Tired Of Junk? Try This

Does your physical mailbox overflow with catalogs, solicitations and loads of other stuff you just don’t want? You can opt out of some of these mailings by contacting the companies directly or trying these sites:

 www.optoutprescreen.com. This is the official site to opt out of pre-screened or pre-approved credit and insurance offers. By opting out, Equifax, Experian, Innovis and TransUnion will not include your name on lists used by creditors and insurers to make offers that you don’t initiate. If you change your mind, you also can “opt-in.”

 www.dmachoice.org. While there are benefits to direct mail (find out about new products and money-saving deals), you probably want to eliminate things you’re not interested in. The Direct Marketing Association lets you choose whether you want to receive mail from companies in four categories: credit offers, catalogs, magazine offers and other offers (donation requests, etc.).

 www.catalogchoice.org. Use this free title-specific service to opt out of postal mail from companies that are already marketing to you. You can reduce more of your mail by signing up for their new Unlisting Service. For a $20 annual “donation,” they’ll work as your agent to remove your information from third-party marketing company databases. These companies create lists (based on your past purchases and interests) that are rented to companies for marketing purposes.

 www.yellowpagesoptout.com. This site lets you stop all those phone books you probably don’t use. Type in your zip code and you’ll be surprised to see how many phone books you’re eligible to receive. You also can get tips on how to recycle outdated directories.

 Note: Opting out won’t end solicitations from local merchants, religious and charitable associations, professional and alumni associations, politicians and companies with which you conduct business. To eliminate mail from these groups, write directly to each source.