In the December 1 Bottom Line/Personal cover story investment adviser Bill Staton is one of the eight top personal-finance experts who share their secrets for the single best thing you can do in 2010 to improve your finances. He suggests focusing on large-cap stocks that have increased dividend payments for at least 10 consecutive years. Here are 11 stocks that Staton says qualify…

• 3M Company (MMM).

• Buckeye Partners, LP (BPL), a petroleum pipeline system operator.

• CenturyLink, Inc. (CTL), a voice, broadband and video service provider.

• The Clorox Company (CLX).

• Emerson Electric (EMR), a global manufacturing and technology company.

• Fastenal Company (FAST), a wholesaler and retailer of industrial construction supplies.

• International Business Machines Corp (IBM).

• Johnson & Johnson (JNJ).

• Nucor Corp (NUE), a manufacturer of steel and steel products.

• The Procter & Gamble Company (PG).

• RPM International Inc. (RPM), maker of protective coatings and paint products.

For more on Staton’s advice see his book, America’s Finest Companies 2010 (Wiley).

Source: Bill Staton, personal finance expert, investment advisor and author of America’s Finest Companies 2010. Date: December 1, 2009 Publication: Bottom Line Personal