Postage Rates Increase Again

If the last time you purchased a postage stamp was forever ago, get ready for your next visit to the post office.

The U.S. Postal Service raised the price of a first-class Forever stamp by 5 cents, from 73 cents to 78 cents, on July 13. A first-class stamp covers the cost of mailing a 1-ounce letter; the cost of an additional ounce rose from 28 cents to 29 cents.

If you’re not familiar with the Forever stamp, it’s what the name says — it can be used forever, regardless of future postage increases. Forever stamps, introduced in 2007, are always equivalent to the current price of a first-class stamp. Since 2011, virtually all first-class stamps sold are Forever stamps.