for many New Yorkers.

Now, another price increase is arriving this weekend—this time at the post office.

Forever Stamp Prices Increase on July 12

The price of a Forever Stamp is going up across the United States, including here in New York State.

Beginning July 12, anyone purchasing stamps through the United States Postal Service will pay 4 cents more per Forever Stamp, bringing the price to 82 cents.

"The U.S. Postal Service today filed notice with the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) of mailing services price changes to take effect on July 12. The new rates include a 4-cent increase in the price of a First-Class Mail Forever stamp from 78 cents to 82 cents".

For those who still send letters, greeting cards, or bills through the mail, it’s another small increase that can add up over time.

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Even with the higher price, it’s still remarkable to think about what a single stamp can do. You can write a letter, place it in an envelope, add one stamp, and have it delivered virtually anywhere in the country for less than a dollar. There aren’t many services left that cost under a dollar, making traditional mail one of the better values that still exists.

Of course, this latest increase will have the biggest impact on people and businesses that mail items frequently. Even a few cents more per stamp can make a noticeable difference over the course of a year.

Some people wonder why anyone still relies on traditional mail in an age of email, online banking, and digital communication. While many consider regular mail outdated, I’m a little old-fashioned. I still enjoy checking the mailbox each day to see what’s been delivered. I also occasionally mail checks, payments, and personal letters.

And who doesn’t enjoy sending and receiving Christmas cards? That holiday tradition is going to cost a little more this year, too.