Over-processed products tightwads don't buy

Tightwads have their limits. If you're frugal, you might buy the occasional convenience product, but you have a list of items you simply refuse to buy. The price isn't worth the benefit of a mini shortcut that saves only a couple of minutes or seems absolutely crazy to spend money on, such as over-processed or fast food.

What products do you refuse to buy? Here are a few products to reconsider.

Sugary boxed cereal: It's expensive, and there are cheaper and healthier alternatives. Tightwads prefer to make hot breakfast cereals, pancakes, eggs, waffles, fruit and yogurt, to name a few.

Plastic wrap: Rather than use a disposable plastic product, tightwads choose reusable containers. Many invest in versatile storage containers, such as CorningWare Pop-Ins, which can be used in the oven, microwave, refrigerator and freezer.

Pre-made hamburger patties: Perfect circles for hamburgers? For convenience, buy a patty maker (Tupperware still makes a great one), make hamburger patties, and freeze ahead until you want to make them. Or simply use a measuring cup to provide the right amount to work with, don't overhandle or press the meat too hard. Indent the center of each patty to prevent the top from rounding.

Gravy: Set the packets and jars aside. Use a wire whisk or shake flour and broth in a glass jar, then add to the pan drippings to avoid lumps. Be sure to cook the gravy for at least 10 minutes to get rid of the flour taste.

Soda pop: Often, one of the first things cut from the grocery budget is soda pop. Increase your water intake (say no to bottled water, use a reusable container), and decrease beverages such as soda, coffee or powdered drinks. With juice (and snacks, fruit, etc.), avoid individual serving containers, and frozen concentrated juice is cheaper than by the carton or canister.

Packaged cookies: Homemade tastes better, and you control the ingredients. Try the Oatmeal Cookie recipe BELOW.

Precut products: In a frugal home, you won't commonly see precut and bagged vegetables, such as mushrooms, celery, salads or cheese. It takes only a few minutes to chop or slice vegetables, make a salad, or use a box grater to shred cheese.

Gift wrap: There are plenty of materials to use, such as cloth totes or fabric bags, baskets or tins, which are all reusable, or wrap with newspaper, magazine pages or brown paper bags.

Canned goods: Most frugal folks buy fresh (in season) or frozen fruits and vegetables and dry beans, or make homemade chili or soup instead of canned.

•Sara Noel is the owner of Frugal Village, a Web site that offers practical, money-saving strategies for everyday living. Send tips, comments or questions to Sara Noel, c/o United Media, 200 Madison Ave., 4th Floor, New York, NY 10016, or sara@frugalvillage.com.