Not YOUR weight, the weight of your US postal letters or packages!  As you know, today marks the third straight year's increase in the cost of the first ounce of first class mail at the United States Post Office.  Today, it will cost us an additional 2 cents to mail our first-class mail, up from 42 cents to a whopping 44 cents.  (Postcards' postage went up 1 cent to 28 cents now.)

Beware, however, that the second ounce cost remains at only 17 cents.  I don't know how many times I've received mail with two first class stamps affixed, which represents a waste of 25 cents under the old rates, and now 27 cents.  Well if you would stoop over to pick up a quarter off the sidewalk, I suggest you be mindful of only affixing 17 cents representing the cost of each additional ounce after the first one.  It pays to be cost conscious, yes even with our small change, because with the miracle of compounding even small savings add up to big dollars over time.  So, if you don't have an ample supply of 1 cent and 2 cent stamps, get some soon, and be mindful of your money.

Even with the rate hike, the Post Office apparently could still run out of money by year end.  What better time then to consider buying even a used computer and getting your kids or grand kids to hook you up with email?  It's so easy and fun to be in touch with those you love, and the added benefit of being able to do so whenever you want, even instantly, surpasses waiting for the Post Office to deliver something.  (They're even proposing only delivering mail 5 days per week, eliminating Saturday service, so it could be a long weekend, with no correspondence, right?)

Always the planner, I, of course, bought $200.00 worth of "Forever" stamps.  Now, with this financial news out this morning of the potential demise of the Post Office, I wonder what the definition of "forever" is if it goes bust.  I guess, on second thought, it'll just become another buy-out, stimulus recipient, and our grand kids will end up paying the bill.  (That will be particularly ironic and sad, since very few young people even use the Post Office, but I digress...)

We women always like to shop, and particularly to save money, so I will remind you that if you don't want to buy your own computer, you can use the free computers at the local library, as well as other computer centers in your town.  You can take an introductory course offered at lots of places, just keep your eyes pealed for local courses.  It's fun!  Just ask my mom and a dear friend, both of whom I bought a computer for several years ago, and now they'd really be lonely without hearing from their friends via email several times a week, or even daily. 

We women can learn new skills, and we do all the time.  Think of it.  How many of you had cell phones 5 years ago?  How many of you are learning how to "text"? 

Well I want to invite you to learn about your finances too, with my help.  We will be launching a teleseminar later this summer, yet there are tips and products on my website all the time, so sign up to receive our information, and get aboard!

We'll talk about exercise and maintaining the rest of our health in another session.  :-)