Searching for ancestors is fun and worthwhile, but it can also be expensive. Here's how to be "smart" about spending money on genealogical research.
Research your ancestors on MyHeritage
Understand why genealogy research isn’t always free
- Recognize the costs: Although many vital records in the U.S. are in the public domain, it takes money to digitize, host, and index these records for easy access.
- Appreciate proprietary tools: Vendors invest in proprietary methods to enhance image usability, which also adds to the cost.
Compare online subscription costs to travel costs
- Calculate savings: Consider the cost of traveling to a records repository, including transportation, accommodation, and access fees. Often, the cost of a subscription to an online genealogy site (even up to $300 per year) is lower.
Take advantage of free access offers
- Look for free days: Many genealogy sites offer free access during specific holiday periods like Memorial Day, Veterans Day, or Labor Day.
- Sign up for alerts: Register for email alerts from genealogy sites to stay informed about these offers.
Use short-term memberships and cycle subscriptions
- Short-term memberships: Opt for three or six-month memberships instead of annual ones, if available.
- Cycle memberships: Maintain a research log wish list, and sign up again to locate specific records. Cancel the subscription after completing the research.
Negotiate for discounts
- Ask for discounts: When it’s time to renew, call customer service and ask for a discount for being a loyal customer.
Leverage coupon websites
- Search for Coupons: Use sites like Retail Me Not and Coupon Cabin to find promo codes before making a purchase.
Use virtual credit card numbers
- Prevent auto-renewal: Use virtual credit cards with short expiration periods to avoid unwanted auto-renewals. Many memberships or subscriptions at genealogy websites are set up to renew automatically. These settings are covered in the Terms of Service section which should be read before entering credit card information and making a purchase. A virtual credit card is just that: it is connected to an actual credit card account, but can only be used with limitations set by the credit card holder. The process involves visiting the credit card website, following the steps to secure a virtual credit card, and then setting the expiration for a very short period or even a one-time only use. Use the virtual credit card information when making any auto-renewal membership or subscription purchase and when the auto-renew date arrives, the transaction should not be approved since technically the virtual credit card has expired.
Utilize local libraries
- Access Library Resources: Many public libraries offer free access to genealogy websites and research databases. Some even allow remote access. Consult the reference staff at a local public library and also check for other types of libraries at WorldCat.
Sign up for e-newsletters and alerts
- Stay informed: Create a special email account for genealogy e-newsletters and Google Alerts to stay updated on deals and discounts. In addition, learn how to use Google Alerts to be notified: create alerts using keywords such as genealogy and sale or a product name and sale.
Abandon online shopping carts
- Wait for discounts: Add items to your cart and log out. Often, vendors will send discount offers to encourage you to complete the purchase.
Avoid dynamic pricing
- Ensure fair prices: Clear browser cookies and use incognito mode when shopping to avoid dynamic pricing algorithms.
Call customer service for expired sales
- Extend sales: If a sale has expired, call customer service and ask if it can be extended.
Avoid impulse decisions
- Delay purchases: Take time to reconsider purchases to avoid impulsive decisions.
- Disable one-click shopping: This adds extra steps to the purchase process, making it easier to reconsider.
Check for society discounts
- Membership Discounts: Join genealogy societies and professional organizations, such as the Association of Professional Genealogists (APG) and the National Genealogical Society, for access to discounts on genealogy products and services.
Sign up for free genealogy webinars
- Free learning resources: Many societies offer free or low-cost webinars. Look for these opportunities on sites like Conference Keeper and Legacy Family Tree Webinars.
Get free genealogy tech help
- Join Online Groups: Participate in groups like Technology for Genealogy Group on Facebook to get free tech help from other members.
Conclusion
By following these steps, you can enjoy your genealogical research without breaking the bank.
Explore more about how to optimize spending on genealogical research
- The 15 Habits of Highly Frugal Genealogists webinar at Legacy Family Tree Webinars
- Association of Professional Genealogists
- Conference Keeper
- Coupon Cabin
- Google Alerts
- Legacy Family Tree Webinars
- MyHeritage Library Edition
- National Genealogical Society
- Retail Me Not
- Technology for Genealogy Group - Facebook
- What is a virtual credit card?
- WorldCat - List of Libraries