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Lebanon Seeks to Distance State from Hezbollah After Cyprus Drone Incident

                                                         File photo: Youssef Ragg Lebanon has urged Cypriot authorities and the public not to conflate the Lebanese state with Hezbollah following a drone strike that originated from Lebanese territory and hit Cyprus six days earlier. Lebanese Foreign Minister Youssef Raggi emphasized that the attack was carried out independently by Hezbollah and does not reflect the policies, values, or intentions of the Lebanese government.  Raggi stressed that Lebanon rejects any attempt to use its territory for external agendas and reiterated that Hezbollah’s actions fall outside the state’s legal authority. He called on Cyprus to distinguish between the official Lebanese government and groups operating autonomously, noting that Lebanon has consistently affirmed its sovereignty ...

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From Overwhelmed to In Control: Your 5-Step Path to Financial Stability

 


Here’s a practical 5-step action plan to help you move from financial stress toward stability—without feeling overwhelmed.

Step 1: Assess and Acknowledge

  • Write down all income sources, regular bills, and debts (amount, interest rate, due date).
  • Don’t shy away from the numbers—knowing exactly where you stand is the foundation for change.
  • Use a free budgeting app or a simple spreadsheet to keep it organized.

Step 2: Prioritize Essentials and Protect the Basics

  • Focus first on housing, utilities, food, and essential transportation.
  • Contact service providers early if you anticipate difficulty paying—many offer payment plans or hardship programs.
  • Avoid taking on new high-interest debt if possible.

Step 3: Tackle Debt Strategically

  • Choose a method:
    • Snowball: Pay off the smallest balances first for momentum.
    • Avalanche: Pay off the highest interest rates first to save money in the long term.
  • Automate minimum payments to avoid late fees, then apply extra funds toward the chosen target debt.

Step 4: Build Skills and Knowledge

  • Attend free financial literacy workshops at community centres or libraries.
  • Learn to identify credible sources versus “quick fix” scams.
  • Explore side income opportunities suited to your skills and available time.

Step 5: Create a Safety Net (Gradually)

  • Once bills are stable, aim for a small emergency fund—even $10–20 a week adds up.
  • Keep it in an account that’s separate from daily spending to avoid temptation.
  • Celebrate small milestones; they’re proof that your efforts are working.


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