Before we get ahead of ourselves, and I start name-dropping some hot stocks with the firepower to lead the next bull market, take a look at these three investing tips to position — and protect — your retirement portfolio:

Tip #1: DON'T SELL!

One of the most popular clichés on Wall Street is "Buy low; sell high." Don't let the big bad bears and TV talking heads panic you into selling this late in the game after most of the damage has already been done.

Instead, now is the time to increase your allocation to stocks. Buying as the market gyrates downward pretty much guarantees you'll catch the big bounce up! (See also: "Don't Play 'Risk' With Your Retirement.")

So which stocks should you buy?

Tip #2: BUY GROWTH

In these panics, growth stocks get obliterated as institutions trade into stable companies like utilities or high dividend payers or "value" stocks selling at low price-to-earnings ratios. But the snapback rally will be led by growth stocks that have been beaten down to low levels.

The fact of the matter is, this bear market is winding down, and we have close to $4 trillion of cash on the sidelines just waiting for the chance to pour back in! (Want more great tips to plan for the retirement of your dreams? Check out the Retirement Center at InvestorPlace.com today!)

I promise you, once this bear market ends the market will turnaround hard and fast especially as that cash floods into growth stocks. This is a tremendous wealth-building opportunity you don't want to miss! So position your money in some solid growth stocks — it's a surefire way to fuel the value of your retirement portfolio.

Tip #3…