Postage rates climb every few years, and although $0.39 doesn't seem like a lot consider that three envelopes equals over $1 postage. Multiply that times twelve friends whom you're inviting to your summer picnic and it's costing nearly $5 in postage alone. A family's yearly spending on postage could add up to $100 or more just in letter mailings. Consider the postage that is spent on on-line or catalog purchases as well as parcel items that are sent via carrier. Instead, there are ways to curb that postage spending.
Electronic vs. Paper
When possible try to utilize the internet to complete transactions. Consider it a way to get more for the money since you most likely pay an internet carrier anyway. Suppose you mail eight bills each month. By the end of the year these bills cost $37.44 in postage. If your bank charges a small fee for on-line bill pay, consider your yearly spending on postage and weigh the savings.
If on-line bill pay through your bank is not possible, try direct pay to the companies themselves. Many allow on-line payments through their web sites or automatically deduct payments from a bank account. If either of these ways appeal to you, then opt to save on postage that way.
Party Postage
Stray away from paper invitations for informal events. For many people the personal invite on the phone means a lot more than the paper one in the mail. Use it as a great excuse to give a friend a call.
In times when a written invitation or thank you is needed opt for post cards. Purchase fun cards and save on the cheaper postal rate.
Combine the Orders
When ordering on-line or by catalog, combine your order to maximize the postal savings. Wait until there are several items to purchase at once and qualify for free or discounted shipping. If no offers are available, this at least saves by sharing the shipping costs between items. One fun idea is to gather orders from friends and split the shipping costs.
Some stores are even willing to ship items from their on-line catalog to a local retail store to avoid shipping charges. Check the catalog or simply call the store to ask.
Pay in Person
While shopping at the store, pay the credit card bill there as well. Most allow direct payments at the customer service window. Some also accept utility payments without an added surcharge.
Sharing Photos
Rather than purchasing extra photos to share by mail, create an on-line account which allows you to share "photo albums." By linking to the site, others can view and even purchase the photos without having to mail or purchase extras. This feature is often available at professional portrait studios as well.
While there are sensible ways to save money on postage, there are also the nonsensical. For instance, don't try to hand deliver your bills rather than mail them. In one trip from my home to pay my electric bill I drove fourteen miles. At 28 mpg, it cost me $1.39 to deliver my bill.
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