Postage Rates Go Up on May 1

The price of a first-class stamp will go up 2 cents to 44 cents on May 1, 2009, the Postal Service announced. Prices for other mailing services -- Standard Mail, Periodicals, Package Services (including Parcel Post), and Extra Services -- will also change.

If you want to save a few cents for the one-ounce letters you send, you can continue to use the "Forever" stamp, regardless of when you bought it.

"The Postal Service is not immune to rising costs which are affecting homes and businesses across America today," said Postmaster General John Potter. "Even with the increases, the Postal Service continues to offer some of the lowest postage prices in the world."

Postage rates go up every year in May. The increase is tied to the previous year's rate of inflation.

>DETAILS ON NEW POSTAL PRICES