Noarlunga McDonald’s worker reveals trick to super-sized property portfolio

An Adelaide man who bought his first house at just 18 while working in fast food says there are simple steps everyone can follow.

The old adage ‘hard work pays off’ could not be more true for young McDonald’s worker Max Jennings.

After starting at the Golden Arches in Noarlunga as a 14-year-old in 2016, the financially savvy youngster was determined to work hard and save diligently.

Sevens years later and just shy of his 21st birthday, Mr Jennings he is now the owner of four properties.

Starting his working journey as a crew member, Mr Jennings started putting aside money from his earnings every year.

Noarlunga McDonald’s worker Max Jennings. Picture: Dean Martin

“I was working after school, every weekend, and public holidays to save as much money as possible,” he said.

“I sat down with my mum, created a budget and a savings goal,”

Mr Jennings went from crew member to shift manager and then department manager in six years and at 18-years-old bought his first home.

“My property portfolio consists of two residential and two commercial properties in regional South Australia,” he said.

“Combined, they cover my living expenses each week which has been my goal since I bought the first property.”

Having worked at McDonald’s Noarlunga for almost seven years, Mr Jennings now has his sights set on training in leadership as an assistant restaurant manager.

“The opportunities for career progression are one of the aspects I love the most about Macca’s,” he said.

“If you have the drive and appetite for success, you can go really far at McDonald’s – the only person who limits you is yourself.”

Mr Jennings also volunteers once a week in an aged care home, spending three hours on a Thursday playing bingo and talking to the elderly.

“I have been incredibly blessed in my life, so being charitable made sense to me,” Mr Jennings said.

“I don’t think many 20-year-olds can say that they have a 90-year-old friend – that is something that I really cherish.”

Mr Jennings is proof that with the right attitude, hard work pays off – no matter how humble your beginnings may be.

“The opportunities for career progression are one of the aspects I love the most about Maccas,” he said.

“If you have the drive and appetite for success, you can go really far at McDonald’s – the only person who limits you is yourself.”

Max’s tips for saving when you’re young

– Save money because it is actually ‘future you’ money. Put it in a separate high interest account away from all your other accounts.

– Don’t get into any debt that doesn’t make you money. With my properties, I will only buy something which puts money in my pocket. Using leverage should increase your income and net worth.

– Look for mentors and ask questions. Often people like helping younger people get ahead, but we can sometimes be too proud to ask.

– Divide all your expenses by weeks in the year and put this away each week into a separate account.