The cost of a stamp goes up 2 cents on Monday.

The measure is meant to help the U.S. Post Service battle its budget shortfalls.

Forever stamps — which always carry the value of the current one ounce postage rate — may be used to mail letters and bills as well. The cost for additional ounces at first class remains at 17 cents.

Certified mail is rising from $2.70 to $2.80. The Priority Mail flat-rate envelope will increase from $4.80-$4.95, while the smaller flat rate Priority Mail box will increase from $9.80 to $10.35. Cost for the larger box will rise $1 — with the final rate varying depending on whether the destination is in the United States or another country.

The Express Mail flat rate envelope will increase by a dollar to $17.50. Postcard postage will rise one cent to 28 cents.

International rates will also increase. One ounce letters to Canada and Mexico have been 72 cents. The new rate will be 75 cents for Canada and 79 cents for Mexico. The rate for other countries will increase from 94 cents to 98 cents.

Last year, the U.S Postal Service lost $2.8 billion. So far this year, it’s $2.3 billion in the hole.

The Postal Service hopes to trim costs in several ways. It’s cutting back on collection times, according to posted signs, and is removing some collection cans, reducing routes and is offering 150,000 employees nationwide buyouts.

The U.S Postal Service is also asking Congress to stop mail delivery on Saturdays.

This is the third year in a row that rates have gone up in May.

Postal officials estimate the increase will cost the average household about $3 a year.

(Source: The Newnan Times-Herald Inc)