MARTIN Lewis has shared an easy trick to help people save money at Christmas, though you need to act fast. <\/p>\n
The MoneySavingExpert.com (MSE) founder shared a reminder for people to stock up on stamps before they increase in price.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
First-class stamps will go up from \u00a31.10 to \u00a31.25 on October 2.<\/p>\n
It means people will soon pay even more to send post.<\/p>\n
He said: "For years, every time stamps go up in price I've suggested people stock up and bulk-buy in advance, as provided the stamp doesn't have a price on it and instead just says the postage class, it's still valid after the hike.<\/p>\n
"This has been an effective tactic, as a first-class letter stamp is now \u00a31.10, soon to be rising to \u00a31.25\u00a0\u2013 in 2012 it was just 60p.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
"So you may as well stock up now, even if it's just for Christmas cards for the next few Christmases."\u00a0<\/p>\n
A pack of four first class stamps costs shoppers \u00a34.40, but from October 2, that same amount will cost you \u00a35 – that's a 60p increase.<\/p>\n
While a pack of eight stamps currently set you back \u00a38.80, they'll soon cost you \u00a310 – that's a \u00a31.20 increase.<\/p>\n
As Christmas is a time when people tend to send more letters in the post, you might want to consider stocking up before October 2.<\/p>\n
<\/picture>HOUSE HELL <\/span><\/p>\n
<\/span><\/p>\n
<\/picture>WIN BIG <\/span><\/p>\n
<\/span><\/p>\n
<\/picture>SHUTTERS DOWN <\/span><\/p>\n
<\/span><\/p>\n
<\/picture>CASHING IN <\/span><\/p>\n
<\/span><\/p>\n
Royal Mail said first class stamps were rising in price as it faced "increasing cost pressures".<\/p>\n
It also said the lack of reform of the universal service obligation (USO) had contributed to the need to hike prices.<\/p>\n
The USO forces Royal Mail to deliver letters six days a week to all 32million UK addresses for the same price.<\/p>\n
Second class stamps will remain at the same price – 75p.<\/p>\n
Earlier this year, Royal Mail ousted old-style stamps and replaced them with barcoded ones in July. <\/p>\n
The\u00a0business\u00a0said the move would make letters more secure.<\/p>\n
Anyone who still has these old-style stamps and uses them may have to pay a surcharge.<\/p>\n
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing\u00a0money-sm@news.co.uk<\/strong>.<\/p>\n
You can also join our new Sun Money Facebook group to share stories and tips and engage with the consumer team and other group\u00a0members.<\/strong><\/p>\n
Source: Read Full Article<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"