How this swans player is investing to build a life beyond football

Hayden McLean (0:00)

So totally, I was like, I saw it growing. I was like, I'm making money on money that isn't my money. I was just like.

Jess (0:05)

Is that what clicks?

Hayden McLean (0:06)

Yeah, so excited about the same time. 100%.

To get that call, sort of to relive it now, you know. I was working at like a Rebel Sport outlet then. I was just like, okay, let's go for this. Yeah. I think it's not really exposed in school either. No. It's not till you're 20 or whatever. And if I started when I was 16 or 18, I would have been way better off than what I am now. I think if you can build a good foundation and actually do it yourself, you're going to have that appreciation for it as well.

Jess (0:34)

Thank you so much to ShopBack for sponsoring the series and helping keep all of our content free. Welcome back to Get Started Investing, a show that helps you make the most of your money. This is How I Got Started. It's a series where I sit down with a community member and I get to hear the highs and lows of their journey to investing. These are real stories and we hope they're going to give you the confidence that investing is for anyone. Today I'm joined by 27-year-old Sydney Swans forward, Hayden McLean. From missing out on the AFL draft to earning his place at the Sydney Swans, Hayden's story is one of discipline, patience, and just trusting the process. Those same qualities have shaped the way he approaches money too. From budgeting and saving for his first investment property to building a long-term investment portfolio while preparing for a life beyond football. This is How Hayden Got Started.

Hayden, welcome to Get Started Investing.

Hayden McLean (1:19)

Thank you so much for having me. I'm excited.

Jess (1:21)

Yeah, good to have you here. Now we start every interview with the same question. If money was a friend, what kind of friend would you be to it?

Hayden McLean (1:28)

Yeah, I think everyone's probably got this one friend. I think it's that friend that 90% of the time, they're pretty serious, dedicated, probably fit, whatever, but that 10% they do like to have fun every now and then. So I think money, I'm pretty good, but I think it's probably that 10% that sometimes.

Jess (1:42)

I feel like that's allowed.

Hayden McLean (1:43)

I think it's allowed, yeah. I think you need that balance to be able to do what you're doing and be serious, but then to enjoy it. That's why you make it at the end of the day. 100%.

Jess (1:51)

I love that. Now, before we rewind, can you paint a picture of what life looks like for you today?

Hayden McLean (1:57)

So I'm living in Sydney now, originally from Melbourne. So I play for the Sydney Swans, so I moved up here eight years ago now. Really enjoy my time up in Sydney now. Studying commerce on the side, just part-time at UNSW. So I feel like I've got to a point where I can balance life well.

Jess (2:13)

Sounds like a lot going on though.

Hayden McLean (2:14)

Yeah, it can be, but I think we get a lot of flexibility and a lot of help around us to be able to try to do what we can. So I'm just enjoying it while I can and basically living the dream.

Jess (2:24)

Yeah, and Bondo Boy.

Hayden McLean (2:26)

Yeah, Bondo Boy now. So I was in Coogee for four years and now Bondo, and it's a great lifestyle.

Jess (2:30)

Oh, it's the best.

Hayden McLean (2:31)

Yeah, it's really good. But I think everyone has to sort of enjoy it for a year or so, if they can.

Jess (2:35)

100%.

Hayden McLean (2:36)

It's definitely a lifestyle change, and it's one of the best beaches in the world.

Jess (2:39)

100%. Now take me back. Growing up, what was money like for you and your family?

Hayden McLean (2:44)

We didn't speak about money a lot probably as a family. It was more, I think, as soon as I was 14, nine months. I got my first job when you legally could, which was at a fish and chip shop first for about two weeks. Didn't like that, so I went to Woolworths.

Jess (2:57)

I thought you got fired.

Hayden McLean (2:58)

No, I left there. I thought it wasn't probably me. I did that, and I think from a young age, my parents, especially my dad, really taught me to try to save as much as I could.

Jess (3:07)