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    Cord Cutting

    $200/mo cable → $20-30/mo streaming.

    Recommended setup

    1. Antenna ($30-100) — local NBC, CBS, ABC, FOX, PBS free. See /tools/antenna-picks.
    2. Roku/FireTV/AppleTV ($30-150) — turns any TV into smart TV.
    3. Pick 1-2 streamers:
      • Disney+ Hulu ESPN+ bundle — $15/mo.
      • Netflix — $15-25/mo.
      • Paramount+ — $8-13/mo (CBS classics).
      • Apple TV+ — $10/mo.
      • Max — $10-17/mo.
    4. FREE add-ons — Pluto, Tubi, Roku Channel, Library Hoopla.

    Total: $25-50/mo. Save $1,500-2,000/year.

    If you NEED live cable channels

    • YouTube TV — $73/mo. Best alternative to cable. Same channels, better DVR.
    • Hulu + Live TV — $77/mo. Bundle with Disney/ESPN.
    • Sling TV — $40/mo. Smaller channel selection. Cheaper.
    • FuboTV — $80/mo. Sports-heavy.

    Cancellation tips

    1. Set up new system FIRST. Test for a week.
    2. Find your local cable office address.
    3. Call to cancel — they'll try retention deals. Listen — half off for 1 year may delay decision.
    4. Return cable boxes IN PERSON (avoid late-fee fights).
    5. Get receipt for returned equipment.
    6. Check next 2 months' statements for surprise charges.

    Internet only

    • Ask your cable company for "internet-only" plan. Often $50-80/mo without TV.
    • Negotiate every 12 months — say "I'll switch" for retention deal.
    • Or switch to fiber (AT&T, Verizon FiOS, Frontier) — often cheaper.
    • Or 5G home internet (T-Mobile, Verizon) — $50/mo, no installer.

    Senior moment to give grandkids

    Have a tech-savvy adult kid set up streaming for you. 2 hours saves you $1,500/year. Best ROI gift either of you ever made. After 3 weeks, the new system feels normal.