Thank you everyone! For taking the time to provide so many thoughtful points of view. This is very helpful to us; I really, really appreciate it!

Bear in mind, the Big 3 401k is a contribution, not a match, they give you 15 or 16% of your salary into the plan. You can also contribute on your own up to the allowable max. First year at an LCC is not heavily invested in that company.

With this said, (I believe, yes?) the max annual contribution, is $17,500, yes ?

17,500 is personal contribution limit. Company DC limit is "I think" 40,500.

Employee is 17.5, 50 and older is 23k. Total company/employee is 51k I believe.
Having good mutual funds can make this increase by a fair amount over time (or possibly a loss). Our plan allows for a brokerage account as part of the 40k, so you may invest in stocks or outside mutual funds on your own.