In this powerful episode of The Ultimate Men’s Movement, Dr. Jack Rocco sits down with Michael Aguas, founder of The Reignstorm Group, to break down real-world tax strategies that high-income earners, business owners, and professionals can still use — even late in the year.

This conversation goes far beyond “tax filing” and dives into true tax strategy — the kind used by top executives, physicians, entrepreneurs, and ultra-high earners to legally reduce or eliminate excessive tax burdens.

Michael explains the critical difference between tax preparation and tax strategy, why most CPAs are reactive instead of proactive, and how overlooked sections of the tax code can dramatically change your financial future when used correctly.

If you are:

• A business owner paying six figures in taxes

• A physician or high-income professional

• Approaching a liquidity event, sale, or major income year

• Worried about protecting assets from divorce or lawsuits

• Trying to reinvest in your business instead of handing profits to the government

👉 This episode is essential listening.

Michael makes a crucial distinction:

• Tax Advisors (CPAs):

  • Primarily reactive

  • File returns based on what already happened

  • Focus on compliance, not optimization

• Tax Strategists:

  • Proactively plan years in advance

  • Identify overlooked sections of the tax code

  • Work alongside CPAs, not against them

  • Help clients legally retain more of what they earn

“Most people aren’t overpaying taxes because they’re reckless — they’re overpaying because they’re uninformed.”

Many business owners:

• Have a SEP IRA or basic 401(k)

• Max them out

• Still pay massive taxes

Michael explains:

• There are advanced retirement plans allowing six-figure annual contributions

• Every dollar contributed reduces taxable income

• These plans are often completely overlooked by standard CPAs

Michael breaks down one of the most powerful tools in the tax code:

• Allows full write-off of qualifying assets

• Assets can be leveraged

• Small cash outlay can generate huge deductions

• Can also create positive monthly cash flow

Example:

• Invest $100,000

• Finance the rest

• Receive a $1,000,000 deduction

• Improve business productivity

• Lower taxes dramatically

A simple but powerful strategy:

• Push income into January when possible

• Pull expenses into December

• Lower taxable income for the current year

• Move tax liability forward strategically

Timing matters — even a few weeks can change outcomes.

Michael introduces a little-known strategy used by billionaires and elite athletes:

• Assets placed inside a for-profit LLC

• 99% owned by a nonprofit partner

• 1% owned by the individual as managing partner

• Income largely flows tax-free

• Assets are outside the reach of:

  • Divorce settlements

  • Personal creditors

  • Business lawsuits

Used famously by Mark Zuckerberg and others.

Key requirement:

• Legitimate charitable intent

• Annual giving (typically 5–10% of profits)

Key takeaway:

• The top earners often pay 5–6% effective tax rates

• Not because they cheat — but because they plan

• They work with strategists early

• They understand leverage, structure, and timing

“Most people pay more tax than the government is actually asking for.”

Michael highlights a reality few talk about:

• Money stress is the #1 cause of marital conflict

• High taxes reduce flexibility

• Planning relieves pressure

• Retaining profits strengthens families and businesses

Short answer: It’s not — but time matters.

• December is still workable

• Strategies must be implemented correctly

• Requires immediate conversations

• Needs coordination with CPAs

Best practice:

• Strategy call with the client

• Ideally include the CPA

• Black-and-white tax code — no loopholes

• Conservative, defensible planning

Michael emphasizes:

• Men deserve to keep what they earn and deploy it intentionally

“Most people aren’t overpaying taxes because they’re reckless — they’re overpaying because they’re uninformed.”