“For 2 Cents Plain”

“For 2 Cents Plain” is a book by Harry Goldin. This book describes his life growing up on the lower east side of Manhattan, where his family moved to in 1905 when Harry was three years old. Two cents was the cost of a glass of Seltzer at the drug store near his apartment. He would work odd jobs, and finally his mom gave him two cents to get a glass of Seltzer. Harry grew up to be a great writer and columnist in New York City. This is truly a great book about a period and location in United States history.

Hey, why are you telling this to us? Are you going to get a commission from Amazon for pushing this book? NO! But the two cents saved is here for you, and most people don’t know about it.

Effective yesterday, the cost of a first-class letter DROPPED two cents, from 49 to 47 cents. It is because of a deal worked with Congress when the rates went up a couple of years back that required this reduction in the future.

This may save you a buck a week, or a hundred a week based on how much mail you send. Most people send invoices by fax or email, and checks get sent electronically to your bank. But still, you have just saved two cents on all of your outgoing mail. You’ll save more on large envelopes, or those weighing more than an ounce. You can go to USPS.com to learn more.

Ben Franklin said, “If you watch your pennies, your dollars will take care of themselves.” You should turn this into a contest at your shop where all employees are urged to submit money-saving ideas. At the end of 30, the winner, the one plan that will save you the most, gets a weekend away, all-expenses paid by you.

Do this again in 90 days and you save more than you did the first time, as your people are thinking of ways to save money. The prize can be a $500 gift card.

You will get many ideas, and you can use each one to watch your pennies. Go for it. Your pennies are already adding up.

P.S. This is not an April Fool’s Day prank. The whole country saved these two cents.