Genetic Genealogy

GEDmatch Offers Completely Free DNA Reports and Cousin Matches: We’ll Show You How to Use It

Some time ago, you decided that you wanted to know more about yourself and your family history beyond what the paper trail revealed, so you purchased a DNA kit. Like me, you likely had a number of questions answered and were faced with a surprise or two. If you’re the curious type (and you probably are because you’re reading this article!), you now have even more questions about your DNA results and genetic genealogy in general. Perhaps you’re ready to take yet another step and have even more questions answered. And that’s where GEDmatch comes in. Read on to find out how to use your raw DNA data to discover more about your genetic past through this free resource.

How Accurate Are DNA Tests? Why You May Be Reading Your DNA Results All Wrong

Millions of people received DNA tests over the holiday season and, as results start to finally roll in, many of you will be looking at ethnicity reports for the first time  – 39% of this, 22% of that, 2% of something totally surprising…it can all be very exciting. But what does it all mean? Can you really take these percentages at face value? The answer is a resounding no. While your results certainly contain truths, accepting your ancestry report without additional interpretation will often lead you to confusion and inaccurate assumptions about your family’s history.

How to Save Money on DNA Testing: Get the Best Deal and Take Advantage of Free Reports

DNA testing for genealogy is more common than ever, but it’s also expensive. Although we’ve seen prices drop quite a bit in recent years the cost is still too much for many to justify. If you’ve been holding off on testing your own DNA, or on expanding your testing to relatives whose information may help your research, the information in this article will help you overcome this cost-hurdle.

MyHeritage is Offering Free DNA Ethnicity Reports to All Uploaders

MyHeritage has announced that they have released an updated 42 population Ethnicity Estimate and are offering it free to anyone who uploads their DNA. MyHeritage has been accepting free uploads of DNA and providing matching for some time but, until now, ethnicity reports were only available to those who purchased a MyHeritage DNA test. Now anyone who has already tested with Family Tree DNA, AncestryDNA or 23andMe can upload raw data to MyHeritage and get the Ethnicity Estimate without cost. Find the upload link and instructions in this article.

FTDNA Now Offers Completely Free DNA Uploads and Cousin Matching

Family Tree DNA, the longest running DNA testing company for family history, has made an exciting change. They will now allow no-cost uploads of DNA to their system from AncestryDNA, MyHeritage and 23andMe and provide all matches for free. Why is this exciting? Because every testing company offers a unique database of individuals who they have tested – and running …

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A DNA Test for Ancestry is the Perfect Last Minute Holiday Gift

With the holidays on the horizon top DNA testing companies MyHeritage, Family Tree DNA and Ancestry are celebrating with discounts on their tests.  If you’re hoping to score a deal (or buy multiple tests as gifts) this is a great time to do it. You’ll find links for the best deals below.

Big Changes in DNA Testing Options for Genealogy May Make Results Available to More People

A new player has entered the DNA testing arena….MyHeritage. This is big news for those interested in genetic genealogy since new offerings in this market are rare, even as updates to existing products continue to draw in new users. Earlier this year, the large family history company began encouraging existing members and new recruits alike …

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