The new issue of "Forever Stamps" by the USPS is pretty straight-forward: Lock in your postal rates forever, for as long as the stamp is uncancelled. For those who do mass mailings, the appeal is obvious. But what about those looking for a new hedge class in which to invest?

Now, I'm not talking about collectibles. I'm talking about a virtually risk-free, liquid investment that has never gone down in value for over 75 years! (See the link for history of postal rate increases.)http://www.akdart.com/postrate.html

Of course, this investment is only appropriate if you answer the following question affirmatively, "Do you believe postal rates will continue to go up?". I do, in fact, with the increase in gas prices, I believe these increases will accelerate in the near future, causing the USPS rates to jump a nickel or more in a couple of years. From '75-'81, postal rates doubled - 10-20 cents (period of gas shortages/price increases).

What to do now? Cash your paycheck, go to the post office, and load-up on "Forever Stamps". Wait 5 years, then cash them in for just a couple of cents off the then current price of stamps. (Direct marketers salivate at saving 2 cents off mailings.) Example: Buy at $0.41, wait 5 years, if stamps go up to $0.82, sell at $0.80, retire to Florida. 

Uh, what's that dear? I've got to go...my wife is calling me to take my meds. Oh well, stay tuned. Later, I'll discuss how to develop and trade synthetic options on the "Forever Stamp".

Remember, you heard it here first! You and your clients can thank me later!