I hate junk mail... and it's bad for the environment too! So here are a few easy steps you can take to reduce the quantity of junk mail you receive.
Most senders of unsolicited junk mail get your name and address from one of three sources: Abacus Catalog Alliance (catalogs), Direct Marketing Association (fliers, brochures, etc.), or the credit bureaus (credit card and insurance offers), says Paul Stephens, a policy analyst with Privacy Rights Clearinghouse, a consumer advocacy group. If you do nothing else, take the time to wipe your name from these lists. "That'll get rid of most of your junk mail," he says. Here's how to do so:Abacus Catalog Alliance: Signing up permanently halts the catalog mailings from association members. Email optout@abacus-direct.com with your full name and current address.
Direct Marketing Association: Stops direct mail marketing from association companies for five years. There is a $1 fee. Access forms here for online or mail-in submission.
OptOutPrescreen.com: This joint venture of the three credit bureaus puts a stop to prescreened credit and insurance solicitations. Sign up to halt these mailings for five years, or stop them permanently. Call 1-888-5-OPTOUT, or fill out a form here.
(HT: SoundMindInvesting.)
Have you personally completed any of these forms? Any reason to be skeptical?
TF: I tried the two that don't cost $1. I don't mind getting ads from local companies with coupons and that sort of thing. We'll see if it works, it can take several months to see an effect because many of these mailing are prepared far in advance.