about me

professional genealogist Jennifer Dondero, author of Essential Skills for the Occasional Genealogist, an Amazon bestseller

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

2:27 PM

What to Do Before Hiring a Genealogist [+Checklist]

In this post, we’ll go over what to do with your genealogy research before hiring a genealogist. Why you need to follow some essential steps before hiring a pro. The three things you want to do. What you'll get from this process, regardless if you actually hire someone or not! What to…

10:22 AM

Is Hiring a Genealogist Worth It? {+ alternatives}

Is it worth hiring a professional genealogist to build your family tree for you? This isn't a yes or no answer. In this post we'll quickly look at: the different types of work you can hire a genealogist to do how different projects are priced when you need to hire help and what your a…

11:17 AM

How Much Does It Cost To Hire A Professional Genealogist?

You've been researching your family tree but you've hit a brick wall. Maybe it's an ancestor you can't identify, maybe you want specific information about your family and just can't find it. When you get stuck, you might think you have to give-up or hire a pro. Those aren't your only options! …

11:14 AM

How Much Does Genealogy Research Cost?

How Much Does Genealogy Cost in the U.S.? Are you wondering how much a professional genealogist costs? There are a lot of factors involved. I'll hit just the bare bones, first, and then suggest some ways to save when hiring someone or doing your own research.

11:33 AM

What Does a Professional Genealogist Do? [+Video]

There are so many things a professional genealogist can do for you. Understanding your options will help you... consider cost, identify your options, and find the right professional for your needs. Each professional will have different skills and strengths. If you're looking for s…

1:00 AM

How to Save $$$ on Genealogy Records

Today I want to look at some places to get free or cheap access to records and also highlight some techniques to use if you have to hire someone to get records for you. If you dont' know why genealogy records cost money, check-out this post on our sister blog . Understanding the expenses involved can …