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.

Featured Publications

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 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.

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.