I think your basic plan is sound. Instead of having too much withheld and getting a big refund with your tax return, reduce your withholding and send that money you're not spending every week to your 401k plan.

If you want to see what your paycheck would look like with various changes, try www.paycheckcity.com . They have a paycheck calculator that will help you see what the net result of your proposed changes will be.

An alternative approach that some might suggest is to direct that extra money to a Roth IRA (if you are eligible for one). That won't reduce your current taxes, but it is a reasonably good vehicle for long-term retirement savings. You need to be sure you are getting the full match on your 401k before considering this. Not getting the full match that is available is just plain dumb. (A couple of dire cicrumstances excepted from the "dumb" remark.)

--Peter