Good advice from all. The only thing I suggest is to not skimp on training though. I started 141 with my private and then the school closed down right in the middle of my instrument so I was forced to switch to part 61. Kinda sucked because that meant I had to build almoast 50 hours of cross country time. I used to think (at the begining of my training) that it would be great to get my private done in 35 hours.....Reality Check.... I logged 5 hours sitting on the ramp at a busy class B airspace airport waiting for takeoff. Scheduling, Maintenence, 1 instructor switch, Jacked up flight controls on my stage 3 private check led to another flight, Oh yeah....My first solo day I got stuck flying circles over downtown Salt Lake City because the President of Mexico was flying into town so ATC did'nt want me near his Shiny 757......rant...rant....you get the picture....these are all things you will become familiar with once you start flying. My original point Though is Do Not Skimp on training....Your initial training is your foundation of skills and abilities as a pilot. Would you rather be the guy or gal who got a ticket that says you are a private pilot, Or be the guy or gal who did a couple extra flights and walk with your head high and confident because you KNOW you are a well trained competent pilot. Checkride time.... are you ready. Do not go on a checkride unless you know you are ready. It is a waste of time and money if you fail, also it will follow you down the line when you apply for a job.

Here is a perfect example of a pilot versus a competent pilot.

While working at an FBO I notice a group of young men. 18-21 ish. One of them approach our after hour lock-box and grabs the keys to our oldest, least powerful (140hp) cessna 172. I think nothing of it and go about my aircraft fueling and towing. To my amazement all 4 of these guys climb into this 172 and soon after the engine is running. A warm day, But a dry stable air mass. I am fully aware of whats going to happen next, a takeoff roll. The runway at this airport is only 4900 ft long. No problem for a 172. So sure enough about 100 feet away from me they go rolling down the runway and I can't help but notice that his takeoff roll has taken him more than 3000 feet and this cessna is BARELY climbing. I watch in amazement and also dismay. WHY? I know what is wrong. After watching the terrifying departure I shake my head and go back to work. Upon their arrival I marshall them to the hangar so I can put the aircraft away in the hangar. I keep my mouth shut and strike up a friendly conversation with the pilot and to keep it short his comments were. "Yeah man I could barely climb at 150 feet per minute". I keep my mouth shut and say in my head. " Do ya think it's because you were 250 or 300 pounds overweight"!
The next day I speak with a friend at work and tell him about it. He said he was not surprised because that kid failed his Private Pilot checkride 3 times! It was lucky four for him to get his ticket. Not to mention the fact that those 3 guys he took with him were probably clueless of the absolute danger they were in flying and overloaded aircraft with a pilot who was obviously (for lack of better words ) not a very good one. This kid put all of those guys in danger and for what, to prove he could take them for a ride, to prove he is a pilot, Being a pilot means IMO responsible. So do not skimp on your training. Your training will shape you into what you want out of it. Why this kid failed 3 times I do not know but I first hand witnessed his poor judgement and safety skills. Be the competent pilot not the skimper. Sorry for the rant.....Good luck and fly safe.