Follow up for peace of mind

Dear Dave,

I’ve been following your teachings for a while and I’ve noticed you advise people to get things in writing when dealing with creditors. Usually, it seems like you’re talking about credit cards and things like that when this is mentioned. I finally made my last student loan payment the other day. Do you think it would be a good idea to request a formal statement saying my student loan debt has been completely paid off? 

–Andrea

Dear Andrea,

Following up on paid-off debts is always a good idea. It wouldn’t hurt to write, and request formal, written confirmation that 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 postal system. That way, you’ll have a record they received the letter and signed for it.

It sounds like you spent a lot of time paying off your student loans. After an experience like that, you don’t want to have to deal with greedy or dishonest collectors hounding you years down the road, and no way to prove you’re free and clear.

Congratulations on finally kicking your student loan debt to the curb, Andrea! It feels awesome, doesn’t it?

—Dave

Dave Ramsey is CEO of Ramsey Solutions. He has authored seven best-selling books, including The Total Money Makeover. The Dave Ramsey Show is heard by more than 14 million listeners each week on 585 radio stations and multiple digital platforms. Follow Dave on the web at daveramsey.com and on Twitter at @DaveRamsey.