It's a fact of life: Cars are expensive. So are houses, higher education, furniture, electronics – the list goes on. With so many expenses to consider day in and day out, it's easy to see how many people wind up with debt that eventually hurts their credit score. Even if you manage to pay off most of the borrowed money, a missed payment or major purchase can have a significant impact on your credit. That influences how you're set up for the future and could even play role in deciding what type of car you wind up driving for the next several years.  

Are you underwhelmed by your credit score? Here are five tips that could help you boost this number without giving up your dream car. 

1. Plan to improve your score 
The first thing you should be doing is looking for ways to improve your credit score. However, this process takes time, and it's a long-term commitment that may require some flexibility as life's little surprises pop up. Do some digging into secured credit cards or similar reputable options that are designed to build credit while keeping you on a budget. You'll be able to form positive habits, such as paying off your balance and keeping track of spending, without diving into more debt. This plan should also take into account any larger purchases you may need to make in the near future. Try to save up some money for a bigger down payment on something like a used car. 

2. Pay your bills 
It may sound simple or self-explanatory, but making a concentrated effort to pay all of your bills on time can go a long way toward improving your credit history. The Huffington Post reported that FICO plans to incorporate utility bills into credit scores. That's good news for people who pay these bills on time but may not have or want access to credit cards. Whether it's gas, electric, telecommunication or some other service, make sure you're meeting these deadlines for a small boost to your reputation. 

3. Don't discount auto loans 
Just because you have a subprime credit score doesn't mean a manageable loan is out of reach. There are facilities that can secure you credit approval and get you situated with a used car loan. At New Jersey State Auto Auction, the on-site financing department guarantees approval for prospective buyers. The team of experts is also well-equipped to answer your questions, assist with complicated paperwork and cut through the red tape that is typically associated with loans. 

4. Keep an eye on the bottom line
Costs can quickly grow once you take interest rates, car repairs and maintenance into account. That's why it's important to stay focused on the bottom line. Longer loans may lead to smaller monthly payments, for example, but you could find you're paying much more in interest. You'll have to decide what the best course of action is for you and your unique situation, but do the legwork to stay informed and make educated decisions. 

5. Have your materials ready 
If you've decided to invest in a used car and have a general idea of how you want to finance the vehicle, it's time to make sure you have everything you need to make this a reality. Gather together personal references, proof of address and insurance, identification materials and recent credit reports. Many of these materials are required by the facility you're working with, while others may just be good to have in case you need to make yourself a better loan candidate. Simply collecting these documents could be helpful, however. Consider your credit report: By obtaining a free copy of this official report and looking over the details, you'll be in a good position to find errors, clarify those mistakes and create an effective plan for the future.