Hi CPodder,
Welcome to GMAT Club!
When I was about to start my prep a month ago, i was pretty much in the same boat as you. After a fair amount of research, I decided to go with the Manhattan strategy guides coupled with
the Official Guide 2017. I think it was a great decision as the guides are very well written and easy to understand. The
OG is an absolute MUST because it is the ONLY source of official question.
My area of weakness was largely verbal, and since I started using the guides, I have seen a very palpable rise in my accuracy. I would suggest the Manhattan strategy guides for anyone who is going to prepare for GMAT as they not only brush up your concepts but also provide (IMO) great strategy advise and methods to improve speed and accuracy. Having said this, I would also urge you to make the most of this forum during the course of your GMAT prep. Head on over to the relevant sections of the forum and look for guides written by people from these forums; Personally, I would recomend whiplash's guides for SC and CR as well as the GMAT club Math and Grammar books (All free) to brush up your concepts and increase effectiveness.
I would really appreciate a kudos if you thought my answer was helpful!