Hannah Aster, Author at Shortform Books

How to Reduce the Risk of Loan Rejection in 2023

Do you need to take out a loan but worry you’ll be rejected? Is there anything you can do to reduce the odds of rejection? Loan rejections in the US are at a record high, affecting Americans’ ability to buy cars, get mortgages, and access credit cards. Applicants can improve their chances of loan approvals by improving their credit scores, reducing credit utilization, and rebuilding their credit. Here are some of the reasons behind the increase in rejections, and some steps you can take.

Why Are Malls Dying in the US? (+ How to Save Them)

Why are malls dying in the United States? What factors are contributing to their downfall? How can they adapt for the future? In the 1980s, the mall was a vibrant epicenter in America. Today malls are struggling to survive, their demise fueled by online shopping, large department store closures, and the COVID-19 pandemic. America’s 700 remaining malls are trying to stay alive by modernizing stores and digitizing processes. Keep reading to learn why malls are struggling and what can be done to revive them.

What Is the Anthropocene Epoch & Are We Living in It?

What is the Anthropocene Epoch? How big of an impact have humans had on the planet? We might soon officially be living in the Anthropocene Epoch, a period in Earth’s history in which human activity has changed the entire planet. It means we’ve affected the planet as much as the asteroid that killed the dinosaurs and as much as the repeated Ice Ages. Keep reading to learn how new epochs are declared and why some think we shouldn’t call this epoch the Anthropocene.

The Problem With America’s Huge Cars: Car Bloat Explained

What is car bloat? Why do Americans tend to prefer huge cars? What are the negative consequences? Car bloat—a trend toward ever-larger vehicles—is taking over US roads, and it shows no signs of slowing. The trend of Americans buying bigger, heavier vehicles is amping up car prices and damaging the environment, public health, and roads. Let’s take a look at what led to car bloat and why it’s a problem.

What Is “Bidenomics”? Is It the New Reaganomics?

President Joe Biden talking into a microphone.

What is Bidenomics? Why is it being compared to Reaganomics? And will it achieve its goals? The term “Bidenomics,” which has gained attention as President Biden prepares for a 2024 presidential run, refers to a set of policies Biden introduced. Experts are drawing parallels between Bidenomics and Reaganomics because both propose fresh approaches to boost economic growth. Continue reading to learn about Bidenomics and how it compares to Reaganomics.

This New Nonprescription Birth Control Pill Is a Game Changer

Why are nonprescription birth control pills so important? How much will they cost? What do anti-abortion groups think about the decision? The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved a nonprescription birth control pill for the first time. This is a huge deal, especially in a post-Roe v. Wade country where abortion access is restricted in many states. Continue reading to learn about this OTC birth control pill, the impact it will have, and how much it might cost.

Working in Extreme Heat: Why Aren’t There More Regulations?

Why don’t protections exist for Americans working in extreme heat? As climate change pushes temperatures higher, will they get relief? A growing number of Americans are working in extreme heat and dying, yet almost no federal laws exist to protect them. Federal efforts to implement heat safety regulations are complicated to implement and face opposition, leaving workers vulnerable to increasingly dangerous conditions. Here’s a look at the dangerous conditions and why regulation isn’t yet in place.

Fitch’s Credit Rating for the US Went Down—What It Means

What is a government credit rating? What does Fitch’s credit rating mean for the United States? Fitch Ratings, one of the major financial institutions that assign credit ratings to national governments, recently lowered the United States’ credit rating from AAA to AA+. In principle, the lower rating could make it harder for both the US government and US corporations to raise money. Here’s a background on sovereign credit ratings and the impact of the lowered rating.

GLP-1 Weight-Loss Drugs Are Changing the Game

How has the diet industry’s attitude about weight evolved? How does the explosive rise of Ozempic and other “GLP-1” weight loss drugs impact its current trajectory? US weight-loss companies have made billions promoting ineffective diet and fitness advice. However, the recent, explosive rise of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs that promise faster, more effective, less stigmatizing options is forcing weight-loss companies to reevaluate their approach. Here’s how GLP-1 drugs are changing the weight-loss industry.

Is the United States Housing Market Improving in 2023?

What’s happened to the housing market in recent years? What do experts predict for it in the remainder of 2023? How can homebuyers and sellers make the most of market conditions in the months ahead? The United States housing market is on the road to recovery after being disrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic and the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank. Experts predict that over the remainder of 2023, home price growth will slow, inventory will remain low, and demand for homes will stay high. Continue reading for an overview of the current housing market.