Elizabeth Lotts has published an article that I think should be required reading to all newcomers to genealogy... and also can be very useful to old-timers as well. 

Before you spend money on your research, check into these ten genealogy resources.

You can find the list at: https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/other/10-ways-to-research-your-family-tree-for-free/ar-AA1gRC0Q