<prompt> Human: Quick question. I contributed roughly 14.5k to my 401k this year and 3.5k to my Roth. I just got my last paycheck and there were no deductions for my retirement taken out. I emailed HR AND they said its because I contributed the max of 18k already. I was under the impression that I could contribute 18k to my 401k and additionally contribute 5k to my Roth for a total of 23k. Whos wrong here? I was mad because I figured my percentage out to max at the end of the year to get my employer match throughout the whole year and now Im out 2 months of my employer match.  <response>: 14.5 3.5 18K.I imagine when you say 401k you mean traditional 401k, and when you say, Roth you mean ROTH 401k.And so, HR is correct.But, the game is not over.Assuming you are not restricted due to your level of income, you can contribute 5500 to an IRA outside the 401k. now Im out 2 months of my employer match.Youve contributed 18K. Thus you should get the full match. Sometimes the employer waits until the end of calendar year or quarter to give you the match because employers are trying to avoid the scenario of an employee maxing out his 401k by Feb 1, and then quitting and taking that match with him. Employers want you to work the entire year. 