Monday, February 12, 2007

Simplify your life: Get rid of those annoying solicitations and junk mail

I am sure more than a few of you are absolutely deluged with credit card offers, junk mail and unsolicited phone calls. But there is hope! You can stop the insanity and save some trees.
  • Stop unsolicited card offers and other junk mail by calling 888-5-OPTOUT (567-8688). You will be removed for two years. You'll be asked for your personal information, including your name and Social Security number. Don't worry — it's completely confidential and safe.
  • You should also notify the three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian and Trans-Union — directly. Let them know that you don't want your name or other personal information shared with others for promotional purposes.
  • You can also opt out of direct-mail marketing from many national companies for five years by registering with the Direct Marketing Association. (Cost $1)
  • And you can stop those annoying phone calls by registering with the Do Not Call Registry or call 888-382-1222.
If all this sounds like a lot of work (kinda is) you can hire Green Dimes to do it for you for a $36 fee per year. And they will plant one tree a month in your name. Why should you use them? Green Dimes says: "Just by innocently buying a pair of shoes from a catalog, donating to a charity, or, heaven help you, moving, those junk mailers will be back on you like ants at a picnic. That's why we're a recurring service. We'll keep writing and calling so we can keep you off those lists." They will get rid of catalogs, junk mail, and credit card offers among other things.

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