You may be aware that rates are changing yet again on 1/27/2019. Forever stamps will increase to $.55 (from $.50) and extra ounce stamps will decrease to $.15 (from $.21). This is actually a cost break if you are mailing LTCs in large flats, which will cost as follows:
weight(oz) - price
1 - 1.00
2 - 1.15
3 - 1.30
4 - 1.45
5 - 1.60
and so on . . . averages are less than we are paying now - how’s THAT for a post-Christmas gift??
Consider buying extra forever stamps before the price goes up.

**The “first-class package” rate which we’ve used to calculate postage for the smaller padded envelopes (typically they exceed the 3/4” thickness limit) will change to a zone- based chart, so that will vary by person depending on the distance between the host and each participant.

Ok cool I did not realize that.

Thanks for the info, WW! I really need to switch over to the flat mailer method...

I really need to switch over to the flat mailer method...

Me, too. I’ve been a holdout, still using a padded mailer, but now that I would have to take it to the post office to calculate the zone and rate, make sure I’ve put that much inside for the return trip, and have them putting stickers all over the outside that are not on the removable taped part . . . it’s just not worth the trouble to me.

I'll probably still use the padded mailers. I will just have to put postage for the highest zone both in and out.

There is a postal zone chart that you can download and, based on your zip code, will tell you what zone all the other zip codes are in, if you want to go that route.
https://postcalc.usps.com/DomesticZoneChart