Just in case you missed it today the USPS increased the cost of a postage stamp another 2 cents.  As of today a first class letter will now set you back 44 cents.  I don’t know about you but that really makes me question whether I want to mail something.  

It feels like the public and the postal service are in this weird catch 22 situation where fewer people are using print mailing services so they charge more and then fewer people mail things.  

The USPS was nearly 3 billion dollars in the red in 2008 and they estimate that it might reach as much as 6 billion in 2009.  Early in the year the Post Master General, John E. Potter asked congress to consider allowing the postal service to reduce their delivery to a 5-day week instead of the 6-day week that we currently.  They indicated that instead of eliminating Saturday they may consider getting rid of a lighter volume day such as Tuesday.  The postal service indicates that this change would save them nearly 3.8 billion in delivery and processing.  What do you want to bet they’ll reduce the cost of postage if they go with this plan?  :~)

On a positive note, do you think the increase will be enough to eliminate some of the junk mail that you’re receiving?  You know, from all those other pesky Realtors.  

As for me, I’m going green as much as possible.  My goal is to reduce the footprint I leave AND save a few bucks.  

Of course, I still love sending and receiving a hand written note or card every once in a while.  How about you?

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