Ever wondered what it really costs to live the American Dream these days? Spoiler alert: it’s a lot. According to Investopedia, the lifetime price tag for the classic eight pillars of middle-class aspiration—homeownership, retirement, kids, weddings, cars, health care, vacations, and pets—now tops $5 million. Yep, you read that right. Five. Million. Dollars.

Want to retire comfortably? You’re looking at $1.6 million just to keep the lights on and meals on the table for two decades. Thinking about buying a home? The median single-family house will cost nearly $958,000 after mortgage interest, taxes, and insurance. And if you’ve got kids? Raising two of them through college will set you back well over $875,000.

You basically have to have a dual-income, college-educated household to make it possible. Eeek.

Here’s what’s inside today’s newsletter:

🏠 This $15M NH mansion with a presidential past landed on “Zillow Gone Wild”

📅 Can’t-miss events for your calendar (there are so many this week!)

This newsletter is free as a winter snowstorm (but way easier to handle). Subscribe and share here.

By USA Today Via Reuters Connect

President William Howard Taft and writer Mark Twain are a few of the famous figures to spend time at a New Hampshire mansion featured on popular social media real estate account Zillow Gone Wild.

The mansion, known as Knollwood, is “one of America’s most storied private estates,” according to the listing.

The Dublin, NH home is on sale for $15 million.

President Donald Trump announced last Monday that the Food and Drug Administration would update drug labeling to discourage the use of acetaminophen by pregnant women, suggesting it causes autism.

The American Academy of Pediatrics, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and health officials worldwide quickly rejected those claims.

Acetaminophen is the only over-the-counter drug approved to treat fevers during pregnancy.

So this week’s question is…

What are your thoughts on the president’s statements about taking Tylenol while pregnant?

Here’s what you’re saying…

“Follow the science! Do not follow the president!” — Nora During

“Seriously, the man has ZERO knowledge of health care. Please listen to people who actually have experience and knowledge. He is not one of them. Listen to your health care team.” —  Diana Drouillard-O’Brien

“The king is a wack-job! Along with his entire, unqualified cabinet! He has turned this country into a shameful disgrace.”  — Margaret Prolman

🎃 Return of the Pumpkin People
Jackson — Oct. 1–31 
An annual townwide display of pumpkin people and fall-themed activities.
More info

🎨 MacDowell Downtown Series: Brent Watanabe
Peterborough — Friday, Oct. 3
Artist and creative coder Brent Watanabe presents projects combining traditional art forms with emerging technologies.
More info

📚 NH Book Festival
Concord — Oct. 3–4
Festival featuring more than 50 nationally recognized authors and poets, keynote events, free author panels, book signings, food trucks, children’s activities, and vendors.
More info

🍎 Applefest
Nashua — Oct. 4–5
Outdoor family event at Sullivan Farm with games, apple picking, scarecrow-making, face painting, hay rides, crafts, and food.
More info

🍂 Fall Crafts Fair and Festival
Laconia — Saturday, Oct. 4
Ladies of the Lake Annual Fall Crafts Fair with over 75 juried artisan crafters, annual wreath festival, food truck, raffles, and bake sale.
More info

🍺 Annual Exeter Powder Keg Beer & Chili Festival
Exeter — Saturday, Oct. 4
Spend the afternoon sampling bold chili recipes, browsing handcrafted goods, and discovering the creativity of local makers and cooks.
More info

🧶 Mount Washington Valley October Craft Fair
North Conway — Saturday, Oct. 4
Arts and crafts fair with 100 exhibitors in front of the Scenic Railroad at Schouler Park. Crafts, food, demos, and music both days.
More info

🎃 Pumpkin Festival at Charmingfare Farm
Candia — Oct. 4, 5, 11, 12, & 13
Family festival featuring pumpkin picking, wagon rides, barrel train rides, scarecrow stuffing, corn play area, hay bale maze, farm animals, pony rides, costumed characters, live music, and demonstrations.
More info

🥨 19th Annual Oktoberfest Dinner with Live Oompah Music
Troy — Sunday, Oct. 5
This event includes hors d’oeuvres, German dinner with a vegetarian option, and live Oompah music. BYOB. Reservations required.
More info

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Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Katy Savage with reporting by USA Today via Reuters Connect. It was edited by Paula Solis.

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