The United States Postal Service is talking about another hike in stamp prices, effective in 2007.

They attribute the increase to a surge in gas prices, salaries and equipment.  Unlike other companies, the USPS can not add a fuel surcharge to postage every time the price at the pump increases.

HOWEVER!  For those who like to gamble, you may be able to hedge your postage costs against the increase in postage rates with a “Forever Stamp.”  You could buy the Forever Stamp at the current rates and use it forever, regardless of what the current postage rate.

It’s an interesting idea, but wouldn’t …

Another possible real estate investment candidate turned up today, further broadening my options for the second acquisition.

This house is in the same area as rental house #1 and candidate #2, but is a 4 bed, 2 bath house.  It’s priced such that it would make a good rental for college students, but could also be sold for a healthy gain as well.

It’s had new windows and vinyl siding installed, and already has central air, which other houses in the area are lacking (most use window units).  The listing …

My brother sent me an article from Bankrate.com about making a living flipping houses, and how it’s much harder than it looks, requiring deep pockets going into the deal.

I found myself nodding my head as I read the article, as it had many good points.  The get-rich-quick infomercials that you see on late night TV on how to make money in real estate with no money down are a figment of the imagination.

Clark Allison from the California Estate and Business Law Blog has a good post on the protecting real estate in a new entity type called a ’series LLC’.

It’s a new entity formation that allows you to create a single LLC, but partition it for each of your properties.  It keeps you from having to form a new LLC for each of your different properties, and saves a bundle on formation costs and filing fees.

I don’t think it’s available in my state yet, and there is some question as to whether the legal …