I n 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).