Black Friday sales Australia 2025: bag deals, not debt!
Get ready for Black Friday and Cyber Monday 2025 with MyBudget’s expert budgeting tips, designed to help Australians shop smart, stay debt-free, and make confident financial decisions this shopping season.
What is Black Friday?
Black Friday is a global shopping phenomenon that occurs annually in late November, often called the sale of the year, offering major discounts across almost every retail category, online and in-stores.
Where did Black Friday come from?
It all started in the 1960s in the U.S. Retailers noticed that the surge of shoppers the day after Thanksgiving was often the day their accounts went from “in the red” (losses) to “in the black” (profits).
When is Black Friday in Australia?
Black Friday 2025 officially begins on Friday 28 November, but most Australian retailers start discounting earlier, sometimes as soon as mid-November. What began in the US as a one-day post-Thanksgiving sale has become a global shopping marathon, with deals rolling into Cyber Monday (1 December).
So if you’ve been holding out for a big-ticket purchase, like a TV, laptop, or that dream kitchen gadget, now’s your moment. But before diving head-first into discounts, you’ll want a plan, because let’s face it, no deal is worth a debt hangover in January.
Projected spending: Australians are tipped to spend $6.8 billion across the Black Friday to Cyber Monday weekend, a 4% rise from 2024.
Australian Retailers Association, 2025
That rise in spending makes it even more crucial to plan ahead with a solid budget. If you are searching for the best Black Friday budgeting tips Australia, you’re in the right place, we’ve got practical advice to help you shop smart and make confident financial decisions this holiday shopping season.
Why you need a budget for the 2025 Black Friday sales
It’s easy to get swept away by flashing banners screaming “50% off!” or “buy more, save more!” But behind the hype lies a trap for many Aussies. About a third of Australians plan to spend more this year, with many likely to switch brands for better deals, according to Deloitte.
Having a Black Friday budgeting plan keeps your cash flow under control. Set automatic transfers to your savings account to ensure you don’t dip into funds meant for bills or essentials. With a plan in place, you can shop confidently and still protect your financial situation.
Download MyBudget’s free Personal Budget Template to get started today.
5 tips to shop smart for Black Friday 2025
- Make a shopping list and do your research
Start early. Make a shopping list of items you actually need or have been saving for, from home appliances to beauty products, then compare prices across different retailers. Use price tracking websites like Google Shopping or Keepa to find genuine bargains and spot fake markdowns. For a comprehensive overview of 2025 Black Friday bargains, check Finder’s Black Friday deals. - Set your spending limits
Decide your maximum spend before you start browsing. Split it into categories (like gifts, tech, or electrical appliances) and track it in your free MyBudget Personal Budget Template. No guilt, no surprises. - Use cashback and coupon sites wisely
Sites like Honey or ShopBack can add extra savings, but always check if the discounts apply to Black Friday or Cyber Monday sales. Combine with rewards credit cards or loyalty programs to earn cashback websites bonuses or rewards points. - Compare prices and policies
Many retailers offer price-match policies, shipping coupons, and local pick-up discounts. Check store newsletters (look in your spam folder too!) and social media reviews for hidden offers. Always confirm delivery or service fees before checkout. - Shop safe and stay scam aware
Be wary of Black Friday scams or fake websites. Stick to secure payment options like a Visa Debit Card or trusted rewards credit card, and only buy from reputable retailers with clear return and refund policies.
5 Black Friday traps to avoid
- Falling for fake discounts
Some retailers bump up prices before the sale, only to slash them back down. Use price tracking tools like Keepa to confirm real discounts. - Ignoring return and refund policies
Many stores limit returns during sale periods. Always check return policies before you buy, especially for electronics or online-only offers. - Overspending out of FOMO
That “limited time” tag is designed to make you panic-buy. Breathe, check your holiday budget, and walk away if it’s not a must-have. - Using credit or BNPL for impulse buys
Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) can sound harmless but debt repayments can stack up, especially if you have multiple BNPL platforms and a number of purchases. If it’s not in your budgeting plan, skip it. - Thinking you need to buy something
The best savings come from not spending at all. If you wouldn’t buy it full price, don’t buy it on sale. Consider homemade presents or thoughtful low-cost gifts to stay on track with your spending.
Trend insight: Half of retailers’ holiday revenue will come from events like Click Frenzy, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday combined, making it more important than ever to shop with a plan in place.
Deloitte, Retail Holiday Report 2025.
Your Black Friday 2025 survival checklist
✅ Create a budgeting plan and stick to it
✅ Make a shopping list and research prices
✅ Use price tracking websites to compare deals before checkout
✅ Avoid BNPL schemes if you will not be able to meet the repayments
✅ Take advantage of loyalty programs and rewards points
✅ Only buy what you truly need.
The joy of a good deal is real, but it’s even more satisfying when you know you stayed within your budget. These shopping tips are all about making confident consumer decisions, whether you’re eyeing the sale of the year, building loyalty points through rewards programs, or putting aside funds for a big purchase during a major sale event.
Plan your spending with our free Saving Goal Calculator to see exactly when you’ll hit your targets and have money ready for the next sale event.
How to shop smarter in the Black Friday sales: call MyBudget!
With MyBudget, you can say goodbye to panic buying in the sales. We’ll create a personal budget that ensures bills are paid on time, savings grow, and you can splurge responsibly, guilt-free.
Our budgeting system helps you plan for discount holidays like Black Friday, Cyber Monday and the Christmas-New Year holiday season by managing your cash flow, expenses, and savings automatically.
For more than 25 years, MyBudget has helped over 130,000 Australians live free from money worries. Let us help you plan your finances so you can enjoy your purchases without money stress.
Book a free chat with a MyBudget money coach today, or call us on 1300 300 922.
Start with a FREE no obligation appointment
FAQs: Black Friday 2025 and budgeting in Australia
When is Black Friday 2025 in Australia?
Black Friday 2025 is on Friday 28 November, followed by Cyber Monday on 1 December.
How much do Australians spend on Black Friday?
Australians are tipped to spend $6.8 billion across the Black Friday to Cyber Monday weekend, a 4% rise from 2024.
How can I set a safe Black Friday budget?
Start by listing your essential expenses, then allocate what’s left for discretionary spending. Use online apps or a budgeting app to stay on track. Our free Personal Budget Template can help.
Are Black Friday deals always cheaper?
Not always. Some retailers use inflated “was” prices. Always research and compare before buying, and check store newsletters or social media reviews for genuine deals.
What’s the safest way to shop online during Black Friday?
Stick to secure, reputable retailers. Look for HTTPS sites, avoid clicking suspicious links, and check refund policies. Use safe payment options like Visa Debit Cards or trusted rewards credit cards.
How does MyBudget help you save for your wishlist before the big sales hit?
We create a tailored budget plan built around your goals, giving you a clear 12‑month + view so you know exactly when you’ll reach your savings targets or become debt‑free. Every dollar has a purpose, so when sales, Christmas or big bills come up, your money’s ready, no resorting to Buy Now Pay Later, no stress, just confidence in your budget plan and continued support from our expert money coaches.
BNPL can sneakily add up, costing you more in the long run. If it’s not in your budget, it’s best to skip it this time around
Tammy Barton, MyBudget Founder & Director
Want to get ahead with your finances? MyBudget’s free Money Tools and Resources will get you started.
