Hi Reader,

As you read this, I am just back from a fabulous weekend celebrating my big brother's retirement. (I'm such a proud "little" sister.)

When I travel, I confess I pride myself on being an efficient, organized and light packer. I pack with a plan.... except this time, I didn't. Oops! Several forgotten items were left sitting on my kitchen table.

When I research for ancestors without a research plan, things get left or missed. I overlook an important clue in the census record. I forget to order a vital record. My family tree maintenance goes undone.

When we look for our ancestors, we need a plan! Your research plan does not need to overly elaborate or complicated, but you do need one. Otherwise you're just wandering through the records.

Enjoy these resources to get you started on your next research plan.

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📚OVER ON THE BLOG

The Case for Making a Genealogy Research

This week I'm sharing two posts about something I've learned the hard way - the value of having a research plan before you start digging into records:

How to Create Your Genealogy Research Plan (& Why You Should!) - This post walks you through creating your own research plan, from writing a clear research question to organizing the types of records you need to search. It's what I do to stay focused and avoid those tempting rabbit trails.

What Joanna Gaines Taught Me About Better Genealogy Research - You might be wondering what the queen of shiplap has to do with family history research. Her methodical approach to home renovation is actually exactly what we need for genealogy success. Just like Joanna wouldn't gut a kitchen without blueprints, we shouldn't start research without a plan. You'll love this unique, fun approach to your research plan.

A good research plan helps you:

• Stay focused on your specific research question
• Organize your research time more efficiently
• Keep track of what you've already searched
• Note clues for future research without getting distracted

Read both posts:

• ​How to Create Your Genealogy Research Plan (& Why You Should!)​
• ​How Joanna Gaines Made Me a Better Genealogy Researcher​​

🌳GENEALOGY RESOURCES

2 Genealogy Research Planning Tools

Planning your research doesn't require fancy software or have to be complicated. Check out these two free tools to organize your genealogy work:

​Google Sheets - Perfect for tracking research progress, creating source checklists, and maintaining research calendars. The collaborative features mean family members can contribute too. [This is my number #1 tool.]

​Trello - Visual project management that's ideal for breaking down complex research goals into manageable tasks. Create boards for different family lines and move cards through your research workflow. It also has collaboration options as well. Note: The free option does have some limitations.

Both tools sync across devices, so you can update your plans whether you're at home, at the archive or on a research road trip.

🌟 TOGETHER WITH STORIED*

FAMILY HISTORY WORTH SHARING

Record and pass down the meaningful moments behind your ancestry data. From quirky habits to personal triumphs, Storied helps you preserve what genealogy charts miss. Your relatives can collaborate to build a rich family narrative that connects generations.

💡GENEALOGY TIP

Never Lose Your Place Again!

Here's a simple habit that will save you hours: Before ending each research session, write yourself a "next session" note.

Include:

• What you were searching for
• The last source you checked
• Your next planned step - I highlight this in bright orange!
• Any hunches or patterns you noticed

Keep this note at the top of your research file or on a sticky note in your workspace. When you sit down for your next session, you'll jump right back in instead of spending 20 minutes trying to remember where you left off.

Your future self will thank you!

😃HOW TO WORK WITH ME

Don't Forget: Genealogy Audit Summer Pricing

Want to identify and fix common research errors that are weakening your family tree? My genealogy audits help you create a priority action plan for your research leads and get your tree polished before those family gatherings where everyone asks about "the family history."

Summer pricing ends soon - perfect timing to get organized before those summer family reunions are in full swing!

​Click through to learn more about genealogy audits.​

All researchers regardless of their experience level will benefit from a good plan - it's not about being perfect, it's about being purposeful with your research time.

Happy Ancestor Hunting!

Lisa L
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Lisa Lisson Genealogy Researcher, Author & Speaker