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Should Sallie Mae confirm I'm done paying off loans?

After struggling with it for several years, I finally made the last payment on my Sallie Mae student loans this week. Do you think I should ask for a formal letter stating that it’s officially paid off?

Dear Dave,

After struggling with it for several years, I finally made the last payment on my Sallie Mae student loans this week. Do you think I should ask for a formal letter stating that it's officially paid off?

Angela

Dear Angela,

Congratulations on finally kicking that old woman out of your house! It feels great, doesn't it?

Sure, it couldn't hurt anything to write and request formal confirmation that the book on your loans is closed and everything is paid in full. You can do this through email so you'll have a record of contact, or you can send a certified letter, return receipt requested, through the post office. That way, you'll have a record they signed for it.

Following up on paid-off debts is always a good idea, Angela. You don't want the hassle of possibly having to deal with greedy or incompetent collectors sniffing around three or four years down the road and no way to prove you're free and clear!

-Dave

Dave Ramsey is America's trusted voice on money and business. He has authored five New York Times best-selling books: Financial Peace, More Than Enough, The Total Money Makeover,EntreLeadership and Smart Money Smart Kids. The Dave Ramsey Show is heard by more than 6 million listeners each week on more than 500 radio stations. Follow Dave on Twitter at @DaveRamsey and on the web at daveramsey.com.