Celebrating seven years of Budget Genealogy! With 21+ years of genealogy experience, more than 100 completed cases, and exciting milestones this past year, I’m grateful to continue helping families uncover their stories. Celebrate with me with 26% OFF all genealogy packages, August 19–31!

A DNA discovery leads to the identification of an unknown biological father and the reconstruction of a Chicago-based family line rooted in Polish ancestry. Through genetic matches, historical records, and family collaboration, a hidden branch of the family tree is restored.

A sunny spring afternoon walk led to an unexpected rediscovery inside a local antique shop — a small vintage teddy bear with a surprisingly rich history. What began as a simple search for a skeleton key became the first story in a new series exploring forgotten treasures, nostalgia, and the hidden histories behind antique finds.

While researching her father’s family history, Marcy uncovers two women with the same name, two different birthdates, and conflicting records that may point to one hidden identity. What began as a simple family tree investigation slowly evolved into a mystery shaped by migration, memory, secrecy, and the fragile nature of historical records.

A personal declaration inspired by Isaiah 61, reflecting the deeper purpose behind my work as a genealogist—restoring what was lost, reconnecting generations, and preserving legacy.

A collector’s purchase of vintage football pads sparks a complex search for descendants—where DNA alone isn’t enough, and genealogy becomes the key.

For nearly a year, MJ — Maria Jane “Mary” Shirley — seemed impossible to find. Through DNA matches, parish indexes, and careful archival research, her baptism record was finally uncovered, confirming her family’s origins in County Kilkenny and solving a long-standing brick wall.

A Find A Grave photo request led to an in-depth search for William Clark in North Cemetery, St. Charles, Illinois. What began as a simple task turned into a fascinating genealogy case study involving outdated records, missing burials, and newly discovered family connections.

A genetic genealogy case study demonstrates how DNA and historical records were used to identify a biological paternal grandfather, solving a complex family history puzzle.

For more than two decades, Budget Genealogy has helped families discover their past with care and integrity. Our recent BBB Accreditation affirms that the trust we build with our clients is at the heart of everything we do.

Dive into Nina's family history as I uncover her German roots! From Bremen and Cologne to their naturalization in the US, see how census records piece together the amazing story of her second great-grandparents.

Learn how meticulous research, including comparing extensive marriage records and analyzing a comprehensive will, led to a breakthrough in identifying the elusive Nathaniel Abbot for my client, overcoming a complex genealogical puzzle.

Join me as I navigate a frustrating genealogical "brick wall" – identifying Eliza Abbot's father, Nathaniel. With an overwhelming number of potential candidates in New England records, it's a true hunt for a needle in a haystack.

Follow along as I tackle a tough client case, tracing the elusive Philip Jacob Meyer and Mary Ann Hoffman. From uncovering vital marriage and census records to facing confusing birthplace discrepancies, this genealogy journey is full of unexpected twists.

My latest trip to the St. Charles archives took a personal turn! Discover the surprising family history finds that left me buzzing, including newspaper mentions of marriage licenses and previously unknown facts from my grandfather's obituary.

Discover the intricate process of virtual genealogy as I sift through thousands of Irish baptism records from St. Mary's Catholic Church, Clonmel. Learn about the digital tools used to decipher aged documents and follow along as I search for Shirley and Carleton ancestors.

Discover what it's like to research at the National Archives in Chicago. This post details my recent on-site work on a client's Native American "brick wall" case, highlighting the strict rules, the delicate, transparent papers, and the captivating, yet distracting, historical narratives.

On a recent trip to the National Archives in Chicago, I delved into a client's challenging Native American "brick wall" ancestry. Navigating fragile records and even disintegrating books, I encountered a truly surprising find: an exceptionally long list of names that cascaded off the table! Get a glimpse into this meticulous research process and see sample files from the visit.

Learn how meticulous research, critical analysis, and problem-solving helped solve a complex 'Conflicting Jacobs' mystery, tracing a client's lineage generations back to 17th-century Germany.

Two paths, one goal: Eastern European & Puerto Rican-Spanish ancestry. Exploring the rich tapestry of heritage.