The number one thing to remember is that genealogy can be very expensive.

The number two thing is to work with what you know as fact and proceed from there.

The number three thing is to remember just because your name is Jefferson or any other famous last name, that doesn't mean your related to the president. please don't try to force connections that don't exist.

The first thing you need to do is take out a piece of paper or even a pedigree chart.

Write down your name, and your info 

dob = death of birth

dom date of marriage if applies

then write down your parents info

dob,dom,dod, and where these events took place and where they are buried. also note any documentation you have to prove these events.

then write down your mothers parents and their info and then your father's parents and their info.

if you don't know your grand parents info then that's one of the first things you want to find out. Keep in mind that anyone who worked after 1937 should have a socials security number and you should be able to look up info in the ssdi index.

You should also be able to find birth announcements, marriage announcements,obits.

When you get back further you will be able to use the census.

then wills,land records, tax records,       

Please don't depend on internet websites and solid proof.

use the info as a guide, but don't put it down on your chart until you have documented the information.