And guess what? My family only had about half of my ancestral make up correct. I have done several of these tests (Ancestry, 23 and Me etc.) and they all almost agree with each other- on my genetic makeup give or take a few percentages. Genetic genealogy is a science and the "white papers" that explain the science is on their website. I am sorry but it also doesn't matter what you have been told your whole life because most of what you know is just family stories/myths that are passed down. If you submitted YOUR saliva test- that break down of your DNA is based off of that- not your last name. Using your or your stepdad's last name absolutely does not matter. I still go to movies once or twice a month, just not as many, and always on a weekday early afternoon showing (local Cinemark is $4.54 for the early afternoon show- and no crowds! ) I know how much it is to add it for 6 months, so when I get paid- I put my entertainment money in its own savings account every 2 weeks, not checking, every 2 weeks part of it assigned to Ancestry so when I renew - the money is there, the rest is labeled fun money for outings. With a budget that that is mindful for outcome, even with the world membership- I am spending less then I was 3 years ago. It was easy for me to see where the cuts could be made so I can do something I love to do, rather than just want to do. I am anal- and stick to a budget, and track even little minute expenses that add up).
For me, I give up some extra fun things for it (like going to movies on a friday and sat nights with dinner- that's expensive and can easily add up over the course of 6 months or a year. Gas vs about 150 year for me a lot cheaper, and get more research done. The closest family center for me is a 50 mile round trip drive. Fold 3 is awesome also- more history there for some lines that cant fine much on newspapers. I could fill 3-4 books now with articles about them. Some great finds, some heart wrenching regarding my grandparents, aside from the gg's grandparents. I have found so many articles regarding one line, (ggg grandfather was sheriff, involved heavily in politics, business owner, etc) So many articles confirmed stories I heard growing up, or filled in many blank spaces.
I get it for 6 months at a time, then let it expire for about 6 months, then get it on special.