You've Got Mail!

Do you ever feel overloaded with advertisements, bills, notices, letters, and everything of its kind? I'm talking about mail! We all have it - but how do we manage it? Most people toss it off to the side to read or take action later, but when exactly is later? Often times later never comes and the junk pile gets higher and higher. Allow me to share with you tips to handle the task of mail sorting without getting overwhelmed.


Tip #1: GO PAPERLESS

It is 2010. The internet rules the world and the majority of banks, credit unions, electric providers, cable providers and the like utilize this convenience. If most of your bills are coming through your mail - go paperless immediately. Save the trees and save the stress! If you are unsure of how to do this, go to the website of the company billing you, log in to your account and there is usually a link available that reads "go paperless." Click it! This alone will make your mail easier to handle each day and each month.


Tip #2: TOSS/RECYCLE IMMEDIATELY

Depending on the proximity of your mail box in relation to your home, if you pass a recycling bin on the way to your front door - toss the junk mail before it enters your home. Junk mail is an unwanted visitor. The more papers you bring into the home and say "I'll read that later" - the easier it is to become cluttered and overwhelmed. If you find yourself bombarded with junk mail and only 1 or 2 envelopes are of importance, contact the company mailing you the "junk" and request to be taken off their mailing list.


Tip #3: OPEN MAIL INSTANTLY

Face your fears and face your mail! Do not go out to check the mail if you do not have time to sit down immediately after and open it. This idea may take some practice but the payoff is great! When you face your mailbox dead-on you are able to act on important matters more efficiently. How many of you have received a court notice for a traffic citation or a final notice for a bill - but didn't open your mail for days even weeks, to then discover you missed all deadlines and are now a complete wreck? You instantly panic and your thoughts are as scattered as the mail you're days behind on opening. Getting in the habit of opening your mail instantly will save you the headache and the heart attack.

Tip #4: CREATE STORAGE FILES

Although it is better to go paperless, some items must come through the mail and be stored for future reference. Create a simple filing system for mail documents that must be kept. Once you immediately open all mail and discern its importance, place all necessary documents into the appropriate file. You can purchase a simple multiple file folder or portfolio folder from Wal-Mart or Target for around $8. Your peace of mind from the mail madness costs $8! Go figure!


Until We Blog Again....



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