The U.S. Department of Labor has launched an online tool kit that is intended to help workers identify key issues related to retirement planning.

The tool kit includes a time line illustrating when workers should make key decisions about retirement benefits, Social Security and Medicare. It offers general guidance and a list of publications and interactive tools to assist with planning.

The tool kit was developed in cooperation with the Social Security Administration and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. "By working together, our three agencies were able to create a comprehensive source for a diverse collection of resources that will help America's workers make informed decisions that are vital to their financial security throughout retirement," said Phyllis C. Borzi, assistant secretary of labor of the Employee Benefits Security Administration.

The retirement tool kit is available at: http://www.dol.gov/ebsa/pdf/retirementtoolkit.pdf.