Spring brings out the restlessness in everyone.  We want to do or buy something new.  We also get into the mood for a get away.  It is really hard to do this when on a budget and during a time when we are trying to save money and avoid using a credit card.  Over the next few weeks, I’ll be adding some vacation and date ideas that you can fit into most budgets.  If you have children, often the most expensive part of date night is child care.  Find a few other couples with children in the same age range as your kids.  Then, start a child care sharing group.  You will watch their children for one evening or a specified time, and in exchange, they will watch your children.  You can drop the children off at their home and pick them up after the date, or invite the other couple into your home to watch you kids there.  That way, you don’t have to end your date by putting tired kids to bed, since the other mom/couple has already done that for you.  When you or your spouse watch their children, offer to do it in their home.  After their kids are in bed, you and your spouse can watch one of their movies or listen to their music… and snuggle on their couch… It gives you a bit of a date just because it is someplace new and different.