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Why Bad Credit Isn’t the End of the World
July 02, 2024
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Are you worried about bad credit undermining your ability to do important things, like buy a home, take out a loan, or get a job? It’s understandable if you believe having bad credit means you’re doomed, but thankfully, that’s not true. Bad credit isn’t the end of the world and you can fix it with the right strategy.

Bad credit is just a moment in time

Just because you have bad credit now doesn’t mean it has to stay that way forever. You have far more control over your credit report than you might think. Although, if you don’t take action, nothing will change.

Let’s say you have bad credit right now. That can change in six months to a year if you’re willing to put in the work. It’s actually not hard to repair your credit and increase your credit score, but you do need a plan.

If you start now and follow these simple tips, you’ll see your credit score improve with time.

Get a copy of your credit report

Before you do anything, get a free copy of your credit report from every major credit bureau (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion). You are entitled to one free report every year, so take advantage of that offer. You can get your reports from AnnualCreditReport.com, which is the only federally authorized source for free annual reports.

Once you have your credit reports, review them all for accuracy. Check everything, from your personal details to open accounts and even credit limits. There are many common errors that turn up on credit reports, including:

·  Closed accounts reported as open

·  Inaccurate credit limits

·  Inaccurate personal details

·  Account mix-ups from having the same name as someone else

·  Items that should have been removed long ago

Most errors shouldn’t be too bad, but some errors can restrict your ability to get a loan, qualify to rent a home, or even get a job.

Dispute every error on your credit report

Every single error you discover should be disputed. It doesn’t matter if it’s a big deal, like a delinquent account that isn’t yours, or your name being misspelled. Every error has the potential to hurt your ability to qualify for something that requires a credit check. Many systems are automated and will deny applicants based on an information mismatch. Even if it’s easily explained, you aren’t likely to get the chance.

Each major credit bureau has its own dispute process with required forms, but the general idea is that you’ll need to write them a letter explaining what’s wrong, request that it be removed, and include documents that support your dispute. It also helps to provide a copy of your actual credit report so you can circle the incorrect parts.

Each bureau has 30 days to investigate your request. If they find it to be irrelevant or frivolous, they’ll stop the investigation and may ask for more information. If a credit bureau won’t comply with your dispute, you can ask them to include your dispute in your credit report.

Talk to an attorney if you can’t make progress

If you don’t get anywhere with the credit bureaus, you can try to dispute the information with the business who reported your information. If that doesn’t work, your only other option is to hire a Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) attorney. An attorney can help you get inaccuracies removed more easily because they will hold the bureaus accountable to the FCRA.

Consolidate your existing debt

If you have one or more accounts in collections, it’s worth considering consolidation. If you can negotiate a deal through a consolidation company, you’ll be able to get those accounts marked resolved on your credit report, which will look much better than having accounts in collections.

Start building good credit today

No matter how bad your credit is, start the process of building good credit right now. If you have credit cards currently, work on paying them off, and do what it takes to make your payments on time.

If you need to build a history of on-time payments, get a couple of secured credit cards from different financial institutions and use them to pay your routine bills, like your groceries and recurring monthly payments. Your payments will be reported to the credit bureaus and it will show up on your credit report.

If you have anything negative on your report, like a bankruptcy or eviction, you’ll have to wait for them to fall off your report at the appropriate time. Other than that, every effort you make will help you reach your goal of improving your credit.

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Giving gifts has always been a beautiful process to share love, gratitude

Giving gifts has always been a beautiful process to share love, gratitude, and appreciation, but in the modern world, it is personalization that matters. A personalized present is not just material, but it is filled with meaning, hard work, and consideration. It could be the name inscribed on a token or a customized drawing done with the sole purpose of being given to this person; personalization turns an ordinary gift into a memorable one.

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What makes customized gifts special?
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Can customized gifts be made for any occasion?
Yes, they’re perfect for birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, or even corporate events.

Are customized gifts expensive?
Not necessarily! Many personalized options are affordable while still looking premium.

How long does it take to create a customized gift?
Production time depends on the type of customization, but most are ready within a few days.

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Startups Drive Innovation in 3D Printing Medical Devices with Fresh Funding

A new wave of startups is revolutionizing the medical device industry, leveraging groundbreaking 3D printing technologies to create patient-specific implants, prosthetics, and even living tissues. Bolstered by recent, significant funding rounds, these agile companies are accelerating the adoption of personalized healthcare solutions and pushing the boundaries of what's medically possible.

The global 3D printing medical devices market is experiencing explosive growth, driven by this surge in innovation. According to SNS Insider, the market was valued at USD 2.69 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach a staggering USD 11.46 billion by 2032, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17.49% from 2024 to 2032. This growth trajectory underscores a major shift in healthcare towards customized patient care.

"The growing usage of 3D printers and bioprinters provides healthcare providers with tools for producing customized solutions tailored to the individual patient, enhancing the effectiveness of treatments and recovery times," notes a recent market analysis. This capability for personalization is a key factor propelling the market forward.

Startup Funding Gains Momentum Worldwide

Recent funding rounds highlight the growing investor confidence in 3D printing medical device startups. Across the globe, venture capital firms and strategic investors are placing bets on companies with promising technologies that could disrupt traditional medical manufacturing.

Brinter, a startup with operations in North Carolina and Finland, recently secured $750,000 in a seed funding round as part of a total funding package of $2.2 million. The company develops modular, multi-material 3D bioprinters capable of producing implants designed to restore damaged body parts. Their technology enables a personalized medicine approach using patients' own cells and the body's natural repair mechanisms.

Similarly, VoxCell BioInnovation, based in Victoria, Canada, raised $1.7 million in seed funding to advance its high-resolution 3D bioprinting technology. The company specializes in creating vascularized cancer tissue models that provide more accurate testing platforms for drug development and oncology research. Their technology aims to bridge the gap between laboratory data and clinical trials, potentially reducing both the time and costs associated with pharmaceutical development.

Nottingham-based 4D Biomaterials has also joined the funding wave, raising $2.1 million to commercialize its unique resorbable biomaterials for medical applications. The company's patented 4Degra® materials degrade differently from conventional biomaterials—breaking down gradually from the surface inward rather than collapsing unpredictably from the inside out. This controlled surface erosion releases byproducts slowly at lower concentrations, significantly improving safety profiles for medical implants.

Startup Innovations Span Multiple Medical Specialties

The current landscape of 3D printing medical device startups reveals a diverse array of technological approaches targeting different healthcare challenges:

·         Next Big Innovation Labs (Karnataka, India) is tackling the global organ shortage by developing 3D bioprinters called Trivima and working on 3D bioprinted human skin known as Innoskin®️. The company's long-term vision involves creating a versatile 3D bioprinting platform that combines patented technologies, multidisciplinary expertise, and breakthrough biomaterials.

·         SPEBIO (Pohang, South Korea) has developed a platform technology that uses 3D bioprinting to enable cell aggregation, producing cell spheroids, aggregates, or clusters. These structures can generate extracellular vesicles and therapeutic agents derived from aggregated cells, with applications in organ transplantation, drug testing, and disease modeling.

·         TeVido Biodevices (United States) focuses on applications for reconstructive and cosmetic surgeries, particularly for breast cancer survivors. The company uses patients' own melanocytes during the 3D printing process to reduce the chance of rejection, offering treatments such as nipple reconstruction and cell therapy for vitiligo patients.

·         CELLINK, now part of the BICO Group, continues to innovate after being the first company to release universal bioink in 2016. The company is currently focusing on automation in 3D bioprinting workflows to improve scalability for clinical applications, playing a crucial role in turning 3D bioprinting into a multi-billion-dollar industry.

·         AesculaTech (Los Angeles, USA), a Y Combinator-backed startup, has developed AesculaGel, a platform technology that offers adaptive response to a wide range of stimuli. Their cornerstone product, Humidifeye, is an ophthalmic platform designed to treat dry eye disease, which affects more than 25 million Americans. The company has also received a National Science Foundation I-Corps grant, further validating its innovative approach.

Market Context and Growth Projections

SNS Insider's analysis provides a comprehensive outlook on the forces shaping the 3D printing medical devices sector. The market's expansion is primarily fueled by the rising demand for personalized medicine, the increasing number of minimally invasive procedures, and the pursuit of higher-performance medical outcomes. Technological advancements are enabling the production of complex anatomical models, biocompatible implants, and precise surgical guides, which are finding increasing applications in orthopedic, dental, and craniomaxillofacial surgeries.

A key trend identified is the rising demand for tissue engineering and bio-printing, which is driving the development of more sophisticated products. The growing usage of 3D printers and bioprinters is equipping healthcare providers with the tools necessary to produce solutions tailored to individual patient anatomy, significantly improving treatment efficacy and reducing recovery periods.

A Market Segmented for Growth

The dynamism of the 3D printing medical devices market is reflected in its diverse segments, each showing unique growth patterns:

·         By Component: 3D printers themselves form the largest and most significant segment, holding approximately 40% of the market share in 2023. Meanwhile, 3D bioprinters represent the fastest-growing category, driven by breakthroughs in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering.

·         By Application: Surgical guides led the market in 2023, accounting for a 35% share. Among these, orthopedic guides are experiencing the most rapid growth, fueled by an increasing number of joint replacement and other complex orthopedic surgeries that benefit from patient-specific precision.

·         By End-User: Hospitals and surgical centers are the dominant end-users, a trend driven by the increasing affordability of 3D printing services and the rise of in-house 3D printing labs that allow for rapid, on-demand device production.

Regional Leaders and Future Hotspots

From a regional perspective, North America dominated the global market in 2023. This leadership is attributed to the presence of key market players, advanced healthcare infrastructure, and substantial investments in research and development. Supportive regulatory frameworks, particularly from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), have also been crucial in fostering innovation.

However, the Asia-Pacific region is emerging as a key growth area. Driven by increased healthcare investments and the rapid adoption of 3D printing technology in emerging economies like China and India, the region is expected to grow at a rapid pace. Modernization of healthcare infrastructure and a growing demand for customized medical solutions are creating a fertile ground for market expansion.

The Road Ahead

The future of 3D printing in medicine is exceptionally promising, extending far beyond static implants. The industry is moving towards the development of bioresorbable implants that dissolve safely in the body after healing and hybrid devices that combine multiple materials and functions. The potential for on-demand printing in remote healthcare settings could also revolutionize access to critical medical devices worldwide.

As startups continue to break new ground with the support of fresh funding, and as regulatory pathways become more defined, 3D printing is poised to move from an innovative tool to a standard of care, making personalized, high-precision medical devices accessible to a much broader patient population.

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Security isn’t just about reacting to crime; it’s about creating an atmosphere of control, preparedness, and trust. A central security station acts as a command hub where surveillance feeds, emergency communications, and crowd management all converge. This presence signals to customers and tenants alike that the property is managed professionally and that their well-being is taken seriously. When shoppers feel safe, they linger longer, spend more, and return more frequently — boosting a mall’s revenue potential. Tenants also view security as a sign of responsible management, making the property more attractive to high-value retailers and national brands.

Enhancing Safety and Emergency Response

In any large public venue, rapid response is crucial. A security station provides a central point for coordination during medical emergencies, fire alarms, power outages, or active threat scenarios. Instead of waiting for external agencies to arrive, trained mall security officers can administer first aid, manage crowd evacuation, or guide first responders through complex building layouts. This speed saves lives, reduces liability, and demonstrates that the mall has taken proactive steps to protect its guests.

Furthermore, a well-equipped station allows for real-time monitoring of CCTV systems, alarm panels, and access controls. Security personnel can detect suspicious activity, prevent escalations, and maintain clear communication with maintenance teams, cleaning crews, and management. This holistic integration streamlines operations, ensuring that safety measures work hand-in-hand with the mall’s daily business functions.

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Beyond public safety, malls face continuous risks of theft, vandalism, and internal loss. Organized retail crime rings increasingly target large retail complexes, exploiting weak surveillance and slow coordination. A central security hub mitigates this risk by allowing teams to analyze behavioral patterns, coordinate undercover operations, and maintain logs of recurring incidents. With data analytics and video review capabilities, mall security can even predict high-risk zones or times and deploy personnel accordingly — saving thousands in potential losses each year.

Insurance providers also favor malls with comprehensive, documented security protocols. In some cases, premiums are reduced for properties with 24/7 surveillance, patrol logs, and a fully functional command center. Thus, the upfront cost of a station often pays for itself through lower insurance rates and fewer financial setbacks from incidents.

Building Community and Brand Confidence

A visible security station communicates care — not control. It gives parents reassurance when their children shop alone, helps tourists find assistance, and becomes the go-to place for lost-and-found items or general inquiries. By training officers in customer service and public relations, mall management can turn the station into a dual-purpose asset: both a safety resource and a hospitality touchpoint. This dual role strengthens the mall’s brand perception and fosters a community-oriented environment.

The Business Case for Security Infrastructure

Ultimately, a security station is a business investment, not a sunk cost. It enhances customer retention, supports tenant satisfaction, minimizes risk, and maintains compliance with local safety regulations. In an era when shoppers demand comfort and reliability, visible and responsive security is a competitive differentiator.

 

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