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

AAA Members review their credit scores on their couch.

Learn how to check your credit score, what it impacts, and what’s a good score.

A mom smiles while on the phone in her living room surrounded by her two children.

New technologies are enabling new ways to rip you off.

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 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 couple tape up a box while packing up their home.

Is buying a home always better than renting?

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.