We're all watching our family budgets these days. Whether shopping with coupons or looking for two-for-one deals, we're taking advantage of all sorts of offers and savings that help us stretch our dollars.

This column will be dedicated to giving you five great local deals each week that will help your family’s bottom line, and since we do the scouting for you, you can save time as well as money.

You are a big part of this column. Let us hear about the deals you've seen. Just add them to our comment box.

Then come back each week and see what we've uncovered together.

Remember to check with the merchant for additional conditions:    

1. Lake Forest Health and Fitness Center, Lake Forest

• Deal: $100 enrollment deal includes two complimentary consultations with a personal trainer (monthly dues apply).

Good through: Feb. 14, 2011

2. Lake City Cleaners, Lake Forest

• Deal: 20 percent off dry cleaning. Find coupon at this link.
• Good through: April 30, 2011

3. Brunswick Bowling, Waukegan

• Deal: Daily deals and more at their Web site. Wednesday deal is $1.59 bowling, 3-6 p.m.
• Good through: until further notice on their Website.

4. Malnati’s, Lake Forest

• Deal: $5 off a $20 purchase. Go to their Web site, sign up for e-mail – within minutes, receive coupon.
• Good through: coupon expires 14 days after received via e-mail.

5. Beanstalk, Highland Park

• Deal: $40 for $80 certificate toward purchase of toys, games and baby stuff. Purchase at this link.
• Good through: Purchase offer is good until Feb. 18. Certificates are valid the day after you buy, until Aug. 18.