You did the responsible thing: you froze your credit to protect your identity. But the moment you temporarily "thaw" it to buy a car, apply for a mortgage, or rent an apartment, the floodgates open. Suddenly, your mailbox is overflowing with pre-approved credit cards, shady loan offers, and an endless stream of junk mail. What gives?

In this episode, we dive into the frustrating, immediate, and highly profitable link between unfreezing your credit file and the avalanche of unsolicited mail that follows. We expose how the major credit bureaus monetize your "unfrozen" status, why the junk mail industry is watching your credit report, and, most importantly, the exact steps you can take to stop the paper jam and reclaim your mailbox.

Episode Resources on Junk Mail:

• DMAchoice (ANA): Register at DMAchoice.org to reduce mail from national brands, magazines, and charities for 10 years (approx. $5 fee).
• OptOutPrescreen: To stop "pre-approved" credit card and insurance offers, visit OptOutPrescreen.com or call 1-888-5-OPT-OUT (1-888-567-8688). This is free, run by major credit bureaus, and can be done for 5 years online or permanently by returning a form.
• Catalog Choice: Use this free service at CatalogChoice.org to cancel specific catalogs and unwanted mailings.

Episode Resources on Freezing Credit Report:

You must place a freeze with each bureau separately:

• Equifax: Equifax.com or 1-888-298-0045.
• Experian: Experian.com or 1-888-397-3742.
• TransUnion: TransUnion.com or 1-888-909-8872.

Send us Fan Mail

Support Everything with Everett and stay ahead of the conversation! For just $10 a month, you can join the inner circle and unlock exclusive early access to brand-new episodes five days before they are released to the public. Your support helps continue the deep dives into politics, history, and culture that make this show unique. Be the first to hear what matters most and help us keep making great content for listeners everywhere. Subscribe now and get your head start!

📼 Are your family memories fading in a dusty box?

VHS tapes don't last forever! Save those irreplaceable moments before the tape degrades. I convert VHS to digital (MP4) so the whole family can easily watch & share them today!

✅ Just $40/tape – Includes capture & editing ✅ Free Cloud or USB delivery 📍 Serving Allentown to Philly

Don't let your history fade away. Email me today! ✉️ VHS@EverettMcConnaughey.com

Support the show

Political disagreements over the national budget are not unique to the United States, but government shutdowns are — and have unfortunately occurred several times over the past few decades. Government shutdowns not only interrupt crucial services and programs, but they also impose costs on federal agencies. Here, we explain the history of government shutdowns in the United States and how other countries avoid them.

Read More:

Send us Fan Mail

Support Everything with Everett and stay ahead of the conversation! For just $10 a month, you can join the inner circle and unlock exclusive early access to brand-new episodes five days before they are released to the public. Your support helps continue the deep dives into politics, history, and culture that make this show unique. Be the first to hear what matters most and help us keep making great content for listeners everywhere. Subscribe now and get your head start!

Support the show

JoAnn "Jo" Grensing, 64, of Meridian, Idaho, returned home to her heavenly father September 2, 2025. She was born January 14, 1961, in San Gabriel, California as the fourth daughter of Neva and Rollo Barrett.

Her early years were spent in California and St. George, Utah, before the family eventually settled in Meridian, Idaho. JoAnn's kindness and caregiving nature were evident from an early age as personalities began to emerge among the children.

A graduate of Meridian High School (1979), JoAnn excelled academically and sang joyfully in church, and in the school choir. After graduation, she attended beauty school, worked locally, and soon began an adventurous chapter working in motels in neighboring states. She later settled back in Idaho, where she became the proud mother of son, Everett, and daughter, Neva. Motherhood was her greatest joy, and she faced life's challenges with resilience, faith, and grace.

In 1994, JoAnn met the love of her life, Larry Grensing, at an autumn church dance. Their connection was immediate, and they married that same December. Together, they blended their families with love, and Joann embraced her stepdaughter, Celina as her own. Joann's affection for family and her ability to nurture those around her defined her life.

Her career reflected her natural gift for caretaking. She worked as a CNA and later as Director of Admissions at Capitol Care Center, always offering compassion and comfort to others. She also cared tenderly for her father and later her husband during their final years.

After Larry's retirement, the couple moved to Garden Valley, where they cherished time in the mountains, enjoying nature, and building a life in their tight-knit community. They helped establish the Payette Forward thrift store, a non-profit that reflected their giving spirits. Though they later returned to Meridian for Larry's medical care, JoAnn continued to build lasting friendships with neighbors and her church community.

After Larry's passing in 2021, JoAnn carried on with courage, drawing strength from her family, her faith, and the many relationships she cherished. She will always be remembered as a devoted wife, loving mother, beloved sister, and dear friend to many. Her radiant presence, kindness, and warmth touched all who knew her.

JoAnn is survived by her children: Everett (Jeremy), Neva, and Celina (McQ); granddaughter, Hailee; siblings: Peggy, Mary, and Rollo; and her extended family who will miss her dearly. She was preceded in death by her husband, Larry, and parents.

Send us Fan Mail

Support Everything with Everett and stay ahead of the conversation! For just $10 a month, you can join the inner circle and unlock exclusive early access to brand-new episodes five days before they are released to the public. Your support helps continue the deep dives into politics, history, and culture that make this show unique. Be the first to hear what matters most and help us keep making great content for listeners everywhere. Subscribe now and get your head start!

📼 Are your family memories fading in a dusty box?

VHS tapes don't last forever! Save those irreplaceable moments before the tape degrades. I convert VHS to digital (MP4) so the whole family can easily watch & share them today!

✅ Just $40/tape – Includes capture & editing ✅ Free Cloud or USB delivery 📍 Serving Allentown to Philly

Don't let your history fade away. Email me today! ✉️ VHS@EverettMcConnaughey.com

Support the show