Information Overload - Part II Magazines

Where do they all come from? Perhaps other people (gift subscriptions), guilt (fundraisers), guilty pleasures (entertainment), desired improvement (self help/finances), Frugality/Deal (free w/unused airline miles etc), For me, the reasons above for amassing magazines seem to represent - good intentions...

Consider saving yourself the guilt that you aren't reading them, and also save time, money and clutter by cutting back on the subscriptions. Set a goal to cut back by 50% (or even more!) By doing so you can also reap the benefits of another good intention - bieng friendly to the earth!

To start, don't just toss the subscription renewal forms in the trash in hopes they will stop sending reminders. They won't. Ever. This also only increases the likelihood that that you will resubscribe in a moment of weakness, or in a check paying frenzy it is overlooked. Check "No Thanks" and toss in the mail. You may have to do this more than once.

Next, ask yourself:
- Do you read the magazine the week or even month you get it, or skim quickly and set aside for "someday?"
- Is it a current interest, use or value? Our interests, lives & free time change...
- Is it of value on a consistent basis? If not, buy single issues as needed only, and stay off the mailing lists! You control what comes in your home.
- Is the portion that most interests you, available via the Internet? Most have portions or highlights from an issue available online.
- Reduce "like" magazines: Do you get Newsweek AND Time, Money AND
Fortune, Parenting AND Working Mother? You get the idea..

Remember, about 70% of magazines are ADS. Only 10% on average is of real interest.

Once you have decided which magazines you consistently read and enjoy; commit yourself to a quick turnaround. Since you had good intentions when you subscribed to it.. keep this in mind - "The smallest deed, is worth more than the grandest intention" - so honor your intention..

-Create a "home" for all incoming magazines.
- Make a habit to scan it within a week of arrival, and then READ it.
- Toss the old one, when the new one arrives.
- Or reduce the paper, and clip the articles (usually less than 5% of the magazine) that you really care about and put in a place you are most likely to read (briefcase, planner or purse to read while "waiting", or next to the bed for nighttime reading etc.
- Just like the whole magazine - plan to read and handle (toss or file) the articles when the old new magazine arrives.
-If you must keep the articles, file in reference folders or binders, and/or a tickler folder for items to "order".