💸 How to Cut the Cord and Still Watch Everything You Want — For Free!

Want to ditch the expensive streaming subscriptions but still enjoy your favorite movies, shows, music, books, and more? You absolutely can — and the best part? It’s 100% legal and safe.

Here’s how you can build your own powerful, free media system using your local library, free streaming apps, and an antenna. You'll be surprised just how much is out there — without ever needing to pay for Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, or cable again.

📡 1. Start with Over-the-Air (OTA) TV

If you have a TV and an antenna, you already have access to 20–60+ channels in most U.S. cities. These include:

• Major Networks: CBS, NBC, ABC, FOX, PBS

• Bonus Channels: MeTV, AntennaTV, Grit, Bounce, CourtTV, Ion, and more

Pair it with a budget DVR like HomeWorx or Tablo, and you can even record your favorite shows just like cable.

🎬 2. Free Streaming Apps You Should Be Using

These apps work on Roku, Fire Stick, smartphones, tablets, or computers — no subscription needed:

App	What You Get
Tubi	Thousands of free movies & TV shows
Pluto TV	Live TV & on-demand channels
The Roku Channel	Free shows, movies, and live TV
Freevee (Amazon)	Quality movies & shows (just need an Amazon account)
Crackle	Older classics, action films, and originals
FilmRise	Crime shows, courtroom dramas, and more
Plex	Free live TV, movies, and shows
Xumo Play	News, sports, and themed channels
PBS Video App	Masterpiece dramas, kids shows, and documentaries
NewsON	Watch your local news live from anywhere in the U.S.
YouTube	Everything from full-length films to how-to videos

🎧 3. Free Music and Podcasts

You don’t need Spotify Premium to enjoy music and podcasts:

• Freegal Music – Stream & download from Sony’s music catalog (free with library card)

• Spotify Free – Listen with ads

• YouTube Music – Great playlists and music videos

• TuneIn or Podbean – Radio stations, news, and podcasts from around the world

📚 4. Your Library is a Gold Mine

Most libraries today offer free streaming and subscription-level tools. Just log in with your library card and enjoy:

Service	What You Get	Value
Kanopy	Indie films, Criterion Collection	~$10/month value
Hoopla	Movies, music, books, comics	~$100+/year
Libby / OverDrive	Audiobooks, eBooks, magazines	Priceless!
Consumer Reports	Full digital access	~$39/year
LinkedIn Learning	Courses for job skills & hobbies	~$30–40/month
Morningstar	Investment research & tools	~$250/year
Mango Languages	Learn 70+ languages	~$99/year

🧠 Pro Tip: Some libraries also lend out Wi-Fi hotspots, laptops, or museum passes.

🧠 5. Free Education & Documentaries

• Khan Academy – Free math, science, finance, and more

• TED Talks – Inspiring talks from experts

• Coursera / edX – Take real college-level courses (some for free)

• Open Culture – Tons of free audiobooks, courses, and films

• Internet Archive – Download or stream old movies, books, and radio shows

💡 Can You Live With Only Free Media?

Yes — and here’s what it could save you:

Service	Typical Monthly Cost
Netflix	$15.49
Disney+	$13.99
Hulu	$11.99
HBO Max	$15.99
Spotify Premium	$10.99
Audible	$14.95
Total	$82/month ($984/year)

Instead, put that money back into your pocket, or use it for a faster internet connection — all while still enjoying nearly the same quality of media and content.

✅ Final Thoughts

You don’t need to spend hundreds of dollars a year on streaming services. With the right combination of tools — including OTA TV, free streaming apps, and your library card — you can stay entertained, informed, and inspired… all for zero dollars.

📌 Want Help Setting This Up?

If you're in Eastern Iowa and want help connecting a streaming device, getting a library card, or learning how to use these tools, I offer affordable tech help services for all ages.

👉 Contact Me 319-849-8842 or CJFLYNN@CJFLYNN.COM