Make a Black Friday Plan Before the Sales Start

Black Friday is on November 27 this year, and Cyber Monday follows on November 30. For many households, these two days start the most expensive stretch of the year. Gifts, travel, food, and hosting all land within about six weeks.

Canadians plan to spend an average of $911 on the holidays this year, down from $975 in 2025, according to the Retail Council of Canada's 2026 holiday shopping survey (opens in a new tab). Most expect to spend about the same as last year.

Here's how to plan your holiday spending before the sales start.

Why Black Friday breaks holiday budgets

Two reasons.

First, the sales are designed to speed up decisions. Countdown timers, limited-stock messages, and "was/now" pricing all push you to buy before you compare.

Second, Black Friday gets treated as its own event. But November and December spending come out of the same accounts, so a deal in November still counts against December's gifts, travel, and food.

A budget helps when it covers the whole season and is set before the first sale.

Set one number for the whole holiday season

Decide what the entire season can cost, from Black Friday through New Year's. Include gifts, travel, hosting and food, office and teacher gifts, shipping, and decorations. If you know what last year cost, start there.

If you share finances with a partner, agree on the number together before either of you starts shopping.

Write your list before the sales start

List each person you're buying for with a rough amount. Then add household items you already need that often go on sale, such as a laptop near the end of its life, winter tires, or a small appliance.

Before buying anything on sale, check that it's on your list.

How to tell if a Black Friday deal is real

Write down today's price for each item on your list. Check it again on Black Friday, or use a price tracker or the retailer's price history. If the price is lower than what you saw before, it's a real discount.

Watch for three common tactics:

• Urgency: countdown timers and "only 3 left" messages. Many of these deals return later in the season.
• Anchoring: "Was $299, now $149" only matters if the item actually sold for $299.
• "You saved" totals: savings only count if you were going to buy the item anyway.

Count buy now, pay later at full price

Buy now, pay later plans split a purchase into instalments. The Financial Consumer Agency of Canada (opens in a new tab) notes that these plans are a form of credit and can encourage impulse purchases or spending beyond your means. Some also charge fees.

If you use one, count the full price against your holiday budget on the day you buy, and keep a list of every plan you have running.

Track holiday spending as it happens

Keep a running total while you shop. A shared note, a spreadsheet, or a budgeting tool all work.

In Be WellOff, set up a holiday budget in the Budget area and enter each purchase as you make it. Households can share it through a Financial Space with up to four additional collaborators, so everyone buying sees the same total. Entering purchases yourself helps you notice how much you've spent while you're still shopping. Nothing you enter is ever sold or shared, and no bank login is required.

Shop safely

Scams increase during the holiday shopping season. Be cautious with deals sent by text or social media, check the website address before entering card details, and be wary of "delivery problem" messages. With unfamiliar sellers, a credit card is usually easier to dispute than debit or e-transfer.

November money dates

• Nov 10: Ontario Trillium Benefit payment (Ontario residents)
• Nov 20: Canada Child Benefit payment
• Nov 26: CPP, OAS, and GIS payments; US Thanksgiving
• Nov 27: Black Friday
• Nov 30: Cyber Monday
• Late November: watch for the 2027 TFSA limit announcement (Canada)

The CCB payment on the 20th lands a week before Black Friday. If it's already committed to regular bills, don't count it toward holiday shopping.