Forever Stamps

Produced by the U.S. Postal Service, forever stamps are postage stamps that are valid for use regardless of the current price for a standard postage stamp.United States Postal Service: Forever Stamp Facts

Forever stamps are popular as they can be purchased at one price and kept for use even after the yearly postal rates increase. The U.S. Postal Service increased the price of stamps from 42¢ to 44¢ on May 11, 2009.MSNBC: Peel 'n' Weep: Stamps go Up 2 cents Monday

Per law, the U.S. Postal Service may increase postal rates each year, providing the prices do not rise faster than the U.S. consumer price index. When the forever stamps were first introduced, they were sold for 41¢ each. The price increased to 42¢ in May of 2008, then to 44¢ in May of 2009.MSNBC: Peel 'n' Weep: Stamps go Up 2 cents Monday

Customers pay the current price of first-class stamps when purchasing forever stamps, but can use them regardless of if the rate has increased since the purchase. Some argue that since the Postal Service is limited by the current rate of inflation, stamps will always cost the same after the rates are corrected for inflation. However, should the country experience deflation, the The Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act does not permit the Postal Service to reduce postage prices, meaning they could profit from forever stamps.The Wall Street Journal: Should You Invest in Forever Stamps?