Former McDonald's worker shares best money-saving hack - but there's a catch

01 January 2023 , 15:04

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Queenie worked at McDonald's during her teenage years (Stock Photo) (Image: Getty Images)

A money expert who first entered the world of work as a McDonald's cashier has shared her top tip for fast food fans looking to save a bit of cash at the drive thru. Queenie Tan, now 26, worked at McDonald's as a teenager and regards this early experience as being super valuable in terms of learning how to save and manage money.

The Sydney-based investing whizz, who regularly shares content advising others on how to make their money go further, also learned one particularly useful hack during her time at the Golden Arches, and has now advised her fellow Australians how they too can get their Maccies meal for less.

In a video shared via Instagram, Queenie asked her followers: "Did you know you can save 20 per cent off a small meal by making it a Happy Meal instead?

"I bought a chicken nugget Happy Meal for $8.70 AUD (£6.69) and I bought a small nuggets meal for $10.55 AUD (£8.11). I don't know what to tell you but they're the same."

As explained by Queenie, both meals were exactly the same, with each containing nuggets, a drink, and fries. For those who don't want the toy that comes with the Happy Meal, Queenie suggests just saying so to members of staff.

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Those who don't want the toy can just let staff know (Stock Image) (Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Queenie's followers were left thoroughly impressed by the simple yet effective money-saving hack, with some revealing they've already been trying it out for some time.

One savvy parent commented: "Yes I say it’s for my son but it’s secretly for me instead."

Another person wrote: "I used to do this in uni, it was so much cheaper!"

A third person advised: "Yes I do this a lot also works out cheaper at KFC as well."

In a previous video about her time working at McDonald's, Queenie revealed her favourite secret menu item - soft serve ice cream in a lid topped with chocolate or caramel sauce. According to Queenie, this thrifty treat costs just $1.30 AUD (73p) and tastes just like a sundae.

Do you have a money-saving tip to share? Email us at [email protected]

Julia Banim