SAM4S replacement guidance

Replace an Older SAM4S, Samsung, Casio or Sharp Cash Register

Identify your older register, review the evidence we have, and find the safest next step without guessing at a replacement.

Replacement Finder

What register do you have?

Enter the exact model from the label on your register. We will open the matching path for that model, rather than guessing from appearance alone.

Where to look: Check the model label on the back or underside, then compare the keyboard and printer layout. A similar-looking register can still be a different model.
VERIFIED CLOSEST CURRENT FIT documented side-by-side comparison with a current register; not a manufacturer successor statement. FIND YOUR REPLACEMENT we will help you choose the right current model for your setup.
ER-925 VERIFIED CLOSEST CURRENT FIT

The documented raised-key, single-printer match is the ER-925E.

Closest current fit for the documented model: ER-925E

Compare old and current: ER-925 → ER-925EDocumented features side by side
FeatureER-925 (old)ER-925E (current)
KeyboardRaised keysRaised keys
TouchscreenNoNo
PrinterSingle station, 58 mmSingle station
Items (PLUs)ER-900 generation memory (4 MB)Up to 22,000
JournalElectronic journalElectronic journal
Ports and networking2 × RS-232 (up to 4 with option board 501531)2 × RS-232 (up to 4), Ethernet
PaymentNot documentedDC Direct over Ethernet
ProgrammingSame series; transfer from the non-E model is not verifiedSD card and USB program save and load
PeripheralsRS-232 devicesEach device verified by exact model

No side-by-side photo: CRS uses the same product photo for the ER-925 and the ER-925E, so a photo cannot tell them apart. Check the model label.

Sources: CRS ER-900 Series brochure (2021); CRS ER-900E Series brochure and product update sheet.

A closest current fit based on documented features, not a manufacturer replacement statement.

View the current model option
Rear port panel of an older SAM4S ER-900 series register
Rear ports on older ER-900 series registers, for checking connections only. A photo cannot tell an older ER-900 from a current ER-900E: check the model label. CRS manufacturer image.
Older ER-900 series VERIFIED CLOSEST CURRENT FIT

Keyboard style and printer arrangement determine the documented ER-900E closest fit.

Closest current fit for the documented model: ER-920E, ER-925E, ER-940E, ER-945E

Compare old and current: ER-920, ER-925, ER-940, ER-945 → ER-900E modelsDocumented features side by side
Old modelKeyboardPrintersClosest current fit
ER-920FlatReceipt only (single station)ER-920E
ER-925Raised keysReceipt only (single station)ER-925E
ER-940FlatReceipt and journalER-940E
ER-945Raised keysReceipt and journalER-945E
  • Items: ER-900 generation memory (4 MB) → up to 22,000 PLUs.
  • Ports and networking: 2 × RS-232 (2 more optional) → the same, plus Ethernet.
  • Payment: not documented on the older models → DC Direct over Ethernet.
  • Programming: same series, but direct transfer from a non-E model is not verified.
  • Peripherals: each device is verified by exact model.

Sources: CRS ER-900 Series brochure (2021); CRS ER-900E Series brochure and product update sheet.

A closest current fit based on documented features, not a manufacturer replacement statement.

View the current model option
Rear port panel of an older SAM4S ER-900 series register
Rear ports on older ER-900 series registers, for checking connections only. A photo cannot tell an older ER-900 from a current ER-900E: check the model label. CRS manufacturer image.
ER-5200M VERIFIED CLOSEST CURRENT FIT

The documented flat-keyboard, dual-printer closest fit is the ER-940E.

Closest current fit for the documented model: ER-940E

Compare old and current: ER-5200M → ER-940EDocumented features side by side
FeatureER-5200M (old)ER-940E (current)
KeyboardFlat, spill-resistant, 160 positions, 117 NLU keys; food serviceFlat, spill-resistant, 150 keys (100 programmable); food service
TouchscreenNoNo
PrintersSeparate receipt and journal thermal printers, 58 mm; optional receipt auto cutterReceipt and journal thermal printers, 58 mm
Items (PLUs)117 by default, up to 10,000Up to 22,000
ClerksUp to 99Up to 99
Displays2-line × 16-character LCD; 10-character rear pop-up2-line × 16-character LCD; 9-digit LED customer display
Ports and networking2 × RS-232C; no Ethernet or SD card documented2 × RS-232C (up to 4), Ethernet, SD card
PaymentDataTran payment appliance on RS-232CDC Direct over Ethernet
ProgrammingProgrammed from the keyboard or a PC over RS-232C; nothing documents loading this program into an ER-900EProgram rebuilt from your item list and reports; SD card save and load
PeripheralsScale (NCI or CAS), kitchen printer, scanner, coin dispenser, pole display on RS-232CCAS scales work with the SAM4S registers we sell; the correct cable, connection and programming may still be required, and each other device is confirmed by exact model

Does not carry over: the DataTran payment connection and the register program. No scanner, scale, printer or drawer is assumed reusable until it is verified.

Sources: CRS ER-5200M/5240M Operator & Programming Manual v2.28; CRS ER-900E Series brochure (LIT-409).

A closest current fit based on documented features, not a manufacturer replacement statement.

View the current model option

Older model photos to help you identify your register:

Older SAM4S ER-5200M cash register
SAM4S ER-5200M
Older Samsung ER-5200 cash register, a related model that is not the ER-5200M
Samsung ER-5200 (related model, not the ER-5200M)

CRS manufacturer images.

ER-5240M VERIFIED CLOSEST CURRENT FIT

The documented raised-key, dual-printer closest fit is the ER-945E.

Closest current fit for the documented model: ER-945E

Compare old and current: ER-5240M → ER-945EDocumented features side by side
FeatureER-5240M (old)ER-945E (current)
KeyboardRaised keys, 90 positions, 15 NLU keys (up to 40); retailRaised keys, up to 94 keys (78 programmable); retail
TouchscreenNoNo
PrintersSeparate receipt and journal thermal printers, 58 mm; optional receipt auto cutterReceipt and journal thermal printers, 58 mm
Items (PLUs)117 by default, up to 10,000Up to 22,000
ClerksUp to 99Up to 99
Displays2-line × 16-character LCD; 10-character rear pop-up2-line × 16-character LCD; 9-digit LED customer display
Ports and networking2 × RS-232C; no Ethernet or SD card documented2 × RS-232C (up to 4), Ethernet, SD card
PaymentDataTran payment appliance on RS-232CDC Direct over Ethernet
ProgrammingProgrammed from the keyboard or a PC over RS-232C; nothing documents loading this program into an ER-900EProgram rebuilt from your item list and reports; SD card save and load
PeripheralsScale (NCI or CAS), kitchen printer, scanner, coin dispenser, pole display on RS-232CCAS scales work with the SAM4S registers we sell; the correct cable, connection and programming may still be required, and each other device is confirmed by exact model

Does not carry over: the DataTran payment connection and the register program. No scanner, scale, printer or drawer is assumed reusable until it is verified.

Sources: CRS ER-5200M/5240M Operator & Programming Manual v2.28; CRS ER-900E Series brochure (LIT-409).

A closest current fit based on documented features, not a manufacturer replacement statement.

View the current model option

Older model photos to help you identify your register:

Older SAM4S ER-5240M cash register
SAM4S ER-5240M
Older Samsung ER-5240 cash register, a related model that is not the ER-5240M
Samsung ER-5240 (related model, not the ER-5240M)

CRS manufacturer images.

ER-5215M CURRENT MODEL OPTIONS

The ER-5215M used a raised-key, dual-printer layout. Compare current ER-945E and ER-915E registers; advanced guest-check and programming features require a separate setup review.

Current raised-key, dual-printer choices. The ER-5215M used separate receipt and journal printers. Compare these current registers by keyboard size and the functions you actually use.

Guest checks, clerk functions, scanner setup, data conversion and other advanced ER-5215M features need a new-program review. These are current choices, not confirmed plug-in replacements.

We do not assume that programming or connected equipment carries over from an older register. We confirm both with you before you order, and programming assistance is available.

Get help choosing a replacement

Older model photos to help you identify your register:

Older SAM4S ER-5215M cash register
SAM4S ER-5215M
Older Samsung ER-5215 cash register, a related model that is not the ER-5215M
Samsung ER-5215 (related model, not the ER-5215M)

CRS manufacturer images.

Older SPS-300 series SAME-MODEL OPTIONS

Replace an older SPS-320, SPS-340, or SPS-345 with the corresponding current SPS-300 model. Choose the same keyboard and printer configuration.

Replace your older SPS-300 with the corresponding current SPS-300 model.

Verify the old version and program backup format before reusing existing programming.

We do not assume that programming or connected equipment carries over from an older register. We confirm both with you before you order, and programming assistance is available.

Get help choosing a replacement
Older NR-500 / NR-510 series VERIFIED CLOSEST CURRENT FIT — NR-510B/RB only

For NR-510B and NR-510RB, see the current options below. For other variants, we will help confirm the right choice.

Closest current fit for the documented model(s) named in this badge: NR-510BE, NR-510RBE

Compare old and current: NR-510B → NR-510BE · NR-510RB → NR-510RBEDocumented features side by side
FeatureNR-510B / NR-510RB (old)NR-510BE / NR-510RBE (current)
KeyboardFlat (NR-510B) or raised (NR-510RB)Flat (NR-510BE) or raised (NR-510RBE)
TouchscreenNoNo
PrinterSingle thermal printerSingle station
Items (PLUs)Over 3,200 (8,000 with SD)The same
JournalElectronic journalElectronic journal
Display2-line × 16-character LCDThe same
Ports and networking3 serial ports and USBThe same, plus Ethernet
PaymentNot documentedDC Direct over Ethernet
ProgrammingSD, USB and eSpresso PC backup documented for the seriesConfirm the transfer before relying on it
PeripheralsSerial and USB devicesSame series; each device verified by exact model

Sources: CRS NR-500 Operator-Programming Manual v1.53 (covers both generations); CRS NR-510E brochure.

A closest current fit based on documented features, not a manufacturer replacement statement.

View the current model option
SPS-500 series RECOMMENDED UPGRADE

Upgrade SPS-500 series registers to SAP-630II with SAM4POS. Choose FT for a flat keyboard and RT for raised keys.

Recommended upgrade: SAP-630II with SAM4POS. Choose the flat or raised-key layout that matches your older SPS-500 register.

This uses a newer POS software platform, not a direct old-program transfer. Confirm kitchen printing, reports and connected equipment before ordering.

We do not assume that programming or connected equipment carries over from an older register. We confirm both with you before you order, and programming assistance is available.

Get help choosing a replacement

Older model photos to help you identify your register:

Older SAM4S SPS-520 FT touch-screen POS register with flat keyboard
SAM4S SPS-520 FT
Older SAM4S SPS-520 RT touch-screen POS register with raised keyboard
SAM4S SPS-520 RT
Older SAM4S SPS-530 FT touch-screen POS register with flat keyboard
SAM4S SPS-530 FT
Older SAM4S SPS-530 RT touch-screen POS register with raised keyboard
SAM4S SPS-530 RT

CRS manufacturer images. FT models have a flat keyboard; RT models have a raised keyboard.

ER-260 / ER-265 VERIFIED CLOSEST CURRENT FIT — ER-265B only

The ER-265B comparison points to the ER-265EJ. For ER-260 or other ER-265 variants, we will help match your setup.

Closest current fit for the documented model(s) named in this badge: ER-265EJ

Compare old and current: ER-265B → ER-265EJDocumented features side by side
Older SAM4S ER-265 cash register (CRS image)
ER-265B (old) · CRS photo
SAM4S ER-265EJ flat-keyboard electronic cash register
ER-265EJ (current)
FeatureER-265B (old)ER-265EJ (current)
KeyboardFlat, spill-resistant; 15 keyboard PLUsFlat
TouchscreenNoNo
PrinterThermal, receipt or journal (programmable), 58 mmSingle station plus electronic journal
Items (PLUs)1,000Up to 8,000
JournalPrinted journal optionElectronic journal
Ports and networking1 × RS-232C (PC or kitchen printer)3 × RS-232, USB, Ethernet
PaymentNo integrated payment documentedDC Direct over Ethernet
ProgrammingTransfer from the ER-265B is not verifiedSD card, USB and eSpresso program save and load
PeripheralsKitchen printer on RS-232CUSB scanner support; each device verified by exact model

Only the ER-265B is compared. For the ER-260 and unsuffixed ER-265, share your exact model and we will help you choose.

Sources: CRS ER-265 brochure (LIT-195b, 2017); CRS ER-260EJ/265EJ brochure; ER-260EJ/265EJ manual v1.63.

A closest current fit based on documented features, not a manufacturer replacement statement.

View the current model option
Older SAM4S ER-265B cash register
ER-265B · CRS manufacturer image
Older SAM4S ER-265B flat keyboard
ER-265B keyboard · CRS manufacturer image
ER-380 / ER-390 VERIFIED CLOSEST CURRENT FIT — ER-390M only

The ER-390M comparison points to ER-920E. For ER-380 or other ER-390 variants, we will help match your setup.

Closest current fit for the documented model(s) named in this badge: ER-920E

Compare old and current: ER-390M → ER-920EDocumented features side by side
Older SAM4S ER-390M cash register
ER-390M (old) · CRS photo
SAM4S ER-920E flat-keyboard single-printer cash register with Ethernet
ER-920E (current)
FeatureER-390M (old)ER-920E (current)
KeyboardFlat, spill-resistant, 90 positionsFlat
TouchscreenNoNo
PrinterSingle thermal printerSingle-station printer
Items (PLUs)500Up to 22,000
JournalElectronic journalElectronic journal
Customer display10-digit pop-up rear displayRear customer display
Ports and networking2 × RS-232C2 × RS-232 (up to 4), Ethernet
PaymentOptional card reader, Datacap DataTran compatibleDC Direct over Ethernet
ProgrammingOptional Direct Connect PC UtilityTransfer from the ER-390M is not verified; confirm before relying on it
PeripheralsRS-232 scale, kitchen printer, coin dispenser, pole display listedEach device verified by exact model

Only the ER-390M is compared. The ER-380 and ER-380M keyboard type is not documented, so they stay options to discuss.

Sources: CRS ER-390M product page; CRS ER-900E Series brochure (LIT-409).

A closest current fit based on documented features, not a manufacturer replacement statement.

View the current model option
Older SAM4S ER-390M cash register
ER-390M · CRS manufacturer image
Older SAM4S ER-380 cash register
ER-380 · CRS manufacturer image
Older SAM4S ER-380M cash register
ER-380M · CRS manufacturer image
ER-650 / ER-650R RECOMMENDED UPGRADE

ER-650 flat keyboard: SPS-320. ER-650R raised-key keyboard: SPS-345, which adds a dedicated journal printer. Confirm connected devices and programming.

Recommended current SPS-300 replacements: match the keyboard on your ER-650.

ER-655 and ER-655II impact-printer variants require a separate printer and workflow check.

We do not assume that programming or connected equipment carries over from an older register. We confirm both with you before you order, and programming assistance is available.

Get help choosing a replacement
Older SAM4S ER-650 cash register
ER-650 · CRS manufacturer image
Older SAM4S ER-650R cash register
ER-650R · CRS manufacturer image
Older SAM4S ER-655 cash register
ER-655 · CRS manufacturer image
Older SAM4S ER-655II cash register
ER-655II · CRS manufacturer image
Older ER-180 RECOMMENDED UPGRADE

Current compact option: ER-180U, with 16 departments, 500 PLUs and a 58 mm thermal printer. The CRS catalog lists the ER-180TB as discontinued. Confirm that the item count and printing needs of your older register fit.

Recommended modern compact register: ER-180U. The ER-180U has 16 departments, 500 PLUs, up to 10 clerks and a 58 mm thermal printer. Compare those figures with what your older register does today.

The ER-180U prints on thermal paper. Confirm the printer type and printed-journal workflow of your older register, and reprogram the new register rather than attempting a direct memory transfer.

We do not assume that programming or connected equipment carries over from an older register. We confirm both with you before you order, and programming assistance is available.

Get help choosing a replacement
SPS-2000 / SPS-2200 POS UPGRADE OPTIONS

Move from an SPS-2000 or SPS-2200 to a modern SAM4POS setup. Compare SAP-630II flat- and raised-key terminals; kitchen systems, multi-register setups and back-office software require a planned migration.

Recommended direction: a configured SAM4POS migration. SPS-2000/SPS-2200 applications may involve tables, kitchen printing, networked registers and back-office reporting that a basic cash register cannot replace.

The SAP-630II is one potential terminal, not a guaranteed complete replacement for an SPS-2000/SPS-2200 installation. Confirm every register, payment device and kitchen workflow before purchase.

We do not assume that programming or connected equipment carries over from an older register. We confirm both with you before you order, and programming assistance is available.

Get help choosing a replacement

Older model photos to help you identify your register:

Older SAM4S SPS-2000 POS terminal
SAM4S SPS-2000
Older SAM4S SPS-2000 POS terminal, angled view
SAM4S SPS-2000, angled view

CRS manufacturer images. These photos show the SPS-2000 only. No verified SPS-2200 photo is available, so check the model label on your register.

SER-7000 / SER-7040 CURRENT MODEL OPTIONS

SER-7000 flat-key: compare the SAP-630II FT with SAM4POS, or ER-940E for simpler register operation. SER-7040 raised-key: compare SAP-630II RT or ER-945E.

Choose by the original keyboard and workflow. SER-7000 uses a large flat-key layout; SER-7040 uses raised keys. For complex hospitality functions, compare a SAM4POS upgrade before selecting a basic ECR.

Confirm menu keys, guest checks, clerk functions, kitchen printing and multiple-register communications before migrating. Neither an ECR nor SAM4POS imports the original program automatically.

We do not assume that programming or connected equipment carries over from an older register. We confirm both with you before you order, and programming assistance is available.

Get help choosing a replacement
Older Samsung cash register CURRENT MODEL OPTIONS

Choose a current SAM4S register by keyboard style and built-in receipt/journal printing. Old Samsung models vary: the exact model determines programming and accessory migration.

Start with the keyboard and printing your business needs. These are current SAM4S choices, not claims that one register universally replaces every legacy brand or model.

Share the old model number, a keyboard photo and your peripheral list if you want us to confirm which option fits before purchase. Programming, integrations and accessories are not assumed portable.

We do not assume that programming or connected equipment carries over from an older register. We confirm both with you before you order, and programming assistance is available.

Get help choosing a replacement

Older Samsung and SAM4S models: match the brand badge and the model label on your register.

Older Samsung ER-4900 cash register
Samsung ER-4900
Older Samsung ER-4915 cash register
Samsung ER-4915
Older Samsung ER-4940 cash register
Samsung ER-4940
Older SAM4S ER-5100 cash register
SAM4S ER-5100
Older SAM4S ER-5115 cash register
SAM4S ER-5115
Older Samsung ER-5140 cash register
Samsung ER-5140

CRS manufacturer images.

Casio cash register CURRENT MODEL OPTIONS

Compare current SAM4S cash registers by keyboard, receipt/journal printing and checkout workflow. No single model replaces every Casio cash register.

Start with the keyboard and printing your business needs. These are current SAM4S choices, not claims that one register universally replaces every legacy brand or model.

Share the old model number, a keyboard photo and your peripheral list if you want us to confirm which option fits before purchase. Programming, integrations and accessories are not assumed portable.

We do not assume that programming or connected equipment carries over from an older register. We confirm both with you before you order, and programming assistance is available.

Get help choosing a replacement
Sharp cash register CURRENT MODEL OPTIONS

Compare current SAM4S cash registers by keyboard, receipt/journal printing and checkout workflow. No single model replaces every Sharp cash register.

Start with the keyboard and printing your business needs. These are current SAM4S choices, not claims that one register universally replaces every legacy brand or model.

Share the old model number, a keyboard photo and your peripheral list if you want us to confirm which option fits before purchase. Programming, integrations and accessories are not assumed portable.

We do not assume that programming or connected equipment carries over from an older register. We confirm both with you before you order, and programming assistance is available.

Get help choosing a replacement

See the actual hardware

Current SAM4S registers to compare

These are the models we sell and support today. Compare the keyboard style and printer arrangement against the register you are replacing, then ask us to confirm the match before you order.

Before you choose

What to check before replacing an older register

What we match before recommending a replacement
  • Business type and number of checkout stations
  • Raised-key or flat programmable keyboard
  • Approximate number of departments, items and PLUs
  • Receipt-only or receipt-and-journal printing
  • Barcode scanner and scale requirements
  • Kitchen or remote printer requirements
  • Cash drawer and customer-display needs
  • Clerks, cashiers and reporting requirements
  • Current payment-terminal setup
  • Whether programming should be transferred or recreated
Raised-key or flat keyboard?

Raised-key keyboards are often preferred when operators ring departments or items quickly by feel. Flat programmable keyboards can be a better fit when the business needs many labeled menu or function keys. Match the replacement to the actual checkout workflow rather than choosing by appearance.

One printer or two?

A business that only needs a customer receipt may not need the same printer configuration as one that relies on a journal or other printed record. Identify how the old register is used before selecting a replacement.

Can the old programming be transferred?

Sometimes existing data can be preserved, exported or recreated, but transfer should never be promised solely from the old and new model names. Source model, software, backup format, item count, keyboard layout and target register all matter. For the ER-5200M and ER-5240M, nothing documents loading the old program into a current register, so it is rebuilt.

Can I keep my scanner, cash drawer or printer?

Possibly. Every device should be verified by exact model, cable, interface and intended workflow. A connector that physically fits does not guarantee compatibility.

Do I have to change card processors?

No. If you currently use a separate credit-card terminal, that setup can often remain separate from the new register. If you want to review integrated payments or processing options such as interchange-plus, flat-rate, cash discount, dual pricing, ERR pricing, PIN debit or EBT, that can be evaluated separately from the register replacement.

The right sequence is to understand the checkout workflow first, then decide whether changing the payment setup improves the business.

Register, hybrid or full POS?
  1. Traditional SAM4S register: best when the current workflow is still simple and reliable.
  2. Programmed complete package: register plus the scanners, printers, paper, drawer and setup needed to operate.
  3. SAM4POS or full POS: better when the business needs more advanced inventory, customer information, integrations or touchscreen workflows.
Does the old register still fit the business?

If the register still matches the business and the problem is isolated, troubleshooting, programming help or a compatible accessory can be a better answer than replacement. Do not reset the old register just to identify it; preserve useful reports and programming first whenever possible.

Replacing several registers at once?

For a multi-register replacement at one business, send the old model numbers, quantities, keyboard photos, connected equipment and programming expectations together. We can review the project as one job and quote volume pricing instead of treating each replacement as an unrelated single-unit order.

Make the replacement easier

Send the old model number plus photos of the front, keyboard, rear connections and model label. If possible, include a current receipt and a list of connected equipment. Also tell us what you wish the old register did better. That lets us identify what should be preserved and what should change.

Replacement FAQ

Do I have to buy the same keyboard style?

No, but changing keyboard style changes the operator workflow. Make that an intentional decision rather than an accidental one.

Should I replace a register just because it is old?

Not necessarily. A reliable register that still fits the business can remain useful. Replacement makes more sense when failures, parts, downtime or missing capabilities are becoming costly.

Can you help replace a register that was bought elsewhere?

Yes. Replacement guidance, one-time support and programming are available even when the existing register came from another dealer or was acquired used.

What if I do not know my old model?

Send photos of the front, keyboard, rear connections and model label. We can use those details to narrow the replacement path.

Paying for the equipment

How would you like to handle the purchase?

Tell us how you would prefer to handle the cost of the new equipment and we will bring the right options to the quote. This is about the equipment you are buying — it is separate from how you take card payments, and you do not need to change processor to ask about any of it.

Financing and leasing are different things

Financing means you are buying the equipment and paying for it over time. Leasing means you are paying to use it under the terms of a lease, and ownership at the end is whatever that lease says it is — sometimes a purchase option, sometimes a return. We will always tell you which one a quote is, and we will not describe a lease as if it were a purchase.

What we can tell you today. We do not publish rates, terms or payment amounts, because those come from the finance or leasing provider and depend on the amount, the equipment and their own review of your business. Ask and we will tell you exactly what is available for your purchase, in writing, before you commit to anything. If nothing suitable is available, we will say so.

Changing how you take card payments is a separate conversation, and separate paperwork. You can keep your current processor and still ask about any of the options above.

Ready for the next step?

Turn this information into the right cash-register setup.

Use the Register Finder if you are still narrowing down equipment, or talk with a specialist about the register, programming, replacement equipment and accessories that fit your business.

Already ordered a SAM4S register? Use the onboarding worksheet to send us the programming, peripheral, payment-terminal and go-live details for the setup.

Need credit or debit processing too? We can review it after the register requirements are clear. Changing processors is not required.

Already own a SAM4s? Whether you bought it from us or somewhere else, or the dealer who sold it is no longer available, tell us what you have and what you need. We can help you work through programming, supplies, support, whether the register is worth keeping. Start with what you own.