Maybe it’s been a rough month, and you put off the car payment, hoping to squeeze a few extra dollars from somewhere and get it in at the last second. Well, it’s not going to get there via regular mail, and you don’t want to pay a late fee. You might be considering sending it overnight it to make sure it gets there in time. Wait!
Overnight charges are incredibly expensive. Did you know that many times, depending on where your mail is going, your items are not guaranteed to arrive the next day anyway? So, you pay all that money and still end up with a late fee!
Ask before sending anything if the region it is traveling to is guaranteed for overnight delivery. Also, consider using Priority Mail instead of an overnight service if you have enough time. Most packages will arrive within three days, and it costs about 75% less (again, check the destination for guarantees).
You can also call the finance company or other creditor to see if they accept online payments or payments by phone. You may need to register in order to make online payments, but you’ll be prepared for the next time. Many companies offer payment by phone as a free service or for a minimal fee, which can save you some money and stress. However, ask before setting up the payment, because some do charge hefty fees. In some cases, the fee can be nearly as much as an overnight service. If it’s less than the late charge, it may still be worth it, but it is important to know so you can avoid paying it in the future.
If you’re sending off a quick note, or especially if you need to send out several announcements, another way to save money on postage is by choosing postcards instead of cards or invitations with envelopes. Standard postcards cost about 35% less to mail than envelopes, and you’ll also save money on stationary.