* Seven Stocks Expected to Grow Their Dividends in 2010

In this space we normally look at companies that have recently raised their dividends. However, as the year draws to a close there were very few companies of note increasing their dividends this week. With that, I thought it would be interesting to see who might be the big dividend raisers in 2010. Here are seven companies for your consideration:

* 7 Low-Debt High-Rated Dividend Stocks

When selecting a dividend growth stock there is really only one factor that is important - sustainability. As we evaluate many aspects of a company, what we are really trying to determine is if the company can continue to raise its dividend indefinitely into the future. To pay and raise its dividend a company must generate sufficient free cash flow. However, it is not enough to just generate the cash, it has to be available for dividend payments.

* Emerson Electric Co. (EMR) Dividend Stock Analysis

This article originally appeared on The DIV-Net December 21, 2009.

Linked here is a detailed quantitative analysis of Emerson Electric Co. (EMR). Below are some highlights from the above linked analysis:

Company Description: Emerson Electric Co. primarily makes backup power equipment for telecom and Internet providers and users, climate control components, and electric motors.

* Weekly Links: December 27, 2009

Each Sunday I highlight the Carnivals I participated in over the past week, along with any notable articles that I came across. For those readers not familiar with carnivals, it's where personal finance bloggers submit their best articles of the week with one blog serving as the host. The entries are separated into various categories such as Investing, Credit, Debt, Budgeting, Frugality, Wealth Building, Money Management, Financial Planning, Insurance, Taxes, The Economy, Real Estate, et. al.

* 2010 Investing Goals

My goals were originally defined in this December 1, 2007 Investing Goals post and last updated in my 2009 Investing Goals. As noted all year, I will fall short of my 2009 goal of $8,000 in annualized income. Looking at my long-rang goals, I am still on track to reach my 2017 goal of $30,000. The 2027 goal of $110,000 is not as clear. Given the increased prices and lower yields of new investments, my model is currently indicating this could be difficult to make. However, I will leave both 2017 and 2027 unchanged. Now, what to do with my 2010 goal?

* Merry Christmas 2009

On this special day...

* 5 Stocks Giving The Gift of Dividend Growth

Christmas is a time of giving. Families and loved-ones give gifts to each other. Many people give money to the needy and charities, while others give their time to help those that are not quite as fortunate. It seems that everyone is involved in giving this time of year, even corporations. Dividend growth stocks give a gift that keeps on giving - ever increasing dividends!

* Best Stocks For 2010

I always enjoy this time of year. The Christmas music, decorations, family gatherings, holiday plays and stock picks. Stock picks? Yes, 'tis the season for stock predictions! Virtually every financial writer will pen an article selecting his or her top picks for the upcoming year. I enjoy reading them and the logic behind the picks. As a long-term buy and hold investor, generally most aren't useful for me; nevertheless, I find them entertaining and sometimes there is a gem to be found.

* Nucor Corporation (NUE) Dividend Stock Analysis

This article originally appeared on The DIV-Net December 14, 2009.

Linked here is a detailed quantitative analysis of Nucor Corporation (NUE). Below are some highlights from the above linked analysis:

Company Description: Nucor Corporation is engaged in the manufacture and sale of steel and steel products. As the largest minimill steelmaker in the U.S., Nucor has one of the most diverse product lines of any steelmaker in the Americas.

* Weekly Links: December 20, 2009

Each Sunday I highlight the Carnivals I participated in over the past week, along with any notable articles that I came across. For those readers not familiar with carnivals, it's where personal finance bloggers submit their best articles of the week with one blog serving as the host. The entries are separated into various categories such as Investing, Credit, Debt, Budgeting, Frugality, Wealth Building, Money Management, Financial Planning, Insurance, Taxes, The Economy, Real Estate, et. al.

* Pocket Change Portfolio - November 2009

Each month I update the Pocket Change Portfolio (PCP). The table below reconciles the PCP from beginning of period to end of period for November 2009, Year-To-Date (2009) and Life-To-Date. The Portfolio Returns line provides the calculated return for the three displayed periods.

* 8 Stocks Compounding Their Dividends

Compound interest is what occurs when interest previously earned is added to the principle and is considered when calculating future interest – i.e. earning interest on interest. So, what’s more powerful than compound interest? Compound dividends! Compound dividends are like compound interest on steroids – you are not only earning on reinvested dividends, but the dividend rate is increasing.

* The 2010 Dividend Aristocrats

The S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats is the most prestigious list of dividend stocks. The Dividend Aristocrats index is designed to measure the performance of S&P 500 constituents that have followed a policy of consistently increasing dividends every year for at least 25 consecutive years. This index is a member of the S&P Dividend Aristocrats index series.

* Cincinnati Financial Corp. (CINF) Dividend Stock Analysis

This article originally appeared on The DIV-Net December 7, 2009.

Linked here is a detailed quantitative analysis of Cincinnati Financial Corp. (CINF). Below are some highlights from the above linked analysis:

Company Description: Cincinnati Financial Corp. markets primarily property and casualty coverage; it also conducts life insurance and asset management operations.

* Weekly Links: December 13, 2009

Each Sunday I highlight the Carnivals I participated in over the past week, along with any notable articles that I came across. For those readers not familiar with carnivals, it's where personal finance bloggers submit their best articles of the week with one blog serving as the host. The entries are separated into various categories such as Investing, Credit, Debt, Budgeting, Frugality, Wealth Building, Money Management, Financial Planning, Insurance, Taxes, The Economy, Real Estate, et. al.

* Progress Update - November 2009

Once again it is time for a goals/progress update. I am pleased to report that annualized dividend income rose in November, extending the streak to 9 months after February 2009's decline. Since I began publicly tracking annualized dividend income in November 2007, it has increased in 23 of the last 24 months.

My goals were defined in this December 1, 2007 Investing Goals post and updated in my 2009 Investing Goals post. Below is an updated version of the table found in the original post.

* 8 Dividend Stocks Delivering Tangible Value

A stock dividend, also known as a "scrip dividend", is a dividend payment made with stock instead of cash. Sometimes when companies are tight on cash, they will declare and pay a stock dividend in lieu of a cash dividend. Most shareholders feel like they are getting something. But are they really? In short, a stock dividend is nothing more than a glorified stock split. At the end of the process, the shareholder has more shares that are worth less. Like a stock split, you can not create value by issuing paper and getting nothing in exchange.

* 3 Styles Of Successful Dividend Investing

There are certainly many ways to categorize the different styles of investing in dividend stocks, including yield, risk, growth, etc. An investment strategy based on any of these could be successful, if implemented within the framework well-crafted plan. Over the years, I have found that most dividend investing styles fall into one of the three major categories listed below:

* HCC Insurance Holdings Inc. (HCC) Dividend Stock Analysis

This article originally appeared on The DIV-Net November 30, 2009.

Linked here is a detailed quantitative analysis of HCC Insurance Holdings Inc. (HCC). Below are some highlights from the above linked analysis:

Company Description: HCC Insurance Holdings Inc. is a multi-line insurer that specializes in aviation, marine, medical stop-loss, offshore energy and property and casualty insurance in the U.S. and the U.K.

* Weekly Links: December 6, 2009

Each Sunday I highlight the Carnivals I participated in over the past week, along with any notable articles that I came across. For those readers not familiar with carnivals, it's where personal finance bloggers submit their best articles of the week with one blog serving as the host. The entries are separated into various categories such as Investing, Credit, Debt, Budgeting, Frugality, Wealth Building, Money Management, Financial Planning, Insurance, Taxes, The Economy, Real Estate, et. al.

* 11 Dividend Stocks Giving You More To Spend

You can’t spend earnings! At first glance, this seems like an odd statement, possibly even incorrect. However, it is not only correct, but an important axiom for all types of investors. Through fraud and manipulation financial statements can be made to look quite impressive, but the cash that arrives in your brokerage account is real.

* D4L Premium Services: Beat The January Price Increase

Since its introduction in July 2009, the D4L Premium Services has seen excellent growth in both features and subscribers. In addition to the initial D4L-Dashboard feature, the D4L-Premium Services now includes Analytical Reports and D4L-Alerts. New features are already in the works for 2010. To-date, there has been over 100 subscribers with nearly a 90% retention rate.

* 9 Small/Mid-Cap Dividend Stocks Answering The Call

I have set aside 15% in my asset allocation for small and mid-cap equities. Generally, smaller cap securities are more volatile, but often offer a higher rate of return over the long-term. Most of this allocation is covered by small cap mutual funds in my 401(k).