How Much Is A Money Order From The Post Office

Finger, Hand, Aqua, Paper product, Paper, Nail, Thumb, Craft, Gesture, Plastic,

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Send Small Packages First Class

If your parcel weighs less than 13 ounces, you'll pay less by mailing your package First Class rather than Priority Mail. Both methods have an estimated delivery time of 1 to 3 business days.

Product, Electronic device, Table, Laptop part, Office equipment, Laptop, Technology, Computer accessory, Computer, Sitting,

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Save Time Online

Skip a trip to the post office! You can pay for and print mailing labels, request a free package pickup, buy stamps and order flat-rate boxes all from home. All you need is a Click-N-Ship account on usps.com.

Clothing, Coat, Product, Collar, Dress shirt, Sleeve, Shirt, Outerwear, Suit, Formal wear,

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Don't Be Square

The post office charges a 21-cent fee for any envelope that is square or embellished with clasps, string or buttons. To save money, opt for standard-sized cards, postcards and letters (5" x 3½" to 11½" x 6⅛").

Beige, Tan, Paper product,

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Mark "Media"

Mail books, DVDs, or CDs, as Media Mail, which is a discounted method of shipping educational items (video games, USB drives, and computers don't qualify). Media Mail is billed by weight, not distance, so you'll pay the same if your package is headed across town or across the country, and your package will arrive in 2 to 8 days, the same as USPS Ground. Visit your local post office to receive the discount.

Flag, Luggage and bags, Flag of the united states, Banner, Baggage, Government, Advertising, Service, Backpack, Suitcase,

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Know Shipping Deadlines

To make sure loved ones get their gifts by Christmas Day, send parcels via Ground by December 15, First Class by December 20, Priority Mail by December 21, and Priority Mail Express by December 23. And try to avoid the post office on December 19, the day the USPS predicts will be the busiest shipping day of the season.

Finger, Skin, Idiophone, Musical instrument, Thumb, Bell, Technology, Nail, Gesture, Flesh,

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Buy Now, Save Later

Before the price of a stamp jumps from 47 cents to 49 cents in January, stock up on Forever Stamps. These gems will cover the cost of your letters, regardless of future rate increases.

Military uniform, Soldier, Military person, Military camouflage, Army, People, Military organization, Hat, Camouflage, Military,

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Save For the Armed Services

Sending to a military service member overseas? You can get $2 off on the large Priority Mail Flat Rate Box, normally $18.75. This includes delivery to the Air/Army Post Office, Fleet Post Office and Diplomatic Post Office.

Box, Cardboard, Carton, Paper product, Packing materials, Packaging and labeling, Shipping box, Present, Gift wrapping, Package delivery,

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Never Pay For Boxes

Visit your local post office or usps.com for free envelopes and boxes in a variety of sizes. These Priority Mail packages ship for $6 to $19, regardless of weight, and arrive within 3 business days (next-day service via Priority Mail Express parcels starts at $22.95). Use the Postage Price Calculator to make sure you're paying less by using flat-rate boxes than you would by shipping based on weight.

Still life photography, Silver, Strap, Leather, Steel,

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Say Yes to Free Insurance

Worried about shipping a big-budget item? Choose Domestic Priority Mail or Priority Mail Express for complimentary insurance of up to $50 and $100, respectively. You'll need a tracking barcode on your package to qualify and a mailing receipt and proof of the contents' value to file a claim.

Finger, Cheek, Skin, Eyebrow, Eyelash, Handwriting, Paper product, Paper, Thumb, Nail,

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Send Letters From Santa

And add a dash of magic to your holiday cards with a postmark from the North Pole! Address, seal and stamp (browse festive designs here) your cards as usual. Then place them all in a larger envelope or box and, by December 10, send to:

North Pole Holiday Cancellation, Postmaster, 4141 Postmark Drive, Anchorage, AK 99530-9998

Jeanette Pavini, Coupons.com Savings Expert, is an Emmy Award-winning consumer reporter and advocate who has spent two decades helping people save time and money.