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Pitch Guide: Chris Cluff, GoBankingRates

Written by OnePitch | Oct 23, 2025 7:00:01 AM

If you’re pitching stories related to personal finance, consumer banking, or retirement planning, you’ll want to know how to reach Chris Cluff, Lead Editor at GoBankingRates.

 

With over three decades of experience in journalism, including more than ten years each at The Seattle Times and MSN.com, Chris brings a seasoned perspective to stories about money management, saving habits, and financial literacy. His experience on both sides of the newsroom makes him a thoughtful, detail-driven editor who knows what readers value most.

 

P.S. We are also hosting him on our Pitch Palooza session on 10/28 where he will be reviewing pitches and answering questions. Want to join? Click below to sign up:

 

Ready to download the guide? Fill out the form below or keep on reading to get a bit more info on Alexander and what he covers: 

 

 

Who is Chris Cluff?

  • Lead Editor at GoBankingRates (Gen Digital)

  • Covers personal finance, retirement, savings habits, and consumer banking

  • 30+ years of experience in writing and editing, including The Seattle Times and MSN.com

  • Known for his approachable and reader-friendly financial storytelling

  • Based in Seattle

 


Why Download the Pitch Guide

Chris oversees content that reaches millions of readers interested in improving their financial lives. He’s constantly evaluating pitches that offer practical, trustworthy money insights and he knows the difference between a genuine tip and a sales hook.

Our full Pitch Guide breaks down:

  • His pitching preferences and structure suggestions

  • What topics resonate most with GoBankingRates readers

  • How to earn a response (and what not to do)

This guide is perfect for anyone pitching consumer-facing finance stories, retirement resources, or banking-industry insights.

 

 

Chris Cluff's Key Takeaways for PR Pros

  • Keep it clean: Lead with bullet points and a few short explanation paragraphs. Avoid long, wordy emails.
  • Skip attachments: Do not send files in your initial pitch. Wait until your idea is accepted.
  • Timing doesn’t matter: Chris checks email throughout the day and week, so send when it makes sense for you.
  • One follow-up is plenty: If he’s interested, he’ll respond.
  • Be focused: Attention-grabbing subject lines are fine, as long as they stay on topic.

Want to know exactly how Chris likes to receive pitches, and what he’ll ignore? Download the full Pitch Guide below:

 

 

Want to Learn More?

If you found this guide helpful, check out more from the OnePitch blog to improve your media outreach strategy:
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