The cost of living is increasing for everyone, and that includes postal mail service that will be increasing about 6 percent come Jan. 26.

The cost of a first-class postage stamp goes up from 46 cents to 49 cents, beginning Jan. 26. Bulk rate, periodicals and package service rates will also go up.

This rate increase is said to be a temporary increase that is expected to last no longer than two years.

The increase was authorized by the Postal Regulatory Commission to help the U.S. Postal Service offset losses of $2.8 billion from a decline in mail volume between 2008 and 2011.

If you don’t want to get caught up in the price increase – at least for regular letter mailing – stock up on Forever Stamps now. Forever Stamps purchased before Jan. 26 remain valid for first-class mail regardless of what you paid for it or when you use it.

The postage increases break down like this:

• Regular first-class letter stamp (including Forever stamp) – 3-cents increase to 49 cents
• Each additional ounce  - 1-cent increase to 21 cents
• Letters to all international destinations (1 oz.) - $1.15
• Postcard rate – 1-cent increase to 34 cents
• Bulk mail rates, Periodicals  - increase 6 percent

[Source: Post Regulatory Commission]

Photo Courtesy of USPS.