[rhc2104]

Actually, employer contributions do not count towards the $18k maximum per year in contributions. This is the specific advantage of having a 401k match in the first place, as it allows employees to have more tax deferred savings than otherwise possible.

Source: http://www.bankrate.com/finance/retirement/employer-match-co... (Technically, with employer match, it can go up to $53k)

[toomuchtodo]

Can also go up to $53K with after tax employee contributions, which can be rolled out into a Roth IRA upon separation from the employer.