Golden Handcuffs: How Deferred Compensation Keeps Your Best People (And Cuts Your Tax Bill)

The Capital Tool Your Banker Will Never Tell You About with Tyrus Shivers (Part 1)

What does a medically retired Air Force veteran do when the plan falls apart? He pivots — and builds something bigger. In this episode, host Michael Aguas sits down with Tyrus Shivers, CEO and founder of Legacy Wealth Capital Group, for a raw and revelatory conversation about failure, discipline, and the capital strategies most entrepreneurs never learn. Tyrus shares how he built a property management company from zero to 1.2 million in 18 months, managed 250 units — then walked away from it all $300K in debt. But that's not the end of the story. Tyrus breaks down the military mindset that fuels his entrepreneurial playbook, the costly mistake of "shiny object syndrome," and why shutting down instead of selling was the most expensive lesson of his career. He also pulls back the curtain on Regulation CF equity crowdfunding — the Jobs Act tool that lets businesses raise up to $5 million from everyday investors — and why it may be the most underutilized weapon in a founder's capital stack. Whether you're a solopreneur stuck in survival mode or a scaling business chasing your first exit, this episode will change how you think about money, mission, and what it really means to build wealth that outlives you. Topics covered:Military discipline & entrepreneurial mindset · Property management to $1.2M · The $300K wipeout · Regulation CF explained · Equity crowdfunding vs. bank loans vs. VC · Exit strategy · Building for scale Visit ⁠⁠reignstormmediagroup.com⁠⁠ [reignstormmediagroup.com] to connect with Michael and his team today. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://www.facebook.com/61579785595997&ved=2ahUKEwj54ObT2Y6RAxUckokEHQ7QOLIQFnoECBcQAQ&usg=AOvVaw1tSi64AJuezncQS22MBatM] ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-reignstorm-group&ved=2ahUKEwjxlfDD2Y6RAxWzlokEHbSDDiUQFnoECB0QAQ&usg=AOvVaw3B8QOpyGMWadG03xUjk71X] ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/thereignstormgroup/] Subscribe to Reignstorm Radio for more strategies on how to:💰 Slash Taxes📉 Crush Debt📈 Build Wealth

The Reignstorm Method

What separates high earners who build lasting wealth from those who hand it over to the IRS every year? It comes down to strategy. In this episode, Michael August breaks down the Reignstorm Method — a proven approach to keeping more of what you earn and putting it to work. From redirecting tax savings back into your business, to building a diversified investment portfolio, to unlocking the hidden power of cash value life insurance, Michael walks through exactly how his clients are turning their tax bills into wealth-building fuel. Whether you're looking to protect your income, create a legacy, or retire on tax-free cash flow, this episode will change the way you think about taxes forever. Tune in and find out why the smartest financial move you can make starts before April — not on it. Michael August is a seasoned financial strategist and host of the Reignstorm Radio Show, specializing in advanced tax mitigation strategies for high earners and business owners. With years of experience helping clients recover six figures or more in annual tax savings, Michael brings a rare combination of deep financial knowledge and real-world application to every conversation. His expertise spans tax planning, cash value life insurance, investment diversification, and estate strategy — giving his clients a comprehensive roadmap to building and protecting generational wealth. The Reignstorm Method is simple, save in taxes each year and put that saved money into working towards your life goals. Visit ⁠reignstormmediagroup.com⁠ [reignstormmediagroup.com] to connect with Michael and his team today. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://www.facebook.com/61579785595997&ved=2ahUKEwj54ObT2Y6RAxUckokEHQ7QOLIQFnoECBcQAQ&usg=AOvVaw1tSi64AJuezncQS22MBatM] ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-reignstorm-group&ved=2ahUKEwjxlfDD2Y6RAxWzlokEHbSDDiUQFnoECB0QAQ&usg=AOvVaw3B8QOpyGMWadG03xUjk71X] ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/thereignstormgroup/] Subscribe to Reignstorm Radio for more strategies on how to:💰 Slash Taxes📉 Crush Debt📈 Build Wealth

Golden Handcuffs: How Deferred Compensation Keeps Your Best People (And Cuts Your Tax Bill)

Most business owners think deferred compensation is only for big corporations — but they're wrong, and that blind spot is costing them their best people. In this episode of The Reignstorm Radio, host Michael Aguas breaks down exactly what non-qualified deferred compensation plans are, how they work, and why growing businesses — from law firms and CPA practices to medical offices and engineering firms — should be using them right now. Michael explains how these plans let you reward key employees with a future payout tied to performance and tenure, creating powerful "golden handcuffs" that keep top talent locked in for the long haul. You'll learn how deferred comp differs from a 401(k), why it's one of the most flexible retention tools available, and how smart structuring can help you manage taxes today while building wealth for tomorrow. Whether you're a business owner looking to protect your most valuable people, or a high earner trying to understand what's on the table for your future, this episode is a must-listen. Topics covered: * What deferred compensation actually means (in plain English) * Non-qualified plans vs. 401(k)s * Vesting schedules, performance benchmarks & tenure requirements * Which industries benefit most * How owners AND employees both win * What to expect in Part 2 Stay tuned for Part 2, where Michael dives into funding strategies, performance-based structuring, and the emotional side of building long-term business partnerships. Visit 👉 ⁠⁠⁠https://reignstormmediagroup.com⁠⁠⁠ [reignstormmediagroup.com] Fill out the partnership form and connect directly with Michael Aguas. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://www.facebook.com/61579785595997&ved=2ahUKEwj54ObT2Y6RAxUckokEHQ7QOLIQFnoECBcQAQ&usg=AOvVaw1tSi64AJuezncQS22MBatM] ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-reignstorm-group&ved=2ahUKEwjxlfDD2Y6RAxWzlokEHbSDDiUQFnoECB0QAQ&usg=AOvVaw3B8QOpyGMWadG03xUjk71X] ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/thereignstormgroup/] Subscribe to Reignstorm Radio for more strategies on how to:💰 Slash Taxes📉 Crush Debt📈 Build Wealth

Risks with the Movie Strategy (Part 3)

In the final episode of this 3-part series, Michael Aguas and Neil Haley wrap up their deep dive into Section 181 film investment by tackling the questions every serious investor needs answered before pulling the trigger. Michael walks through the real risks involved, how to protect yourself, and what due diligence actually looks like when evaluating a film project. He shares real-world examples of how the numbers play out at different income levels, explains how this strategy can be paired with other tax tools for maximum impact, and gives honest guidance on who this is right for — and who it isn't. If you've been following this series and want to know whether Section 181 makes sense for your situation, this is the episode that helps you decide. Visit reignstormmediagroup.com [reignstormmediagroup.com] to connect with Michael and his team today. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://www.facebook.com/61579785595997&ved=2ahUKEwj54ObT2Y6RAxUckokEHQ7QOLIQFnoECBcQAQ&usg=AOvVaw1tSi64AJuezncQS22MBatM] ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-reignstorm-group&ved=2ahUKEwjxlfDD2Y6RAxWzlokEHbSDDiUQFnoECB0QAQ&usg=AOvVaw3B8QOpyGMWadG03xUjk71X] ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/thereignstormgroup/] Subscribe to Reignstorm Radio for more strategies on how to:💰 Slash Taxes📉 Crush Debt📈 Build Wealth

Turn a $125K Investment Into a $500K Tax Write-Off — Section 181 Film Strategy Deep Dive (Part 2)

You heard about Section 181 in Part 1. Now it's time to understand exactly how the math works — and why this might be the most powerful tax strategy your CPA has never mentioned. In Part 2 of this special simulcast series, Michael Aguas returns to break down the mechanics behind the 4-to-1 and 5-to-1 tax deductions available through Section 181 film investment. If you earn $500K and face a $200K tax bill, Michael shows how a $125K investment can wipe it out entirely — while giving you ownership in a film with real profit potential. In this episode you'll learn: • How a $100K investment becomes $400K in deductions (and why that's legal) • The role of producer loans and how leveraged deductions actually work • What happens to your money if a film doesn't get made • Why 85% of investors in these projects reportedly recover their capital and earn a minimum 20% return • What the IRS actually says about Section 181 — and why it's not on their radar • Whether to treat your investment as active or passive income • Who this strategy is right for (household income $500K+) and who it isn't This isn't a tax shelter or a gimmick. It's a government-backed program with real economic purpose — and real movies, real stars, and real returns to prove it. Part 3 is coming — covering risks, how to sign up, and how to get started. Don't miss it. Ready to explore this strategy now? Visit reignstormmediagroup.com [reignstormmediagroup.com] and fill out the contact form to schedule a call with Michael today. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://www.facebook.com/61579785595997&ved=2ahUKEwj54ObT2Y6RAxUckokEHQ7QOLIQFnoECBcQAQ&usg=AOvVaw1tSi64AJuezncQS22MBatM] ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-reignstorm-group&ved=2ahUKEwjxlfDD2Y6RAxWzlokEHbSDDiUQFnoECB0QAQ&usg=AOvVaw3B8QOpyGMWadG03xUjk71X] ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/thereignstormgroup/] Subscribe to Reignstorm Radio for more strategies on how to:💰 Slash Taxes📉 Crush Debt📈 Build Wealth