Cashed-strapped college students are always looking for ways to save money. Whether they are borrowing books from friends, taking the bus instead of hopping a cab, or shopping thrift stores rather than elite clothing shops, penny-pinching is an art form any student can appreciate. Coupons also fit into the savings scheme. They are abundantly available in newspapers, magazines, flyers, and on bulletin boards. But is it really worth the effort to collect and organize coupons for the savings you receive? You bet!

Emily Kolod, a junior at Smith College, Northampton, MA, believes the most valuable coupons are the ones that offer a dollar off, ‘buy one, get one free,’ or a free item – which she goes after every chance she can. “Usually, I look for coupons for contact solution and batteries.”

Sarah Dudley, also a junior at the college, believes there’s true value in coupons, and boasts coupons for a variety of items can save you even more money. “Using coupons for video rentals and pizza, I usually save five to $10.”

In retrospect, both ladies have to admit, coupons are cool and help to keep money in their purses!

Sidebar: Aside from the usual places to maximize on your college dollar-deals, the Internet offers a coupon-clipping haven of sites for click- and-print coupons. Check out the following sites, and you’ll be on your path to sure-fire savings:

*www.valupage.com

*www.coolsavings.com

*www.coupons.com

*www.smartsource.com