Postcard And Stamp Rates May Rise In Sioux Falls This Summer

If you're planning to drop a letter or a birthday card in the mail soon, maybe the recipient would be happy with just a simple email instead. Because sending something the old-fashioned way via the U.S. Mail is more than likely about to go up.

Starting as early as Sunday, July 12, it could cost you a little more to drop that letter in your mailbox.

The U.S. Postal Service is once again asking for a postage rate increase as it continues to battle rising operating costs. If federal regulators give the proposal the green light, the price of a First-Class Forever Stamp will jump from 78 cents to 82 cents.

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Yet another reminder that just about everything seems to cost more these days. Whether you're filling up your gas tank, buying groceries at Hy-Vee, or mailing a letter from your neighborhood post office in Sioux Falls, your wallet continues to get lighter.

According to Dakota News Now, the proposed increases don't stop with Forever Stamps. Domestic postcards would increase to 65 cents, while international postcards would rise to $1.75.

For many of us across the Sioux Empire, this won't be a huge budget-buster. It's more of an irritation, but let's be honest, most of us send more texts than handwritten letters these days. Still, if you're someone who enjoys mailing Christmas cards, wedding invitations, graduation announcements, or birthday greetings, those extra pennies can and do add up fairly quickly.

What's really eye-opening is just how much stamp prices have changed over the years.

For instance, back in 1976, during America's Bicentennial celebration, mailing a letter cost just 13 cents. By 1986, it was 22 cents. In 1996, stamps climbed to 32 cents, followed by 39 cents in 2006. And just ten years ago, in 2016, a First-Class Stamp cost 47 cents.

Now, if the latest increase is approved, you'll soon be paying 82 cents, nearly double the price from a decade ago.

Throughout all the price hikes over the years, the Postal Service says Americans still have it pretty good. Even with the latest increases, U.S. postal rates remain among the lowest in the world, according to the agency.

Just remember, a Forever Stamp is forever in name, not in price. Look no further than 1976 for proof of that.

Most Expensive South Dakota Related Things on eBay

In South Dakota, we've always prided ourselves on having one of the most reasonable cost of living rates in America.

But that doesn't mean that you can't spend a pretty penny when it comes to Mount Rushmore-related items.

All you've got to do is head to eBay where, in and among the 98,751 search results for South Dakota, you'll find some things that will set you back plenty.

Gallery Credit: Jeff Harkness