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Hey Reader,

I was walking Benito (my puppy) and this lady asked what his name was.

I said, "Benito" and she just casually says "Oh, like the dictator."

That took me by surprise, so I just laughed it off but I should've said, "no, like Bad Bunny."

Now that you're up to speed, let's go build some wealth.

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👀 What I'm Watching

Let's talk about making history.

For the first time in 251-years, USPS (United States Postal Service) is adding a 8% fuel surcharge on packages starting April 26, 2026.

This is gonna be the new reality until at least January 2027.

What's happening?

It all goes back to the Iran war.

Remember the Strait of Hormuz we mentioned a few weeks ago?

Since then, oil prices have jumped up. Gas is now at an average of $4.08/gallon nationally. And diesel (the fuel that powers basically every delivery truck in the US) just hit $5.51/gallon.

USPS looked at those numbers and said they can't afford to deliver your packages anymore.

Even the Postmaster General David Steiner actually warned Congress that USPS could run out of cash in less than 12 months if they don't make any changes.

Fun fact: USPS is actually giving you the cheapest deal right now.

UPS and FedEx use fuel surcharge formulas that adjust every week based on diesel prices.

You just don't hear about it in the news because it happens automatically.

Right now, UPS and FedEx surcharges are at 20% to 25% of shipping costs. Meaning, the USPS 8% fee is a bargain.

📝 The Breakdown

Here's how this impacts your money and wallet:

A package that costs $7.30 to ship will now run $7.88 through USPS.

If you're ordering household stuff regularly, cleaning supplies, pet food, diapers, vitamins, that will add up.

If the retailer uses UPS or FedEx, it's even worse.

But it's not just online orders.

You'll start seeing grocery prices go up in the next month or two too.

The same diesel that delivers your online packages also moves food from farms and warehouses to your grocery store.

Expect fruits, veggies, meat, and dairy to go up first because they're heavy, perishable, and travel on refrigerated trucks that burn more fuel.

The reality is most companies aren't going to eat this cost. They'll pass it to you.

✍️ Your Next Move

Here's what you need to do today:

1. Stock up on essentials before April 26

You've got about 3 weeks before the surcharge kicks in.

If there's anything you regularly order online, cleaning supplies, toiletries, pet food, diapers, vitamins, order a bigger batch now.

Think of it like filling up your gas tank before the price goes up (which, by the way, you should also be doing.)

2. Switch to in-store or curbside pickup wherever you can

Walmart, Target, Amazon, CVS all offer free in-store or curbside pickup.

It might not be the most convenient option, but if you're tight on cash, it's definitely gonna save you a bit of money.

3. Start planning holiday shopping early this year

I know thinking about Christmas in April sounds ridiculous. But this surcharge runs through January 2027.

If you see a deal on something you know you'll gift later, buy it now and stash it somewhere.

If you're going to buy something online, make sure to check for cash back offers first.

Getting cash back is exactly as it sounds.

A $100 order with 20% cashback means you effectively only paid $80 for it.

I personally always check with Rakuten first before I make any online purchase

They work with thousands of retailers like Amazon, Walmart, Target, Nike, and more.

Right now they're running a limited time promo where if you sign up using my link, you get $50 cashback after spending $50. That basically means your purchase is free.

Behind The Scenes

Here's a quick recap of what I was up to this past week:

• I went to the Transit Museum in NYC and this is the first NEW museum I've been to in a while. I never knew how the subway system in NYC was built before but (for most of it) they literally just broke the roads, dug down, built out the tunnel and then covered the road back up. Oh and it was super dangerous.
• I learned this week that most people only make ONE wish on their birthdays. I was surprised because every time I make a birthday wish, I always make one selfish wish (something I want for myself) and then make a wish for my friends and my family but apparently people ONLY make one selfish wish. Curious, is this just me or do other people make wishes for other people too?

Cool Things From This Week

• Money Tip of the Week: Why investing $50 now beats investing $500 later​
• ​Your 401(k) is about to look very different. Private equity and crypto could be coming.​
• ​Jet fuel is up 60% and airfare could rise 20%. Flying just got a lot more expensive.​