05 June 2008

Junk mail such as credit card offers, catalogs, magazines, donation requests, newspapers, and advertisements fill our mail boxes every day. Sometimes it is difficult to distinguish what is important from the rest.

Spend a week or so really paying attention to the mail you receive and think about how much of it is really just clutter.

Then, follow the five easy steps below to regain control over the paper that enters your home.

1. Toss or recycle junk mail before it even enters your home or office.
2. Contact the Direct Marketing Association by visiting their website, www.dmachoice.org, and click on “Remove My Name from Those Lists.” Following the steps on the screen will minimize the amount of commercial and non-profit mail you receive at home. While you are there, check out the additional information on removing your name from telemarketing and email lists.
3. Similarly, to opt out of pre-screened credit card and insurance offers, visit www.optoutprescreen.com.
4. Determine a reasonable number of magazine subscriptions for you and/or your family and cancel the rest.
5. Research electronic payment of credit card bills and other bills that you pay regularly. Many companies offer paperless solutions for their customers. In addition, think about reducing the number of credit cards you own.