Don't let the bear market eat you up!

The current bear market has many people worrying about holding stocks as it always does, but investors need to keep things in perspective through these times. These five tips will help you get through the bear market.

1. Markets fall the hardest at the end of the bear market. This means that typically, when the stock market begins selling off on huge volume day after day, we are near the end.

2. Stay calm! Panic selling during a bear market has lost a lot of people a ton of money. You have to know the risks associated with stocks going in, so don't bail at the worst time.

3. Make sure you are diversified. If your portfolio is not diversified then you are likely suffering more than you need to be. Diversification is great defense.

4. Get more defensive with your stock picks. Non-discretionary sectors such as food stocks, drug stocks, utilities, etc. will always outperform during a bear market.

5. Get a shopping list ready. While it's tough to buy when stocks are down a lot, it's clearly a good idea if you find the right stocks. Don't try to catch a falling knife, but be prepared to buy when things begin settling down.

A bear market is tough to take, but please keep your senses and remember that stocks are the highest paying investment over the long run!