Lone Oak Leasing, Vacation Rentals

09/11/2026

Most of us don't know these numbers until something goes wrong.

That's the problem, because searching "IRS phone number" or "fraud hotline" in a panic is exactly when a fake ad or look-alike number can catch you.

So I put 12 official U.S. numbers in one place.

A few worth knowing: 211 connects you with local community resources for food, housing and utilities. 988 is the crisis lifeline, by call or text. The DOJ's National Elder Fraud Hotline is for fraud victims age 60 and older.

One correction to a common belief: the Do Not Call Registry reduces sales calls from legitimate companies. It does not stop scammers who ignore the law.

And the IRS normally makes first contact by mail, not by phone, text or social media.

Send this to the person in your family who always gets the "can you find the number for..." call.

P.S. Once a week, I email the best money article I read, with my take on this week's top Facebook posts and what's new on the Ways to Wealth blog. It's free, and you can sign up on the Ways to Wealth home page.

R.J. Weiss, CFP®



The content shared here is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not personalized investment, tax, legal, or financial advice. Consult a licensed professional before making decisions based on your specific situation.

09/11/2026

After 9/11, a Maasai community in Kenya responded to America's tragedy with one of the most meaningful gifts they could offer:

14 cows.

The story began with Kimeli Naiyomah, a Maasai man from Kenya who was studying in the United States and was in New York on September 11, 2001.

When he eventually returned home, he told members of his community what he had witnessed and described the enormous loss of life.

For people thousands of miles from New York, the scale of the tragedy was difficult to comprehend.

But they understood grief.

And they wanted to help.

In Maasai culture, cattle traditionally represent far more than food or money.

They can represent wealth, security, status and life itself.

So the community decided to give America something genuinely valuable to them.

Cows.

At a ceremony in 2002 attended by a representative from the U.S. Embassy, Maasai elders formally presented 14 cattle to the people of the United States in memory of those killed on September 11.

One elder reportedly explained the sentiment simply:

To heal a sorrowing heart, give something that is dear to your own.

The cows weren't shipped to America.

They remained in Kenya, where caring for them was more practical and where they could continue to symbolize the gift.

Over time, the herd grew.

The story eventually inspired the children's book 14 Cows for America, introducing millions of people to an extraordinary gesture that otherwise might have been forgotten.

The monetary value of 14 cows was tiny compared with the billions of dollars involved in the aftermath of 9/11.

But that wasn't the point.

This was a community on the other side of the world hearing that strangers were suffering and asking:

What is precious to us that we can give to them?

Their answer was cattle.

Not because cows meant little to them.

Because cows meant so much.

09/04/2026

You make a dollar, they take a slice.

You spend what’s left, they take another cut.

You buy a home or a truck, you pay rent to the state forever.

Then inflation quietly robs whatever is sitting in the bank.

We all know paved roads, good schools, and first responders cost money. But run your paycheck through income tax, payroll deductions, sales tax, property levies, and soaring prices, and your hard-earned cash gets clipped at every single turn.

Give it a few years, and they’ll find a way to meter the air we breathe.

07/25/2026

In the 1960s, while driving through the American South, President Lyndon B. Johnson looked out the window at racial slurs painted on billboards and turned to his assistant, Bill Moyers.

He uttered a line that would become one of the most famous observations on political manipulation in American history:

"If you can convince the lowest white man he's better than the best colored man, he won't notice you're picking his pocket. Hell, give him somebody to look down on, and he'll empty his pockets for you."

Johnson’s point wasn't just about racial hatred; it was about how politicians throughout history have used social divisions to keep working-class people from realizing they were being economically exploited.

07/12/2026

06/29/2026

🏙️ Spencer Pratt weighed in on New York City’s rent freeze, arguing the policy doesn’t actually freeze housing costs—it freezes landlords’ rental income while property taxes, insurance, maintenance, and other expenses continue to rise.

Pratt claimed the long-term effect could be reduced investment in housing and fewer new developments, reflecting a broader argument made by critics of rent control. Supporters, however, say rent freezes provide immediate relief for tenants struggling with rising housing costs.

The debate over rent control remains one of the most divisive issues in housing policy.

💬 Do you think rent freezes help renters, or do they create bigger housing problems over time?

12/25/2025

Merry Christmas from all of us at Lone Oak Vacation Rentals,

As the year comes to a close, we want to take a moment to sincerely thank you — our guests — for choosing to stay with Lone Oak. Whether your visit was for rest, celebration, work, or time with loved ones, it truly meant a great deal to us to be part of your journey this year.

Life has a way of reminding us that each season brings something different — moments of joy, times of reflection, and opportunities to reconnect. We are deeply grateful to every guest who trusted us with their stay and allowed our homes to be a small part of their story.

Your presence, your kind words, and your support of our locally owned properties have been the greatest gift to us. Even when you may not have realized it, you helped strengthen and encourage our family and our growing Lone Oak community.

From our family to yours, we wish you a very Merry Christmas and a New Year filled with peace, comfort, and meaningful moments. We hope the coming year brings you back our way — and if it does, we’ll be honored to welcome you again.

Warmest wishes,
Keith & the Lone Oak Vacation Rentals Team

10/11/2025

Family Reunion 2025
https://www.facebook.com/denise.wilson.manchaca?__cft__[0]=AZW2pOHwNay7-HbJqfPRWZbgyE2bTpcKUibr6OJ-jNjW4oF0oOUFf6N50_XywDuMut9zSjvs86Nk8WxSfIZdIiJK-vXhVv6Ni7XSExHCfN20odCSlmQv5OgozmNIHB2nVMqWQCkcsavt-knpKFgkYYDetf5YU1sWBH921gwFlrxQVg&__tn__=-UC%2CP-R

09/27/2025

Been looking for a ride and some wind in my hair, but this is way cooler....oh ya

09/26/2025

Welcome to Arsula's House, situated atop Goe Hill. Nestled in a picturesque location, our property offers a cozy and inviting atmosphere with a beautiful blend of rustic and modern décor for an unforgettable stay. Enjoy modern amenities and a convenient location that brings you close to all of nature’s wonders. This property treats you to stunning landscapes and tranquility while you explore nearby attractions and indulge in local cuisine, creating memories that will last a lifetime at Arsula's House.

Built nearly 50 years ago by my grandfather Johnny B. for my grandmother Arsula Whom he lovingly call Dot. We have updated much of the home while striving to maintain the ambiance that Johnny B originally intended. The house sits atop Goe Hill, offering a breathtaking view overlooking Stone Fort Valley. From here, you can see the Stone Fort Bluffs, Tom Dick Hill, and the beginning of the Shawnee National Forest to the southeast.

Nearby attractions include Burden Falls, Bell Smith Springs, John Mack Hollow, Buzzards Roost, McCormick Lookout Tower, Trigg Tower, Jack’s Trail Ride, Camp Ondessonk, and Cedar Falls—all just minutes away. The Garden of the Gods and Cave in Rock are also easily accessible.

Guests have access to the entire property, except for areas that are locked and designated for storage. Stonefort is a quiet, sleepy little town with 250 POP and excellent access to the Shawnee National Forest. The Tunnel Hill State Trail runs straight through the middle of town.