If you're trying to increase your credit score, you don't need to freeze your spending completely. In fact, healthy spending can actually improve your score. Credit repair takes time, but as you're working on paying off debts and getting your finances under control, here are some ways you can spend money wisely:

• Use your credit cards – and pay them off each month.

Believe it or not, using your credit cards can actually help improve your score, as long as you aren't tempted to reach your limits. Use your card to purchase things you have to buy, like gas and groceries, and pay off at least as much as you spend every month (more if you already have a balance. Paying down your balance on time every month looks great on your credit history report, and as a bonus, many cards offer cash back or points incentives as you use the card.

• Buy things that will increase in value.

When making larger purchases, try to buy things that will increase in value over time, not depreciate. A new car, for example, will lose tons of value as soon as you drive it off the lot! On the other hand, real estate will only increase in value (if you hold on to it long enough).

• Choose quality over quantity when it comes to clothing.

If you love shopping, it might be tempting to come home with new blouses or dresses every time you go to the mall. A good deal isn't always a good deal, though. There's a reason why some stores sell t-shirts for two dollars. Invest in your clothing. If you buy items that are inexpensively made, they won't last long. Instead, shop at more expensive stores (sales racks are great). You might have sticker shock, but one well-made suit will last for years, while a cheap one will have to be replaced much more quickly.

• Know your prices and do some comparison shopping.

Start to recognize the prices of items you buy often, like groceries, socks, toothpaste, tissues, and printer paper. Then, head to farmer's markets, club stores, discount department stores, and even second-hand stores. You can't spot a deal if you don't know the price you'll pay elsewhere.

• Invest in insurance.

Lastly, one of the smartest ways to spend you money is to purchase insurance. If you rent, renters insurance will cover the cost of replacing your possessions should the house be destroyed in a natural disaster, vandalized, or robbed. Your landlord's insurance won't cover you if there's a problem! So, spending a little money today means that you'll be financially protected in the future.

This guest post is from Allison at RentersInsurance.org, where you can go to get a renters insurance quote.