Americans know a good deal

According to the Associated Press, Americans know a good deal when they see one.
The AP reports sales of the Forever Stamp -- valid for postage regardless of any rate increase -- jumped by $95 million after plans for higher stamp prices were announced last month.

The Postal Service said Tuesday that it sold $275,211,160 in Forever stamps in February, up sharply from sales of $179,320,713 in January.

The cost to mail a first-class letter will rise a penny, to 42 cents, on May 12.

Until then the special Forever Stamp will continue to sell for 41 cents and after the rate increase it will still be valid for postage without the need for any extra stamps.

Since the stamp was introduced in April 2007, sales have totaled $2.3 billion.