After the 2020 holidays, which incurred different types of gatherings, many are looking to make 2021 better. Retailers expect sales to increase 3 percent from last year during November and December, according to the 2021 Holiday Report by NPD. At the same time, prices are on the rise: the consumer price index (pdf) rose 5.4 percent for the 12 months ending September, a sign that consumers are paying more for products, fuel, and housing. When it comes to holiday shopping, a little extra planning can help avoid budget blow ups. “We all see and feel the pain of increasing consumer prices, but that doesn’t mean you have to overspend on holiday gifts and other seasonal expenses,” money-saving and shopping expert Andrea Woroch told The Epoch Times. Setting aside time early in the season can make a difference too, especially this year. “Growing supply chain disruptions and shipping delays will also …