Martin Lewis urges all families to stock up on household essentials before prices rise

If we ever need financial advice, Martin Lewis is usually our first point of contact.

After all, the money-saving expert has helped us out of financial trouble several times. For example, he told us why we should put £1 in our bank account NOW or gave us advice about credit cards that we ‘can’t avoid’.

And he’s given us more sage advice for next month, as an essential household item goes on sale from October 7.

‘It remains valid after the walk’

The financial journalist has warned that the price of first-class stamps will rise by 22% from October.

And the cost of other Royal Mail services – such as ‘Signed For’, ‘Special Delivery Guaranteed’ and ‘Tracked’ – will also rise.

The price increases will take effect from Monday 7 October and will also affect the shipping costs of a first and second class parcel.

Martin warned households:

‘For years I have advised people that whenever the price of stamps increases, they should stock up and buy large quantities in advance. As long as there is no price on the stamp, but only the shipping class, it will still be valid after the increase.

“Then you better stock up now, even if it’s just for Christmas cards for the next few Christmases.”

‘Be careful and avoid counterfeits’

And the Money Saving Expert website gave similar advice:

‘The cost of Standard First Class stamps will rise by an inflation-busting 22% from Monday 7 October, Royal Mail has confirmed. But if you buy them now, you can still use them after prices have risen.’

However, MSE experts also warned families to be careful with counterfeit items.

“If you are going to stock up on stamps now, be careful and avoid counterfeiting,” the MSE website states.

‘Buy from reputable high street shops and keep your receipt if possible. Stamps are also available direct from the Royal Mail online shop (although you will need to spend at least £50 to get free delivery).’

How much does a first class stamp cost me now?

The price of a first class stamp, or standard letter, currently costs £1.35. However, this will increase by 30p – to £1.65 – from Monday 7 October.

The price of a large note, which currently costs £2.10, will rise to £2.60 from the same date – an increase of 50p.

The cost of sending a standard or large second class letter, or of purchasing a second class stamp, remains the same.

Why isn’t the price of a second class stamp increasing?

Second Class stamps are currently limited to 2029, in an effort to keep the cost of sending a letter affordable under a Cost of living crisis.

Royal Mail has previously said it is trying to keep price rises as low as possible, despite fewer people sending letters and inflation being under pressure.

After the price of a First Class stamp increased in April (and before that in October 2023), Nick Landon, Chief Commercial Officer at Royal Mail, said:

‘We always take price increases very seriously. But when the number of letters has fallen by two-thirds since their peak, the cost of delivering each letter inevitably increases.

‘It takes a complex and extensive network to get every letter and parcel across the country for one price – travelling on trucks, planes, ferries and in some cases drones before reaching its final destination on foot. We are proud to provide the universal service, but the financial cost is significant.’