Hi, I need some advice about my finances:

I work 20 hours a week, and my 2 week paycheck comes to about $450 (after taxes). More hours at work is NOT an option.

I currently have a balance of $1150 on my credit card. My goal is as follows:

by 08/31: balance = $900
by 09/31: balance = $750
by 10/31: balance = $500
by 11/31: balance = $250
by 12/31: balance = $000

This would be easy to accomplish, but each paycheck, I put 2/3 away into a savings account for grad school, which leaves me with about $150 per paycheck (apx. $300 per month) to use for gas and my credit card. My non-fuel efficient car gets horrible mileage and I have to commute to work, so there is no way to reduce my fuel consumption.

Am I doing right by contributing so much to my savings, or should I use that money to get my CC under control?

Most of the money on the CC is from gas expenses and books for school due to a 5 month time period in which I wasn’t working. It’s not a matter of spending a lot on myself. I bring my own lunch, don’t eat out, and try to be financially responsible but I feel horrible that I have this CC debt over my head. Am I being too rough on myself, or do I deserve it?