👤 About CJ Flynn

I’m a lifelong learner from the Cedar Rapids, Iowa Metro Area with a passion for curiosity, connection, and community. I enjoy reading, researching, and writing, and I’ve always followed my interests across tech, history, personal finance, and civic engagement.

I believe in making money stretch, not just earning it. My pages on Saving Money and Making Money reflect how I live: frugally, flexibly, and intentionally. I like to share ideas that empower, not preach.

🏠 Praise Be the Duplex

I own and live in a modest duplex, which helps keep my living costs low and my freedom high. I’m a member of Landlords of Iowa and support small-scale, owner-occupied housing as a path to independence.

💡 What I’m Into

• Tech & Repair: I refurbish laptops (mostly Dell Latitudes), often using Linux. I like tools that work and last. See my [non-commercial tech values] page.
  
  

• Libraries & Literacy: I volunteer at several public libraries and support Little Free Libraries. Libraries nourish the mind, body, and soul.
  
  

• Freemasonry: I’ve been a Master Mason for over 15 years. See my Freemasonry page.
  
  

• Unions & Advocacy: I’m a former CWA AFL-CIO member and still value the role of labor and cooperative economics.
  
  

• Self-Education: I’ve attended the Iowa Summer Writing Festival, taken dozens of courses at Kirkwood Community College, and always keep learning — formally and informally.
  
  

🎟️ Organizations & Memberships

I support a variety of causes and communities:

• Lifetime Member of:
  
  

  • Indian Creek Nature Center  Site  https://indiancreeknaturecenter.org/
    
    

  • Tranquility Lodge No. 2000  Site   https://tl2k.org/
    
    

  • Mercy Hospital Auxiliary  Site  https://www.mercycare.org/volunteer-opportunities/auxiliary/membership/
    
    

  • Friends of the Library groups in multiple towns
    
    

  • Genealogy and history societies
    
    

  • Local sportsman’s club
    
    

  • Various food, fuel, and telecom cooperatives
    
    

  • Hostelling International USA
    
    

• Other groups I’ve joined:
  
  

  • Telephone Collectors International  Site  https://www.telephonecollectors.org/
    
    

  • Jaycees Site  https://www.jciusa.org/
    
    

  • Toastmasters  Site  https://www.toastmasters.org/
    
    

  • Moose and Elks lodges
    
    

  • Czech Heritage Foundation Site  https://www.czechheritagefoundation.com/
    
    

  • Sons of Norway   Site  http://www.sofn-cedarrapids.org/index.html
    
    

  • Calyx Institute (privacy/tech)  Site  https://calyxinstitute.org/membership/internet
    
    

  • American Philosophical Practitioners Association
    
    

  • Mindbridge Foundation Site https://mindbridge.org/ 
    
    

🖥️ Tech Stack & Personal Style

I grew up on Dell Latitudes, and 90% of my computers are used or refurbished. I’ve purchased most from Midwest Computer Brokers in Walford, Iowa, or nonprofits like Free Geek.

💻 Linux Love

I’ve been experimenting with Linux and prefer Linux Mint for everyday use. I also support SLAX as a portable OS and appreciate minimalist, free/libre tech tools. I'm aligned with ideas like Luke Smith’s philosophy.

📚 I Read a Lot

Most of my books come from public libraries or were rescued from the discard pile. While I still use eBay and Amazon, I prefer alternatives like Better World Books, which align more with my values.

🧬 Fast Facts

Fact

Detail

Born

1991 in Iowa

Astrological Sign

Taurus

Race/Gender

White Male

Status

Single & Childfree (vasectomy)

Booze/Drugs

Straight edge (No booze since 2019 no drugs ever)

Religion

Secular/agnostic with spiritual values — see [My Credo]

Parents

Married 40+ years; mom passed in 2023

Siblings

Only child

I got the above idea from this site https://www.samkillermann.com/work/you-soup/ 

🎓 Education & Work

• Formal Education:
  
  

  • High school graduate
    
    

  • A.A.S. in Marketing & Management from Kirkwood Community College (cost me under $11k total)
    
    

  • Over 80 college credit hours, including CompTIA Network+ coursework
    
    

• Self-Taught:
  
  

  • Web design, telecommunications, computer repair, civic tech, and beyond
    
    

• Career:
  
  

  • Technical support specialist  from  telephone / telecom  companies to  websites and  POS support
    
    

  • Small business owner helping individuals with tech and digital literacy
    
    

🧭 Class & Philosophy

I was raised upper-middle class, but now live a lower-middle class lifestyle by choice. That choice brings freedom, lower overhead, and connection to community. I believe:

“You can still live most of the good parts of upper-class life without the high costs.”

I try to minimize consumerism, support public goods, and live a values-based life.

🎮 Fun Stuff

• Video Games:
  
  

  • The Sims 2, The Urbz (GBA)
    
    

  • GTA Vice City and San Andreas
    
    

  • SuperTuxKart — Open-source fun!
    
    

• Hobbies:
  Genealogy, reading, history, libraries, Freemasonry,
  
  

🧠 Final Notes

I live simply, stay curious, and try to build a life that reflects both my values and my community.

See also: [My Credo] • [Frugal Living] • [Non-Commercial Tech Values]

💬 Want to connect?

Let people know where to find you — optionally include:

• Email CJFLYNN@CJFLYNN.COM
  
  

• Social media links Page