[gcruse]

My New Year's Resolutions -on the financial front- are to put away $6,000 in savings, $700 in my 401K, reduce my taxable income by $1,000, and shave $2,000 off my credit card debt.

I wouldn't do it that way.  I'd forego putting anything into savings until all my credit card debt was paid off.  Then I'd max out my 401K contribution and adjust my lifestyle to living with those means, plus save what I could. With the interest you are paying on your credit cards, you're throwing money away.  Get own to zero owed.  Then start saving and begin paying cash for everything except home mortgages.  Let your money work for you, not the credit card company.

[Choose Ye This Day]

I'd forego putting anything into savings until all my credit card debt was paid off. Then I'd max out my 401K contribution and adjust my lifestyle to living with those means, plus save what I could. With the interest you are paying on your credit cards, you're throwing money away. Get own to zero owed. Then start saving and begin paying cash for everything except home mortgages. Let your money work for you, not the credit card company.

Excellent post.