about me
blog author
Meet the Author
I'm Jennifer, and I'm an Occasional Genealogist... sort of. For over ten years I've been a professional genealogist. I started researching my own family nearly 30 years ago. Like many of you, I started as an Occasional Genealogist. I had to squeeze research in while in school and while working full-time. Then I got my first genealogy job and for awhile, it was genealogy all the time. Now I have two kids. I do other people's genealogy constantly but my own? Coming up with ways to do great genealogy, despite all the interruptions, is now mandatory.
Learn More About Me

Read These Posts First

Showing posts from 2019

Posts contain affiliate links. See my disclosures page for details.

 


data:post.title
6:53 AM

These 2 Ancestry DNA Tools Will 10x Your Results

UPDATE: I am now hesitant to recommend testing at AncestryDNA. Currently, there are severe limitations to the tools they offer and your options for third-party tools are now being limited. However, so many people have tested there, you'll miss out on helpful matches if you don't test there. If you've …
tags
Read more
data:post.title
9:30 AM

Creating Custom Genealogy Forms

Forms can really help you out in genealogy. They can remind you of all the "things" you need to caputre as well as provide an organizing structure. This post is for lots of kinds of genealogists. You might be: ...on the hunt for the right form to organize your genealogy. ...looking to go deeper with…
tags
Read more
data:post.title
11:51 AM

Jumpstart the MAGIC Step in Genealogy with this Tip

I've been creating a lot of genealogy forms, guides, charts, cheatsheets, etc. in the last few weeks. I've gotten to the point of summarizing some of the most important steps you need to take, those steps the most occasional of Occasional Genealogists needs to do, even if they have to drop a lot of other &qu…
Read more
data:post.title
8:35 AM

The Best DNA Tools & Do You Even Need Them?

You came here today because you want the best DNA tools . OOOOOO, sounds so promising. You're going to break down all your brick walls by picking the perfect tools, easily executing them, and then you'll sit back and relax under your lush family tree. …
tags
Read more
data:post.title
7:24 AM

You Don't Need a Research Log!

Did the title of this post get you excited, or mad, or just curious? Good! I've got you here, now I've got some helpful information. This post is for you if... you struggle to keep a research log. you don't know what a research log is . you're looking for an excuse to justify…
tags
Read more
data:post.title
6:05 AM

The Best Way to Do Genealogy Research : Family History Month #3

One of the top requests I get from genealogists is help doing research planning. I know this was a topic I was always looking for help with even after I was a professional. Last week I started talking about Research Plans but today I want to flesh it out and the freebie(s) in the Family History Month 2019 Collection…
tags
Read more
data:post.title
5:08 AM

Genealogy Research Planning is Easy

This post was originally the second for the Family History Month 2019 Collection. It has been updated to work with The Brick Wall Solution Roadmap (because it followed the Roadmap, even back in 2019. The Roadmap is a proven path to genealogy success). The 2019 freebie was a printable "Research Plan …
tags
Read more
data:post.title
8:14 AM

2 Secrets to Genealogy Success

Happy Family History Month! This is the first post related to the Family History Month 2019 Collection. (Updated for 2023) To kick off the Collection, I've created an exclusive Family History Month Planner. I think we all know it's no longer 2019. All the FHM2019 posts are still relevant but …
tags
Read more
data:post.title
3:57 PM

#1 Tip for Finding That Elusive Ancestor

You can't find your ancestor in online records? There are several reasons but this post is about a reason many newbie genealogists don't consider. It can be so frustrating when you're hunting for that elusive ancestor and just can't seem to find them. You keep searching online but... Why…
tags
Read more
data:post.title
6:54 AM

7 Tips to Maximize Your Genealogy Time

This week I have something a little different. It's my first guest post! Earlier this summer I was completely overwhelmed and my health was even starting to suffer. I'm in a business mentorship this year and one of my fellow program participants is an efficiency expert and productivity coach and she was ab…
tags
Read more
data:post.title
6:06 AM

Cloud-Based Mind Mapping Tools to Help You Organize Your Genealogy

Mind mapping is a brainstorming technique where visual diagrams are used to show how thoughts or ideas are connected. The process is commonly used in project planning and presentations. But have you tried it for genealogy? Mind maps look a lot like family trees that got a little loose and crazy. And I know that’s …
tags
Read more
data:post.title
1:09 PM

Ancestry DNA ThruLines: What Does It Do?

If you've been bombarded with news of AncestryDNA's new feature, ThruLines™, you may be wondering what it is and what it can do for you. I woke up Friday morning to an email from a research cousin to one of my DNA clients asking and exclaiming all sorts of things about ThruLines™. Basically, she thoug…
tags
Read more
data:post.title
5:18 PM

What To Do While You Wait for DNA Matches to Respond

Are you trying to make progress using your DNA results but aren't sure what to do? This post is for you. You can try these tips and suggestions to get more from your DNA results. I started this list as part of my post about contacting AncestryDNA matches . These were suggestions of what to do while you wait…
tags
Read more
data:post.title
1:58 PM

Why is AncestryDNA Different?

UPDATE: I no longer recommend testing at AncestryDNA. Currently, there are severe limitations to the tools they offer and your options for third-party tools are now being limited. If you've already tested at AncestryDNA, this post will help you use those results but for faster results, consider a site with more to…
tags
Read more
data:post.title
12:41 PM

How to Contact AncestryDNA Matches

Are you looking for help on how to contact your AncestryDNA? You're in the right place. It's easier than you thought when you searched for help! [If you're looking for my post with AncestryDNA messaging templates, you can find it here .] How to Contact Ancestry DNA Matches The only way to contact an…
tags
Read more
Ⓒ 2024 The Occasional Genealogist. Design created with by: Brand & Blogger. All rights reserved. View our Privacy Policy.