Kathleen Pender

Contributing Writer, Via
Photo of AAA Via Magazine Contributor Kathleen Pender

Kathleen Pender has been writing about money for more than four decades. Before starting a freelance career, she worked for the San Francisco Chronicle as a business writer, editor and "Net Worth" columnist. She enjoys reading, biking, swimming, wine tasting and camping around the West in her teardrop trailer.

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Her work has also appeared on MSN, SFGate, Houston Chronicle, and San Francisco Chronicle.

Education

Articles by Kathleen Pender

A woman charges her EV on a fall day.

What to consider when you’re planning to buy or lease an EV.

A calculator and two car key remotes placed on a table in a new car dealership.

Negative car equity is reaching record highs due to a shifting car market.

A woman sits outside on a dock with her computer and a coffee.

Watch out for these common traveler scams.

AAA Member does her taxes at the dining room table.

Take steps to prevent—and recover from—tax-related identity theft.

A woman calculates the real cost of using a BNPL app.

Is it safe to use installment plans when shopping?

A man admires his new white car.

Thinking about paying off your car? Here’s what to know first.

A woman reviews her credit report on her computer.

Make a habit of regularly checking your credit report to ensure every detail is accurate.

A couple tape up a box while packing up their home.

Is buying a home always better than renting?

A couple signs a legal document with a notary.

Before you hire a notary, use these tips to find the right service and the right provider.

A woman looks at her retirement accounts on her computer.

Prepare for retirement and get the most out of your benefits and accounts with these expert tips.

A family tours a house with a real estate agent.

Both buyers and renters should be aware of these common scams.

A man takes a picture of his red sedan to sell it.

It’s a seller’s market and companies are vying for your used car.

A couple hold the keys to their new red car in the dealership.

The pandemic brings new considerations on car financing.

A woman calculates her income taxes

Many popular pandemic-related tax breaks changed last year.