Many of the big department stores are gearing up for huge Boxing Day sales which they hope will top up their depleted coffers at the end of a slow year.
But Queensland Fair Trading Minister Peter Lawlor says if you don't have the money to spend in the first place, there's nothing special about a "special".
"Don't get caught up in the sales hype, especially in the Boxing Day sales," he told AAP on Friday.
"Have a plan, stick to your budget and don't spend what you can't afford because that's just a debt trap and you'll end up in 2011 paying off goods you probably didn't want - people do get caught up in the sales hype and very often buy items they don't really need."
Mr Lawlor said it's also important for shoppers to know about refunds.
"If the product's faulty or not fit for its purpose you're entitled to a refund, but of course if you just change your mind or find a cheaper item elsewhere then you're not entitled to a refund."
The minister said while post Christmas sales were critical for the industry, the government is encouraging consumers to only buy things they really need and can afford.
