Let me address some of the key points I’ve covered in my Youtube/Facebook videos this month.
1. How to stop generic Junk Mail: If you’re overwhelmed by the amount of junk mail you receive, this is a great time to do something about it. DMA Choice is a program designed to respond to the public’s concerns about the amount of unwanted mail we receive. It divides junk mail into 4 different categories; 3 of which you can manage from this website (catalogs, magazine offers and other mail offers). To stop junk mail, simply go to http://www.dmachoice.org/ and create an account if you don’t already have one. If you register online, the cost is $2 via credit card but it’s good for 10 years. If you mail your registration, it cost $3.
2. How to stop receiving pre-approved FIRM offers of credit. You have 2 choices to stop them. You can opt out of receiving them for a.) either 5 years or b.) opt out of receiving them permanently.
a. To opt out for 5 years: Call toll-free 1-888-5-OPT-OUT (1-888-567-8688) or visit www.optoutprescreen.com. The phone number and website are both operated by the major consumer reporting companies.
b. To opt out permanently: You can begin the permanent Opt-Out process online at www.optoutprescreen.com. To complete your request, you must return the signed Permanent Opt-Out Election form, which will be provided after you initiate your online request. I did the permanent opt out & it only took me about 10 minutes.
3. How to stop receiving the Yellow Pages:
a. Just go to the website https://www.yellowpagesoptout.com. Set up an account including your zip code and email address. They’ll immediately send you an email with a pre-assigned password.
b. Once you receive that email, click on the link they provide, paste the password they assigned and you’re in. FYI, you can change your password if you wish.
c. Once you’re logged in, it will provide you with a list of one or more yellow Pages you may already be receiving. When I logged in, it indicated that I was currently receiving a single print directory. I changed my selection from 1 to “0”, completed the form and hit enter. It was that easy and look less than 5 minutes!
4. How to stop/minimize the number of Charity Donation Requests you receive:
For those nonprofits NOT listed on DMAChoice (referenced above), write to them individually to STOP or REDUCE the frequency of their solicitations. I found a great sample note on the CharityWatch website that you can use. It’s called a “Fundraising Reduction Notice” You’re going to include this note with every nonprofit you write to & you can select up to 5 options regarding your communication preferences:
a. If you want to STOP future solicitations, tell them to REMOVE your name from their mailing list altogether
b. If you WANT to continue to hear from them, the next 4 options are for you: ask them not to sell, rent, exchange or give your contact info to any other organization without getting your approval first
c. Limit their direct mail solicitations to whatever number of times per year that you specify
d. Tell them not to call you at all asking for money, or,
e. Give them permission to call you only on the frequency, days of the week and times of day you specify!
I had no idea we had so much power. And I was amazed how the amount of Junk Mail I received after just a few months was significantly reduced after taking these 4 steps. If you have questions, be sure to check out my April 2019 videos on Youtube and Facebook for more information.
Quote: “Discourse is fleeting, but junk mail is forever.” ~Joe Bob Briggs~
Brenda Tringali, Organizing, Productivity & HR Specialist
At Your Fingertips Organizing
Serving Greater Myrtle Beach, SC or “virtually” anywhere (via phone/video)
Cell/Text: 603.490.6062
Email: Brenda@AtYourFingertipsOrganizing.com
Web: www.AtYourFingertipsOrganizing.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AtYourFingertipsOrganizing/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brendatringali/
Brenda Tringali is the owner of At Your Fingertips Organizing. She provides Life/Workplace/Residential Organizing & Productivity services to clients in the Myrtle Beach, SC area & “virtually” anywhere via video, phone, etc. Drawing from her 30 years of Human Resources/Staffing experience, she also helps clients with HR/Staffing/Job Search needs as well. Brenda is an active member of NAPO (National Association of Productivity and Organizing professionals). She is also Chair of the NAPOCares Committee which highlights the community outreach efforts of NAPO members, NAPO Chapters, and NAPO Business Partners as they reach out to share the three “T’s” of Social Responsibility: their Time, Treasures, and Talents.