Financial Health Checkup -April

Well, the figures are in and they aren't looking as good as last month. It's a step forward and a step back and I'm reminded ouf how vigilent, diligent and disciplined I must be in my focus on our budget and money in general.

When I added everything up, I found that I made waaaayyyy too many trips to my favorite grocery store, and not enough planned trips. Even though I make a menu every week, I forget something, or we need something for a social event...or whatever. So I have a renewed intensity for the month of May! I have already crossed things off the list of things we don't "need". I have plenty of food stockpiled too, so I'm going to really utilize my pantry and freezer this month.

Here are the figures for April:

Groceries Spent April: $537.

Publix Savings: $124.24

Bi-Lo SavingsL $63.26

ECB's : $9.00

Coupon Savings: $38.49

Thank goodness it's a clean fresh slate every month!!

Publix BOGO Deals April 30th-May6th

Here is a quick rundown of the Publix BOGO items for the week: Items in Bold you can add a recent coupon from the paper or from recent online coupons. There may be more coupons that you have stockpiled, or that you have found online to add to these BOGO deals. If there is one you found add it to the comment field. Here is the link to the Publix flyer for some other deals: Publix Flyer

Aztec Flour Tortillas Soft Taco Style 10 ct (Save up to $1.29)
Breathe Right Nasal Strips assorted (Save up to $4.99)
Del Monte Fresh Cut Canned Vegetables-assorted (Save up to $1.09)
Diner’s Choice Mashed Potatoes-assorted 32oz pkg (Save up to $3.69)
Fresh Express Lettuce Shreds 8oz bag (Save up to $1.99)
Glade Car Scented Oil Starter Kit assorted (Save up to $3.99)
Glade Plug Ins Scented Oil Refill assorted value pk (Save up to $4.99)
Hefty One Zip Storage Bags-or freezer, qt or gal, sandwich (Save up to $2.19)
Hershey’s Syrup-24 oz bottle (Save up to $1.85)
Hunt’s or Rotel Tomatoes-assorted varieties (Save up to $1.25)
Jose Ole Taquitos or tacos- assorted varieties 16 oz box (Save up to $4.99)
Kellogg’s Nutrigrain Cereal Bars or granola bars –assorted (Save up to $3.17)
L’Oreal Facial Products Advanced Revitalift- (Save up to $16.59)
Lender’s Bagels –assorted varieties (Save up to $1.79)
Lipton Sides-assorted varieties (Save up to $1.35)
McCormick Black Pepper-4oz can (Save up to $3.59)
Old El Paso Dinner Kit-assorted varieties (Save up to $2.89)
Old El Paso Salsa-assorted varieties 16oz jar (Save up to $2.39)
Ore-Ida Potatoes - assorted varieties (Save up to $2.79)
Orville Redenbacher’s Popping Corn-assorted varieties microwave (Save up to $3.89)
Philly Swirl Products – assorted varieties (Save up to $2.99)
Post Cereal – Pebbles, Honey Bunches Oast, HoneyComb (Save up to $3.09)
Publix Deli Iced Tea –assorted varieties ½ gal (Save up to $1.39)
Publix Enteric Aspirin-100ct box (Save up to $3.99)
Sara Lee Hot Dog Buns or hamburger (Save up to $2.59)
Snickers 6 to go Candy Bars or Milky way, 3 Musketeers, Twix (Save up to $3.79)
Starkist Solid White Albacore Tuna 4pk (Save up to $5.99)
Tostitos Tortilla Chips – assorted varieties (Save up to $3.50)
Uncle Ben’s Original Converted Rice- 5lb bag (Save up to $5.79)
V8 Splash Juice – assorted varieties (Save up to $2.69)

Dave Ramsey... he's not warm and fuzzy, but he makes you think.

It's been awhile since I have had the opportunity to listen to Dave Ramsey. Baseball games have taken over as well as our yard sale. (Which btw was very successful and we raised $500 towards our adoption). But anyway...those two things have been keeping me a little preoccupied and there have been quite a few things slipping to the back burner these days. Listening to Dave Ramsey for one, cutting coupons is way behind, and even my frugal blog. Thankfully things are a little more organized here, with the majority of the yard sale work over. Baseball is 1/2 way over, and I finally caught up on 3 weeks worth of coupons!

So, while I was catching up on those coupons, I got to listen to Dave again today. I always seem to glean something from the guy. Now I have to tell you I don't agree with everything he says. I just plain don't. So sometimes you can find me talking loudly to the computer as I disagree with him over the air waves. For instance a few weeks ago a woman emailed him and asked why he didn't offer health insurance to his employees? He was getting on his high horse about employer benefits and how they don't have to offer health insurance. Blah Blah Blah. It isn't a government mandate that says this, and he said "I am not morally obligated to do so". Okay Dave maybe not I thought, but for a lot of employers a good health plan attracts qualified applicants. I just kept telling Dave he was wrong... not because of necessarily all he said, but the woman who wrote the email asked a simple question and he took it way out of context and in my opinion got defensive and went off on a tangent about it. (I think it hit a nerve).

Anyway, aside from his tangents etc I really glean a lot from him and the many calls he takes. As I listened this morning he told a caller that while they are getting out of debt, he recommends holding off on their 401K contributions. He said, many people would say "What are you crazy? Miss out on my employers match?" But he said it's not for 4-5 years, but for the next 18 - 24 months. I never heard him say that before, and it really surprised me. That could really help us pay off the very last of our debt. Truthfully, we could pay it off now, but that money is ear marked for the adoption, so the car payment and interest rate are low, and we'll keep paying it month to month, and instead continue to fund the adoption. But I am intrigued by Dave's suggestion, and mentioned it to dh. He said he really wants to think about it. That's okay with me, and I understand where he is coming from. If we had a lot more debt, I would be more apt to do so, but all that remains on the car is $4000.

We're still thinking about it... which as I said...Dave Ramsey, he makes you think.

Publix Mystery Coupon

I know this is a little late... but our Penny Item for the Publix Mystery Coupon is a half gallon of Publix Sweet Tea. So, if you are headed to Publix today, make sure you pick yours up for one penny.

The Little Things...

Today in the mail I received my first rebate check from purchases I made at Walgreens. It was a small check, but I put it with the money we have to deposit for our adoption fund. I'll be looking for other things we normally buy, that I can get a rebate on.... Hopefully my little fund will continue to grow. :-)

Grocery Shopping

Do you know that it is almost the last day of the Publix sales flyer and I have not been grocery shopping this week? Nope, I have't been in Publix in days. Only twice, once to buy capri sun drinks for a picnic, and then to buy chips and two 2-liter bottles of soda for another picnic.

That is unbelievable. I posted all the BOGO's earlier this week, and some good deals... so I guess I better go out and get a few. However, two things have sort of kept me from the grocery store this week. One, I was sick all day Sunday, and while I did head to church I was in bed for the rest of the day. I still feel like I am recuperating from that a bit. Secondly, I am up to my neck in yard sale items, pricing etc... we are having a yard sale this weekend to raise money for our adoption. So, between the two.. I haven't had time to really stockpile at all. I'm hoping to have myself caught up a bit and a grocery list made by tomorrow. (Even though I'll probably need rain checks on everything).

Ah well... that's why I have been MIA a bit on this blog. I'm hoping after the yard sale that I'll be back more regularly. It's getting close to the end of the month. I'm looking forward to hopefully paying off our last credit card. (Hopefully!).

A Few more Publix Deals

Just thought I'd post a few more deals that I saw that were not BOGO's from Publix, yet still a good deal....

Birds Eye Steam Fresh Frozen Vegetables - 50% off
Add any coupon $1.00 off two or $1.00 off 3
Depending on your coupons makes them a very low price!

Daisy Sour Cream 16 oz. 3/$5.oo
That's $1.66 each
Add a coupon for $.50 off (doubled to $1.00 off)
Makes them $0.67 each

Friendship Sour Cream- $1.29 each
Add $1.oooff/2 coupon
Makes them $0.79 each

Starbucks Coffee-assorted varieties - $6.49
Not the lowest I have seen, but if you like Starbucks it's a good price.
I'll probably pick one up but I am still trying Don Fransicos. :-)

Publix BOGO Deals - April 16th-22nd

Here is a quick rundown of the Publix BOGO items for the week: There are a ton of them! Items in Bold you can add a recent coupon from the paper or from recent online coupons. There may be more coupons that you have stockpiled, or that you have found online to add to these BOGO deals. If there is one you found add it to the comment field. Here is the link to the Publix flyer for some other deals: Publix Flyer

Arid XX Antiperspirant deodorant or total or extra dry –assorted var. (Save up to $2.99)
Arizona Green Tea Energy Drink-pomegranate, original or diet (Save up to $6.99)
Bantry Bay Mussels- (Save up to $4.99)
Campari Tomatoes- (Save up to $4.99)
Cole’s Garlic Bread of Toast Slices-assorted varieties (Save up to $2.79)
Farm Rich French Toast-assorted varieties (Save up to $3.29)
General Mills Cereal- Honey Nut Cheerios, Lucky Charms (Save up t o $4.99)
Hershey’s Bliss Dark Chocolate-assorted 9.6oz bag (Save up to $3.99)
Hunt’s Tomato Ketchup -24oz bottle (Save up to $1.75)
Juicy Juice 100% premium juice –assorted varieties (Save up to $3.49)
Kashi Cereal-assorted varieties (Save up to $3.39)
Keebler Townhouse or Club Crackers-assorted varieties (Save up to $3.79)
Kellogg’s Cereal – Frosted Flakes Froot Loops (Save up to $4.99)
Kellogg’s Yogos –assorted varieties (Save up to $2.89)
Kraft or Seven Seas Dressing- assorted varieties (Save up to $2.49)
Kozy Shack Pudding –assorted varieties 22oz tub (Save up to $2.99)
Land O Lakes Spread- (Save up to $1.47)
Lay’s Potato Chips –assorted varieties (Save up to $3.49)
Lender’s Pre-sliced Bagels (Save up to $1.95)
Lysol Disinfectant All Purpose Cleaner-40oz bottle –assorted varieties (Save up to $2.99)
Mt Olive Sweet Relish, spear,chips or cubes-assorted varieties (Save up to $2.19)
Nabisco Chips Ahoy Cookies-assorted varieties (Save up to $3.39)
Ocean Spray 100% Juice-assorted varieties 64oz bottle (Save up $3.89)
Quaker Baked Bars,oatmeal to go, muffin bites, oatmeal cookies (Save up t o $3.19)
Shout Laundry Stain Remover w/ trigger 22oz bottle (Save up to $2.89)
Simply Potatoes Mashed Potatoes -24oz pkg (Save up to $2.59)
Streit’s Matzo Ball Mix-assorted varieties (Save up to $2.59)
Sunsweet Pitted Prunes-bite size or regular (Save up to $3.69)
Swanson Hungry Man Dinner-assorted varieties (Save up to $3.29)
Thomas’s English Muffins- original plain, (Save up to $2.99)
Toufayan Pita Bread-selected varieties (Save up to $1.19)
Uncle Ben’s Ready Rice-assorted varieties, microwaveable (Save up to $1.89)
Valley Fresh White Chicken – 10oz can (Save up to $3.29)
Wyler’s Light Soft Drink Mix-assorted varieties, sugar free (Save up to $2.99)

My new favorite breakfast!

My children and I have a new favorite breakfast here at our house. Is it frugal? Probably not. Could I make it more frugal? Not without a lot of work.... (making homemade biscuits) and I don't think I'm willing to do that... yet.

It's biscuits and homemade apple butter. It's delicious! I served the apple butter to a friend, and she thought it was awesome too. So I'm posting the recipe online. Several of my friends have recommended Pillsbury's frozen biscuits, and having tried them many times now, I can concur that they are awesome! The kids LOVE them!

So, Pillsbury biscuits and homemade apple butter. It's quick, easy and it's made overnight in the crockpot.....can't get any better than that.

Apple Butter
4 cups of peeled, chopped granny smith apples
2T balsamic vinegar
1T ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground cloves
3/4 cup packed dark brown sugar
1/4 cup butter, divided
1/2 tsp salt
1 1/2 tsp vanilla

Combine apples, sugar, vinegar, 2T butter, cinnamon, salt and cloves in crock pot. Cook 6-8 hours on low. After 6-8 hours stir in remaining 2T butter and vanilla. Serve with warm biscuits. Makes 2 cups.

Great Coffee Article

Here is a link to an interesting coffee article. It's called A Frugal Mom's Guide to Good Coffee. Most of my friends know I love coffee, but lately the price has been astronomically high. I plan to try a few brands that people recommended to see if I can find a more frugal coffee for my morning habit.

One thing in the above article I found interesting, especially as we head into warmer weather is to freeze your leftover coffee into cubes. You can then use it for making iced coffee drinks. I love this idea! My own frapucchino. lol! I always have leftover coffee, so this would be a cool thing to implement once I get an ice cube tray. :-)

Check out some of the other tips she has... and enjoy that cup of Joe!

Menu Plan...the short version

I need a menu plan to get me through the next 3 days until the new flyer comes out for Publix. I wasn't thrilled with the deals this past week, so I spent almost all my money at Bi-Lo stocking up on Hebrew National hot dogs. Last week I stocked up on baked beans at Bi-lo, so we are pretty well set for the summer. lol!

Anyway, here is my menu for the next three days....

Monday
Breakfast- Biscuits/homemade apple butter
Lunch- English Muffin Pizzas
Dinner- Crockpot Chicken

Tuesday
Breakfast- Cereal/ English Muffins
Lunch- Deli Wraps/granola bars/fruit
Dinner- Leftover London Broil/rice

Wednesday
Breakfast- French Toast
Lunch- Soup/Crackers/Fruit
Dinner-Spaghetti

Publix Mystery Coupon

The 1 penny item for our area today is a roll of Bounty paper towels. We could always use these and saved $1.98. yeah!

Bi-Lo Deal - Hebrew National Beef Franks

I know I hardly ever post about Bi-Lo, but in case someone would benefit..(like my friend Kris)....I had to post this deal. We love Hebrew National beef franks. It's our family's favorite and we eat them through out the summer, grilled or whatever. We'll have friends over and have hamburgers and hot dogs and that is what we serve.

Bi-lo has them BOGO again this week. I bought them before we went to Florida at the BOGO price, and I'll be going back again to stock up. I just freeze them...though the freezer is getting pretty full, and we really could use another one. (How long have I been saying that?)

Anyway.... if you like Hebrew National, then you know how expensive these franks are and that this price really helps out! Go get them at Bi-Lo this week! But save some for me please. :-)

Publix BOGO Deals -April 9th-15th

Here is a quick rundown of the Publix BOGO items for the week: There are a ton of them! Items in Bold you can add a recent coupon from the paper or from recent online coupons. There may be more coupons that you have stockpiled, or that you have found online to add to these BOGO deals. If there is one you found add it to the comment field. Here is the link to the Publix flyer for some other deals: Publix Flyer

Arnold Classic Italian Bread-20oz loaf (Save up to $2.69)
Bertolli Olive Oil-extra light or 100% pure (Save up to $6.99)
Betty Crocker Hamburger Helper-chicken or tuna - (Save up to $1.99)
Online Coupon for Hamburger Helper HERE
Classico Pasta Sauce-assorted varieties (Save up to $2.55)
Delmonte Tomatoes –assorted varieties (Save up to $1.27)
Doritos Tortilla Chips-assorted varieties ($3.49)
Fresh Express Spinach (Save up to $2.69)
Green Giant Canned Vegetables-assorted varieties (Save up to $1.05)
Hershey’s Nuggets-assorted varieties (Save up to $3.29)
Keebler Chips Deluxe Cookies or shortbread –assorted varieties (Save up to $3.85)
Kellogg’s Cereal-assorted varieties (Save up to $3.29)
Kid’s Cuisine Dinner –assorted varieties (Save up to $2.19)
Kraft Real Mayo or Miracle Whip (Save up to $4.49)
Kraft South Beach Living Meal-assorted varieties (Save up to $2.99)
Lipton Tea Bags-110ct box (Save up to $3.59)
Lysol Neutra Air Air Treatment-assorted varieties (Save up to $3.29)
McCormick Garlic Powder or Sliced (Save up to $2.99)
Nabisco Ritz Crackers-assorted varieties (Saveup to $3.29)
Nabsico Toasted Chips or Garden Harvest Chips –assorted varieties (Save up to $2.99)
Northland Juice –assorted varieties (Save up to $3.89)
Pop Secret Premium Popcorn – assorted varieties (Save up to $4.59)
Post Cereal-Pebbles.Honey Buncesof Oats, Honey Comb- (Save up to $3.59)
Publix Nasal Decongestant-PE non drowsy 18ct (Save up to $3.39)
Ronzoni Pasta – selected varieties (Save up to $1.39)
Scrubbing Bubbles Bathroom Cleaner-assorted varieties (Save up to $2.93)
Streitz Matzo Ball Mix or Matzo Ball & Soup Mix –assorted varieties (Save up to $2.59)
Sun Maid Natural California Raisins-24oz (Save up to $3.69)
Zatarain’s New Orleans Style Mix-assorted varieties (Save up to $1.69)

Grocery Savings/Spending - March

I finally had a little bit of time to go through all my grocery receipts and savings for the month of March. I have to say I am pleased with how well we did! We are not quite where I would like for us to be yet, but are getting closer. I'm not sure if I posted an actual budget or not, though I do know I had one in my mind. It was around $100. a week. It's actually on my Dave Ramsey budget form as well.

Anyway, I hit under that at about $98 a week. For the month my groceries were $430. The entire month! And I have a lot of food in my house! So I am feeling pretty good about that as I have saved about $150 from the days of couponless shopping. Here are some more figures that I also added to the 2008 tracking numbers in my side bar.

Groceries Spent March: $430.

Publix Savings March: $146.12

Bi-Lo Savings March: $74.24

ECB's : $15.00

Savings from Clipped Coupons March: $190.89

New Blog!

No, not from me! Good grief I have enough of those already! lol!

My friend Mamosa has started a new blog called Practically Proverbs 31. It's all about stewardship of our finances, bodies, and lives. I'm looking forward to reading her blog frequently!

Publix Mystery Coupon???

The penny item at our local Publix is Publix Brand sliced white bread. Yeah! We needed bread, and it has become more expensive, so we were glad to see this! Go get yours today!

Questions Answered...

I had a comment left asking about the Cinnamon Rolls and the London Broil that I prepare.

Well first about the cinnamon rolls...oh how I wish I could say that I make them homemade. I bet it would be less expensive! However, our Sunday tradition is to make the Grands Cinnamon Rolls before church. Dh has been doing this forever...and it's really all him. I just get ready for church. lol! My friend Susan makes an incredible sweet rolll that tastes just like Cinnabon Rolls. Seriously. They are delicious! I have not attempted to make them, though I should as I can make the dough in my under-utilized bread machine.

The London Broil recipe I have not "officially" made yet. I got this recipe at a cooking demonstration I went to recently. We actually got to sample the London Broil served with rice, and it was awesome. It was my favorite recipe of the evening. I also buy London Broil BOGO at Bi-lo and happened to have two in my freezer....so these are just waiting for this recipe to be used! It is so easy.....

3-5 lbs of London Broil
2 cups of water
1pkg onion soup mix
1 can cream of chicken soup

Place meat in the bottom of the crock pot. In small bowl, mix water & soups. Pour over beef. Cook on high for 4-6 hours or on low for 8-10 hours. Serve with rice, potatoes or noodles. Serves 6-8.

*Note* The cream of chicken soup is not a typo. It was really used and actually tastes less "pot roasty" than using cream of mushroom soup. I think the london broil basically falls apart, or was shredded a bit with two forks and served over the rice.

Menu Plan...

Whew! I feel sooo lost without my menu plan. Seriously. It drives me bonkers not having some kind of guide to go off of....even if I don't follow it precisely.

So without further ado, here is my menu plan for the coming weekend and all of next week. It may be a little rough around the edges, but it is pretty well done.

Saturday
Breakfast-Pancakes/ Sausage
Lunch- Hot Dogs/Fruit
Dinner-Mozzarella Chicken

Sunday
Breakfast- Cinnamon Rolls
Lunch- Crockpot something
Dinner- Sandwiches

Monday
Breakfast- Apple Butter / Biscuits
Lunch- Baked Potato/Broccoli
Dinner- Baked Rotini

Tuesday
Breakfast- eggs/toast
Lunch- Deli Wraps
Dinner- Mild Italian Sausage w/ peppers

Wednesday
Breakfast- Bagels/Cereal
Lunch- Soup/Homemade Bread
Dinner- Fiesta Chicken

Thursday
Breakfast- Cereal/Toasted pastries/Fruit
Lunch- Ravioli
Dinner- Crockpot Chili/rice

Friday
Breakfast – Waffles
Lunch – English Muffin Pizzas
Dinner- White Chicken Chili

Saturday
Breakfast- Pancakes/ Sausage
Lunch- Out
Dinner- Hamburgers/Fries/Baked Beans

Sunday
Breakfast- Cinnamon Rolls
Lunch – London Broil/Rice
Dinner- Whatever is left from the week!

Publix Shopping Trip

I went to Publix last night and made a quick trip in to grab the BOGO deals and some necessities we needed. You know...fruit/milk/veggies etc.

I did pretty well... I saved $50. and spent $65 on all my groceries.... I had a cart full!

One thing I bought a ton of at $0.70 a box were the Betty Crocker Supreme Brownie Mixes. I bought ten of them on a BOGO price, and had coupons too! When I got home to put it all away... I noticed that I already have 7 boxes of Duncan Hines Brownie Mix in my pantry. Um so 17 boxes.... if I go to shop for Brownie Mix in the near future, just shoot me. lol!

I wish I lived closer to Kroger like my friend Jeannie. What's a Girl to Do? I could use some of that Gatorade she bought there! Baseball season is upon us...and that is what my boys drink.

Publix BOGO's - April 2nd - 8th

Here is a quick rundown of the Publix BOGO items for the week: There are a ton of them! Items in Bold you can add a recent coupon from the paper or from recent online coupons. There may be more coupons that you have stockpiled, or that you have found online to add to these BOGO deals. If there is one you found add it to the comment field. Here is the link to the Publix flyer for some other deals: Publix Flyer

EDIT: I'm sorry but I read the Publix Flyer wrong on the Gatorade... It is actually Buy 2 get 1 free. I've taken it out of my list.

Bagels -4 count-assorted varieties (Save up to $1.49)
Barilla Pasta –assorted varieties (Save up to $1.39)
Betty Crocker Supreme Brownie Mix-assorted varieties (Save up to $2.39)
Bird’s Eye Voila Meal –assorted varieties (Save up to $4.69)
Blackberries- 5.6oz pkg (Save up to $2.49)
Chatham Village Croutons-assorted varieties (Save up to $1.49)
Electrosal Automatic Dishwasher Detergent -75 oz bottle (Save up to $4.19)
Fast Fixin’ Chicken Breast Nuggets or Strips-36 oz pkg (Save up to $5.99)
General Mills Cereal –Cheerios and Toast Crunch assorted varieties (Save up to $3.49) Online Coupon for both cereals HERE
Green Giant Canned Vegetables –assorted varieties (Save up to $1.05)
Hefty Everyday Plates – 130 ct pkg (Save up to $5.29)
Hershey’s Candy Bars, Reeses peanut Butter Cups –assorted (Save up to #3.79)
Icicle Supreme Surimi Flake Style – 16 oz pkg (Save up to $3.99)
Irish Spring Deoderant Soap Bars-assorted varieties 3pk (Save up to $3.29)
Kellogg’s Cereal –Frosted Mini Wheats + other assorted varieties (Save up to $3.99)
Kellogg’s Pop Tarts- assorted varieties (Save up to $2.15)
Luigi’s Real Italian Ice-assorted varieties 24 or 36 oz box (Save up to $3.19)
Lysol Sanitizing Wipes-assorted varieties (Save up to $4.99)
Maxwell House Ground Coffee- assorted varieties (Save up to $3.05)
Mueller’s Pasta –assorted varieties (Save up to $1.29)
Nabisco Single Serve Tray or Kraft Handi Snacks-12-24pk (Save up to $5.69)
New York Garlic Texas Toast- reg, lite o garlic bread sticks (Save up to $2.59)
Orville Redenbacher Popping Corn-assorted varieties (Save up to $3.89)
Peter Pan Peanut Butter-assorted varieties (Save up to $2.19)
Publix Allergy Relief Tablets-10ct pkg (Save up to $6.99)
Ragu Pasta Sauce –assorted varieties (Save up to $1.99)
Rosetta Pasta – assorted varieties 18-25oz bag (Save up to $3.99)
Sheba Premium Cuts Cat Food-assorted varieties (Save up t o $1.09)
Superpretzal Soft Pretzals – assorted varieties (Save up to $2.69)
Swiss Miss Pudding –assorted 6 pk (Save up to $2.27)
Wishbone Dressing –assorted varieties 16 oz bottle (Save up to $2.85)