It's important to do your own research when it comes to picking stocks (and the TradeKing site includes plenty of tools to help you do exactly that), but if you're looking for a few shortcuts, AOL Money & Finance links to a list of the Top 100 Stock Picks of Financial Advisors for 2008: "Each year, Steven Halpern, editor of TheStocksAdvisors.com, surveys the nation's leading financial advisors, asking for their favorite conservative and speculative stocks for the coming year. Here, in his 25th annual survey we offer their top choices for 2008..."

The picks are divided into two categories -- Top Conservative Picks and Top Speculative Picks -- so that you have the option of creating the appropriate type of portfolio to match your risk-reward profile. Interestingly, a number of stocks that I would consider "speculative" -- such as First Solar, China Mobile and China Medical -- are lumped in the list of Top Conservative Picks.

[image: Financial Advisor Magic 8 Ball by adge73 on Flickr]

DISCLAIMER: Please keep in mind that TradeKing does not specifically endorse any of the securities or trading strategies mentioned. Depending on your risk-reward profile, this trade may or may not be suitable for your portfolio.