the buzz log

Neither snow nor sleet can stop our intrepid mail carriers. But a momentous loss might. The U.S. Postal Service lost a whopping $3.8 billion in 2009. And as part of their cost-cutting measures, they want to stop Saturday delivery.

Yes, we thought getting mail on the weekend was as sacred as apple pie and baseball — and holiday packages. But when you're out of cash, something's got to give. So all signs point to knocking off mail delivery from six days to five to save $3.5 billion a year. (Although to do that, Congress must give its OK.)

Already, the post office has slashed 40,000 jobs, reduced overtime, and raised the price of a first-class stamp. And still, the losses added up. Who is to blame for the big budget woes? The move to e-mail over snail mail sure didn't help. And the recession has cut down on junk mail (annoying to us but profitable to the P.O.). That double whammy caused the U.S. mail service to lose $1 billion more this year than last year.

But that's not the only change we may see. The USPS is also looking to close down some local branches and thinking up other money-making schemes. (To borrow from "Seinfeld," how about a fee to stop receiving mail. Or if all else fails, may we suggest a bake sale?)

There is good news: There are no plans to raise the rate of a first-class stamp next year. Now that's worth writing home about.

Filed under: Government

The Cash for Clunkers swap is underway, making auto recyclers "leery" and aggravating some clunker would-be buyers. At least dealers should be happy.

The federal program began with the greenest of intentions. Critics, including the original senators who proposed the idea, have decried the stripped-down version that got approved. Scrap dealers, for their part, don't find much sense in the requirement to destroy perfectly good engines. (That's to prevent scammers from returning clunkers to the road.)

And, in a classic case of the left hand slapping down the right hand, the Environmental Protection Agency's last-minute changes of vehicles' fuel economy got the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's project off to a clunky July 24 start. People have been tracking the fine print ("cash for clunkers details”) to see if their ol’ jalopy qualifies, but those ready to dump their formerly eligible cars are experiencing some roadster rage.

Overall, however, consumers have hankered after this program since March (when "cash for clunker" searches started taking off on Yahoo!). Not surprisingly, searches for many types of models are up.

With only a billion to spare for this program, which automakers will clear their lots first? This Search ranking from the past 7 days might give some clues:

1. Chrysler Cash for Clunkers
2. Ford Cash for Clunkers
3. GM Cash for Clunkers
4. Dodge Cash for Clunkers
5. Toyota Cash for Clunkers

True, the above queries could mean, for instance, that people want to unload their Chryslers, but drivers may also be warming to the manufacturer's double incentive (additional $3500-$4500 rebates or zero percent financing on top of the federal moneys). Savvy consumers know about the “double cash for clunkers.”

Incidentally, Ford’s second-place status could be recognition for its independent nature: A Rasmussen poll said buyers respect Ford for abstaining from any bailout money, and 46% claimed they’d shop there over GM and Chrysler.

As for what cars might be on the roads in the next few weeks, some models zooming through the Search box:

Most Searched Model: Honda Civic
A Few of the Fastest Moving Models: 2009 Ford Focus, Chrysler Jeep, 2010 Dodge Charger, 2010 Honda Insight
Leading Hybrids: Ford Escape Hybrid, Ford Fusion Hybrid, Honda Civic Hybrid

Filed under: Autos, Finance, Government

Procrastinators, take note. Neither rain nor snow will stop the post office from raising its stamp price on Monday, May 11 by an extra two cents, giving the first-class stamp a hefty 44-cent price tag. (The post office estimates this price increase will cost the average family an extra $3 a year.)

At least the USPS had the class to wait until after Mother's Day (ahem, this Sunday) for people to send out their cards  before jacking up the price of first-class mail. (Though the post office reviews, and usually increases, postage price every year around now.)

And while there's no stopping the march toward the new higher rate, you can at least keep the price of a stamp at its relatively lower rate of 42 cents by running out to snap up "Forever" stamps. Those stamps have no denomination printed on them, so they're honored, well, 'til the end of time—as long as you use them on one-ounce letters. But should you wait until Monday to purchase your Forever stamps, they'll be at the new rate of 44 cents.

Don't say we didn't warn you.

Filed under: Government