Higher postage rates seem to be turning into an annual event held in May, and this year the new price gives a nod to Obama’s rank in history.The 44th President of the United States will soon have his own 44-cent stamp.

On Monday, May 11th, 2009, the United States Postal Services (USPS) is raising postal rates. The new rate for a first-class letter will increase from 42 cents to 44 cents. Flat-rate Priority Mail envelopes will increase from $4.80 to $4.95. The rate increases effect all parts of the country equally, including Hawaii and Alaska.

One way you can hedge against the rate increase is to buy a stockpile of “forever” stamps. These are available at most post offices and don’t have a price printed on them. This means that they will be accepted forever, regardless of future rates.

For more details about the postage rates increase, visit usps.com.

See the details of last year’s rate increase.