As people are sitting at home in front of their televisions avidly following programs such as "Find My Family" and "Who Do You Think You Are?", there has been a surge of renewed interest by individuals wanting to trace their roots and build their family tree. While these programs generate a great deal of enthusiasm and excitement at the prospect of discovering ancestors and linking with long lost relatives, many are at a loss as to how to start the research process and the right way to go about finding their family. In fact, long held misconceptions can actually thwart their progress and turn researching into a confusing nightmare.

Firstly, it's important to understand that researching your family tree doesn't have to cost you hundreds of dollars, or require the services of an experienced genealogist. Many are deterred from even making a start because they believe they won't have the money to fund their research. Certainly there will be some expense if you want to buy certificates or subscribe to research websites, however you are at liberty to choose whether you want to follow that path or not. In most cases, alternative resources are available.

The next important step is to realize that you already have many documents that can assist you with your family history research, without even having to leave your home. Most people have documents such as birth and marriage certificates, passports, bank accounts, letters, emails, cards, wedding invitations, family bibles and photographs lying around their homes without recognizing their genealogical value. And let's not forget the living aunts, uncles, grandparents and cousins that are a significant and highly valuable resource. You will notice their absence when they're gone and you can no longer ask them their parent's names! Take a moment to consider what you have before you start worrying about what you may need!

Always remember that your family history research begins with YOU. Don't fall into the trap of believing the old family legend that you are related to that famous explorer that discovered Australia! So many people have spent time and money tracing the bloodlines of a famous individual only to find that in fact they are not related at all. By starting your family tree with yourself, you are basing your family history research on solid and known facts and working from there. It's a much safer option!

When you do start researching and recording your family findings, always remember to use standard record keeping practices that are associated with genealogical forms. If you are unsure as to what they are, research them and find out! For example, it will make a huge difference to your research if you capitalize surnames and leave no room for confusion if your ancestor's name is Michael JOHN. Likewise you would never record a date as, for example, 5/6/40. In the United States you might think that was May 6, 1940 whereas in Australia 5/6/40 could be misconstrued as June 5, 1840. The year needs to be clearly entered as well as the day and month. A correctly recorded entry would read 5 JUN 1740.

These are just some of the things you should consider when first starting to research your family tree. Unfortunately they are not always obvious and unless you are guided by experienced researchers these may be some of the pitfalls that you might encounter. Family history research is an interesting journey that can take you to unusual and amazing places, but just as you would prepare for an exciting holiday, please make sure you put in the necessary preparation before you embark on the family research ride of your life!