(949) 988-4809· Contact· Free search Serving all 58 California counties
CALIFORNIAUNCLAIMED PROPERTY SERVICES Claim Property

Free · no account

Search California Unclaimed Property — Free

Enter a name exactly as it may have appeared on an old account. We search the State Controller’s published records under every reasonable variant of it, not just the spelling you typed.

18 exact, and 82 close matches worth a look

The 100 shown below are worth $136,908 between them. A match is not proof — the State holds many people with the same name, and establishing which record is yours is the real work of a claim.

The State holds 132 records under the surname Sheryl, worth $160,425. See every city and first name they are recorded under

  • Strong match

    L Kendle Sheryl

    Savings account · Fort Worth, TX

    Reported by Jp Morgan Chase Bank, N.a. (100802)

    Held jointly with 2 other people

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $37,208.25
    Start this claim

    State ID 1068929456

  • Strong match

    L Whitcomb Sheryl

    Cash held by the State · La Mesa, CA

    Reported by Nationwide Trust Company Fsb

    $983.85
    Start this claim

    State ID 1066903401

  • Strong match

    L C Sheryl

    Cash held by the State · Highland, CA

    Reported by Hsbc Finance Corporation

    $878.06
    Start this claim

    State ID 990163388

  • Strong match

    L Lutjens Sheryl

    Cash held by the State · Riverside, CA

    Reported by Nationwide Trust Company Fsb

    $690.40
    Start this claim

    State ID 1066903293

  • Strong match

    L Presley-cotner Sheryl

    Cash held by the State

    Reported by Southside Bancshares Inc

    Held jointly with 1 other person

    $656.25
    Start this claim

    State ID 1067896766

  • Strong match

    L Presley-cotner Sheryl

    Unpaid dividends

    Reported by Southside Bancshares Inc

    Held jointly with 1 other person

    $380.43
    Start this claim

    State ID 1087285445

  • Strong match

    L Cameron Sheryl

    Uncashed check

    Reported by Contreras V Ralphs Grocery Company Fund

    $301.30
    Start this claim

    State ID 1069802513

  • Strong match

    L Elmaliach Sheryl

    Unclaimed refund · Los Angeles, CA

    Reported by Jpmorgan Chase Bank N.a. (500009)

    Held jointly with 1 other person

    $300.00
    Start this claim

    State ID 1068989313

  • Strong match

    L Leve Sheryl

    Unclaimed refund · Los Angeles, CA

    Reported by Jpmorgan Chase Bank N.a. (500009)

    Held jointly with 1 other person

    $300.00
    Start this claim

    State ID 1068989313

  • Strong match

    L Lewin Sheryl

    Cash held by the State · Tustin, CA

    Reported by Cigna Health & Life Insurance Company

    $204.00
    Start this claim

    State ID 1058844466

  • Strong match

    L P Sheryl

    Uncashed check

    Reported by Chicago Title Insurance Company

    Held jointly with 1 other person

    $199.25
    Start this claim

    State ID 963586882

  • Strong match

    L Curry Sheryl

    Cash held by the State · Highland, CA

    Reported by Niewinski V State Farm Insuran

    $124.20
    Start this claim

    State ID 1069881593

  • Strong match

    L Bjornson Sheryl

    Unclaimed refund · San Diego, CA

    Reported by San Diego Gas And Electric

    $100.00
    Start this claim

    State ID 1012562989

  • Likely match

    Lynch Sheryl

    Unclaimed refund

    Reported by Interinsurance Exchange Of The Automobil

    Held jointly with 1 other person

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $6,500.00
    Start this claim

    State ID 962449525

  • Likely match

    Lee Jarrett Sheryl

    Uncashed check · Oceanside, CA

    Reported by Compu-link Corporation Dba Celink

    $359.13
    Start this claim

    State ID 1069285448

  • Likely match

    Linker Sheryl

    Unclaimed refund · Antioch, CA

    Reported by Cingular Restitution Plan Claims Admin

    $174.76
    Start this claim

    State ID 958051944

  • Likely match

    Lynch Sheryl

    Unclaimed refund · Redondo Beach, CA

    Reported by Guitar Center Stores Inc.

    $110.44
    Start this claim

    State ID 976180787

  • Likely match

    Lin Dale Sheryl

    Escrow balance · San Leandro, CA

    Reported by Citimortgage Inc

    $107.24
    Start this claim

    State ID 974577070

  • Likely match

    L Bledsoe Shirley

    Cash held by the State · Modesto, CA

    Reported by Jackson National Life Insurance Company

    Held jointly with 1 other person

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $5,142.42
    Start this claim

    State ID 1058514269

  • Likely match

    L Smith Lumaye Shirley

    Uncashed check · Victorville, CA

    Reported by Bank Of America Na

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $3,036.07
    Start this claim

    State ID 1062973607

  • Likely match

    L Johnson Sherryl

    Cash held by the State · Lake Forest, CA

    Reported by Nationwide Trust Company Fsb

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $1,115.00
    Start this claim

    State ID 1066903272

  • Likely match

    L Hinds Shirley

    Uncashed check · Arcata, CA

    Reported by Tri Counties Bank

    $720.16
    Start this claim

    State ID 1065271423

  • Likely match

    L Rose Shirley

    Cash held by the State · Fresno, CA

    Reported by California Resources Production Corporat

    $495.00
    Start this claim

    State ID 1034875335

  • Likely match

    L Murry Myles Sherriel

    Cash held by the State · Gardena, CA

    Reported by Elevance Health Inc

    $355.91
    Start this claim

    State ID 1025735414

  • Likely match

    L Rockey Shirley

    Unclaimed refund · Petaluma, CA

    Reported by Pacific Gas & Electric Company

    $263.25
    Start this claim

    State ID 1057045975

  • Likely match

    L Hosfeldt Xxx Shirley

    Unclaimed refund · San Jose, CA

    Reported by Anthem Inc

    $250.65
    Start this claim

    State ID 1020212150

  • Likely match

    L Hosfeldt Xxx Shirley

    Unclaimed refund · San Jose, CA

    Reported by Anthem Inc

    $250.65
    Start this claim

    State ID 1020212149

  • Likely match

    L Hosfeldt Xxx Shirley

    Unclaimed refund · San Jose, CA

    Reported by Anthem Inc

    $250.65
    Start this claim

    State ID 1020212148

  • Likely match

    L Hinds Shirley

    Uncashed check · Arcata, CA

    Reported by Tri Counties Bank

    $188.39
    Start this claim

    State ID 1065271422

  • Likely match

    L Smith Shirley

    Unclaimed refund · El Cajon, CA

    Reported by San Diego Gas And Electric

    $138.63
    Start this claim

    State ID 999267510

  • Likely match

    L Hosfeldt Xxx Shirley

    Unclaimed refund · San Jose, CA

    Reported by Anthem Inc

    $128.70
    Start this claim

    State ID 982833172

  • Likely match

    L Tipping Shirley

    Unclaimed refund · Chico, CA

    Reported by Pacific Bell Telephone Company

    $128.40
    Start this claim

    State ID 18967198

  • Likely match

    L Browne Shirley

    Cash held by the State · Riverside, CA

    Reported by Procter & Gamble Company

    $126.29
    Start this claim

    State ID 1087319132

  • Likely match

    L Shelton Shirley

    Cash held by the State · San Diego, CA

    Reported by Niewinski V State Farm Insuran

    $108.60
    Start this claim

    State ID 1069881610

  • Worth checking

    Linda Shirley

    Retirement account · Sanfrancisco, CA

    Reported by Charles Schwab & Co.

    Held jointly with 1 other person

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $11,569.78
    Start this claim

    State ID 993692763

  • Worth checking

    Loberg Shirley

    Cash held by the State · La Mirada, CA

    Reported by Prudential Insurance Company

    Held jointly with 1 other person

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $7,351.91
    Start this claim

    State ID 1085145553

  • Worth checking

    Lucy J Shirley

    Uncashed check · Pasadena, CA

    Reported by Bank Of America-california-south

    Held jointly with 1 other person

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $6,420.64
    Start this claim

    State ID 955973789

  • Worth checking

    Lucy J Shirley

    Uncashed check · Pasadena, CA

    Reported by Bank Of America-california-south

    Held jointly with 1 other person

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $6,420.64
    Start this claim

    State ID 955973789

  • Worth checking

    Lazar Shirl

    Retirement account · Modesto, CA

    Reported by Inspira Financial Trust Llc (fka Millennium Trust Company Llc)

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $3,519.43
    Start this claim

    State ID 1073479642

  • Worth checking

    Lee Shirley

    Credit balance · San Carlos, CA

    Reported by Design Within Reach Inc.

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $2,699.18
    Start this claim

    State ID 1035373366

  • Worth checking

    Lorne Sherley

    Stocks or securities · La Puente, CA

    Reported by Verizon Communications Inc

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $2,120.25 Verizon Communications Inc
    Start this claim

    State ID 990398327

  • Worth checking

    Lenore L Sherrill

    Escrow balance · Los Angeles, CA

    Reported by Peninsula Escrow - South Bay

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $2,000.00
    Start this claim

    State ID 962968826

  • Worth checking

    Lancaster Shirley

    Uncashed check · Novato, CA

    Reported by Rocket Mortgage Llc

    Held jointly with 1 other person

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $1,758.08
    Start this claim

    State ID 1060283788

  • Worth checking

    Lorne Sherley

    Stocks or securities · La Puente, CA

    Reported by At&t Inc

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $1,727.59 At & T Inc
    Start this claim

    State ID 1018547668

  • Worth checking

    Lopez And Paul Shirley

    Cash held by the State · Los Angeles, CA

    Reported by Albertsons Llc

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $1,500.00
    Start this claim

    State ID 973449013

  • Worth checking

    Lina L Sherrill

    Cash held by the State · San Bernardin, CA

    Reported by Prudential Insurance Company

    Held jointly with 1 other person

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $1,412.02
    Start this claim

    State ID 15161240

  • Worth checking

    Lee Perkins Sherrill

    Uncashed check · Fowler, CA

    Reported by Compu-link Corporation Dba Celink

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $1,339.20
    Start this claim

    State ID 1069285445

  • Worth checking

    Lucinda S Shirley

    Stocks or securities · San Diego, CA

    Reported by Prudential Financial Inc Common

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $1,222.92
    Start this claim

    State ID 16153941

  • Worth checking

    Lenaberg Shirley

    Mineral or royalty payments · Desert Hot Springs, CA

    Reported by Bp America Production Company

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $1,210.62
    Start this claim

    State ID 1000891673

  • Worth checking

    Lester G Shirley

    Savings account · Apo Sf, CA

    Reported by La State Dept Of Revenue

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $1,168.62
    Start this claim

    State ID 17432855

  • Worth checking

    Leila Sherrell

    Stocks or securities · Santa Ana, CA

    Reported by Metlife Inc

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $1,164.05 Metlife Inc
    Start this claim

    State ID 15524208

  • Worth checking

    Lorne Sherley

    Stocks or securities · La Puente, CA

    Reported by Comcast Corporation

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $1,150.45 Comcast Corp New
    Start this claim

    State ID 975809896

  • Worth checking

    Laurie Shurley

    Unclaimed refund · Fresno, CA

    Reported by Farmers Insurance Exchange

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $1,003.32
    Start this claim

    State ID 1044766639

  • Worth checking

    Levine Est Shirley

    Uncashed check · San Francisco, CA

    Reported by Merck & Co Inc

    Held jointly with 1 other person

    $998.71
    Start this claim

    State ID 956464006

  • Worth checking

    Leo Shurley

    Unclaimed refund · Cathedral City, CA

    Reported by Bank Of America - North Carolina

    $913.24
    Start this claim

    State ID 994727850

  • Worth checking

    Levona Sherrill

    Cash held by the State · Lincoln, CA

    Reported by Bcbsmn Inc

    $860.40
    Start this claim

    State ID 1029690667

  • Worth checking

    Lui Shirley

    Cash held by the State · Huntington Beach, CA

    Reported by Comerica Bank

    $827.49
    Start this claim

    State ID 1064391277

  • Worth checking

    Lisbeth Mendez Sherly

    Cash held by the State · Whittier, CA

    Reported by Viamericas Money Services Corp

    $800.00
    Start this claim

    State ID 1060416329

  • Worth checking

    Lenaberg Shirley

    Mineral or royalty payments · Desert Hot Sp, CA

    Reported by Bp America Production Company

    $726.99
    Start this claim

    State ID 1009999906

  • Worth checking

    Laura Shirley

    Cash held by the State

    Reported by Paypal

    $701.77
    Start this claim

    State ID 1036909133

  • Worth checking

    Lee Mullenex Palmer Shirley

    Uncashed check · Desert Shores, CA

    Reported by Cellco Partnership Dba Verizon Wireless

    $690.00
    Start this claim

    State ID 995388874

  • Worth checking

    Linda Sherill

    Cash held by the State · San Diego, CA

    Reported by Mercy Hospital & Medical Centers/audit

    $538.00
    Start this claim

    State ID 12201342

  • Worth checking

    Linda J Sherley

    Cash held by the State

    Reported by Host Marriott Corp

    $465.72
    Start this claim

    State ID 1541286

  • Worth checking

    Lorne Sherley

    Stocks or securities · La Puente, CA

    Reported by Verizon Communications Inc

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $458.43 Verizon Communications Inc
    Start this claim

    State ID 990398325

  • Worth checking

    Larry P Sherrill

    Savings account · Los Angeles, CA

    Reported by Broadway Federal Savings & Loan Association

    $443.19
    Start this claim

    State ID 9226559

  • Worth checking

    Lorraine Shirley

    Cash held by the State

    Reported by Paypal

    $440.52
    Start this claim

    State ID 1029354069

  • Worth checking

    Lasso Shirley

    Unpaid wages · Simi Valley, CA

    Reported by Lazy Dog Family Llc

    $421.74
    Start this claim

    State ID 1065716599

  • Worth checking

    Luke Sherrill

    Cash held by the State · Bakersfield, CA

    Reported by Commerce West Insurance Co

    Held jointly with 1 other person

    $380.81
    Start this claim

    State ID 968680972

  • Worth checking

    Lucille Shirley

    Cash held by the State · Los Angeles, CA

    Reported by American General Life & Accident Insuran

    Held jointly with 1 other person

    $377.00
    Start this claim

    State ID 962723752

  • Worth checking

    Larissa T Shirley

    Unclaimed refund · Culver City, CA

    Reported by Anthem Inc

    $355.00
    Start this claim

    State ID 992163472

  • Worth checking

    Lorne Sherley

    Stocks or securities · La Puente, CA

    Reported by Verizon Communications Inc

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $343.82 Verizon Communications Inc
    Start this claim

    State ID 990398326

  • Worth checking

    Lawrence J Jr Shirley

    Cash held by the State · Apringvalley, CA

    Reported by Protective Life Insurance Company

    $335.02
    Start this claim

    State ID 970828720

  • Worth checking

    Leroy Shirley

    Cash held by the State · Los Angeles, CA

    Reported by Optumrx

    $326.70
    Start this claim

    State ID 991602597

  • Worth checking

    Lourine Shirley

    Unpaid wages · Los Angeles, CA

    Reported by Walt Disney Co & Affiliates The

    $325.35
    Start this claim

    State ID 16481174

  • Worth checking

    Laura Sheirel

    Stocks or securities · Sun Valley, CA

    Reported by Marsh & Mclennan Companies Inc

    Held jointly with 1 other person

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $308.22 Marsh & Mclennan Companies Inc
    Start this claim

    State ID 14627130

  • Worth checking

    Laura Sheirel

    Stocks or securities · Sun Valley, CA

    Reported by Marsh & Mclennan Companies Inc

    Held jointly with 1 other person

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $308.22 Marsh & Mclennan Companies Inc
    Start this claim

    State ID 14627129

  • Worth checking

    Laura Sheirel

    Stocks or securities · Sun Valley, CA

    Reported by Marsh & Mclennan Companies Inc

    Held jointly with 1 other person

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $308.22 Marsh & Mclennan Companies Inc
    Start this claim

    State ID 14627131

  • Worth checking

    Lisa Shirley

    Stocks or securities · Glendora, CA

    Reported by First Foundation Ex Premier Business Bk

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $303.76 First Foundation Inc
    Start this claim

    State ID 1020044105

  • Worth checking

    Lee E Shirley

    Cash held by the State · Redlands, CA

    Reported by Southern California Edison Co

    $300.00
    Start this claim

    State ID 9636402

  • Worth checking

    Loretta R Shirley

    Mineral or royalty payments · Newman, CA

    Reported by California Resources Long Beach Inc

    $292.17
    Start this claim

    State ID 997816193

  • Worth checking

    Loretta R Shirley

    Mineral or royalty payments · Newman, CA

    Reported by California Resources Long Beach Inc

    $291.52
    Start this claim

    State ID 991557219

  • Worth checking

    Leandre D Sherrill

    Cash held by the State · Coalinga, CA

    Reported by Rogowski V State Farm Life Insurance

    $278.18
    Start this claim

    State ID 1039760198

  • Worth checking

    Lee E Shirley

    Cash held by the State · Redlands, CA

    Reported by Southern California Edison Co

    $240.00
    Start this claim

    State ID 9636401

  • Worth checking

    Lisa R Sherrill

    Savings account · Chino, CA

    Reported by Capital One N.a.

    $230.84
    Start this claim

    State ID 981733476

  • Worth checking

    Leigh Smith Shirlee

    Unclaimed refund · Ripon, CA

    Reported by Maguire Insurance Agency Inc.

    $229.76
    Start this claim

    State ID 1059747308

  • Worth checking

    Linda Shirley

    Insurance proceeds · Rancho Cucamong, CA

    Reported by State Of Washington

    Held jointly with 1 other person

    $229.50
    Start this claim

    State ID 16513414

  • Worth checking

    Lewis Sherrell

    Cash held by the State · Los Angeles, CA

    Reported by Travelers Indemnity Company

    $227.34
    Start this claim

    State ID 12247628

  • Worth checking

    Linda Bagett Shirley

    Mineral or royalty payments

    Reported by Warner Chappell Music Inc.(f/k/a Tri-chappell Music Inc.)

    $218.20
    Start this claim

    State ID 955177144

  • Worth checking

    Lourine Shirley

    Cash held by the State · Sherman Oaks, CA

    Reported by Providence St. Joseph Medical Center

    $215.00
    Start this claim

    State ID 16478135

  • Worth checking

    Leslie Ann De Sherlia

    Cash held by the State · Beaumont, CA

    Reported by Alliance United Ins. Co Llc

    $211.43
    Start this claim

    State ID 1018641063

  • Worth checking

    Levine Shirley

    Unpaid dividends · Albany, CA

    Reported by Franklin Templeton Investor Services Llc

    $208.33
    Start this claim

    State ID 1089473561

  • Worth checking

    Lee A Sherrill

    Insurance proceeds · Concord, CA

    Reported by State Farm General Insurance Company

    Held jointly with 1 other person

    $207.78
    Start this claim

    State ID 15056994

  • Worth checking

    Lee Harned Shirley

    Savings account · Davis, CA

    Reported by Travis Credit Union

    $203.54
    Start this claim

    State ID 1073320081

  • Worth checking

    Leta Shirley

    Uncashed check

    Reported by Wells Fargo Bank Na

    $198.00
    Start this claim

    State ID 998602649

  • Worth checking

    Loretta Shirley

    Stocks or securities · Los Angeles, CA

    Reported by Wells Fargo & Co Emp Ins & Stock Plan

    A claim on this will have to be notarized.

    $197.61 Wells Fargo & Co
    Start this claim

    State ID 1544840

  • Worth checking

    Laura G Shurley

    Unclaimed refund · Pacoima, CA

    Reported by Farmers Insurance Exchange

    $192.30
    Start this claim

    State ID 964100278

  • Worth checking

    Lisa Sherrill

    Cash held by the State · Brentwood, CA

    Reported by Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas

    Held jointly with 1 other person

    $189.83
    Start this claim

    State ID 1014305496

  • Worth checking

    Leblond Shirley

    Cash held by the State · Santa Rosa, CA

    Reported by Prudential Life Insurance Company Of America

    Held jointly with 1 other person

    $186.09
    Start this claim

    State ID 1068832763

  • Worth checking

    Loretta R Shirley

    Mineral or royalty payments · Newman, CA

    Reported by California Resources Long Beach Inc

    $184.83
    Start this claim

    State ID 1004095107

  • Worth checking

    Linda B Shirley

    Mineral or royalty payments

    Reported by Warner Chappell Music Inc.(f/k/a Tri-chappell Music Inc.)

    $182.26
    Start this claim

    State ID 14702813

Showing the 100 most valuable of 158. That is a common name — add a first name or a city to narrow it, and try any former spelling.

Tell us if this name comes up again

Banks and insurers hand accounts to the State Controller roughly twice a year, and the file grows every time. We will keep checking this name against each new file and write to you if it appears.

Only about this name, and you can stop it from any email. We do not sell or share the address.

How You Are Protected

Our fee is capped at ten per cent of what is recovered by Code of Civil Procedure §1582, and nothing is owed until the State Controller has paid you. If we recover nothing, you owe nothing.

There is no deadline. The State holds unclaimed property indefinitely, so nothing here is urgent.

A Second State File

2 probate estates carry that name

Separately from unclaimed accounts, the State Controller publishes the estates of deceased people that reached it through county probate. This file names the decedent and the heirs on record, which the main file does not.

1 is still open, holding $3,902.

  • Shurill Leon

    Probate estate · Santa Clara County · 2018

    Matched on Shurill Leon (decedent), Shurill Leon (heir)

    $3,902.09
    Ask about this estate

    State ID 993728105
    Case 552-86-0939

1 more under that name that can no longer be claimed

When an estate goes unclaimed long enough, the State takes permanent title to it and no claim will be paid afterwards. These are shown because knowing what happened to a relative’s estate is worth something even when the money is gone. Nobody can recover these — if a firm offers to, that alone tells you what they are.

  • Shirley Leila D

    Probate estate · San Diego County · 1980

    Matched on Shirley Leila D (decedent)

    Permanently escheated — the State now owns this and it cannot be claimed.

    $0.00 closed

    State ID 956830172
    Case 108864

Fees on probated estates are not capped by the ten per cent rule that governs ordinary unclaimed property. How estate claims work, including what we would charge and why the difference exists.

Commissioned California Notary Public $15,000 surety bond Fee capped at 10% by state law Nothing owed until you are paid
10%
Maximum fee, by statute
Code of Civil Procedure §1582 caps any recovery fee at ten percent of the property returned.
$1,000
Notarization threshold
Cash claims at or above this must be notarized. So must all securities and safe deposit boxes.
7 days
Data refresh cycle
The State Controller republishes the full record set every Thursday, and we rebuild our copy from it.
None
Deadline to claim
California places no time limit. The State holds unclaimed property indefinitely.

How This Search Differs from the Official One

The State Controller’s own search matches what you type, and nothing else. Ours also finds maiden names, married names, initials, common misspellings, hyphen variants, and business names with and without their suffixes — because the record was created by whoever held the account, not by you.

Every result comes from the Controller’s own published file, which we rebuild weekly. Each one carries the State’s own property ID, so the record you are looking at is traceable to the source rather than to us.

What We Search Under

  • Your name as typed, plus initials and middle-name variants
  • Maiden and former married names, if you tell us them
  • Common misspellings and transposed letters
  • Former addresses in California
  • Business names with and without Inc., LLC, Co. and DBAs

How You Are Protected

Our fee is capped at ten per cent of what is recovered by Code of Civil Procedure §1582, and nothing is owed until the State Controller has paid you. If we recover nothing, you owe nothing.

California Unclaimed Property Services is a private asset recovery firm. We are not the California State Controller’s Office.

Find out in About Thirty Seconds

Give us a name and we will check the State Controller’s records under every reasonable variant of it. Asking costs nothing and commits you to nothing.