Most entrepreneurs are not failing because of their product… they’re failing because of their numbers.
In this episode of Hacks and Hobbies, Junaid sits down with Paden Squires, founder of Squires Tax Planning, who has quietly helped business owners save tens of thousands of dollars and rebuild their relationship with money. This isn’t a “tax tips” episode. It’s a deep dive into identity, behavior change, and the simple financial habits that separate stuck founders from those who compound wealth year after year.
Paden shares how Ray Dalio’s “Principles”, radical transparency, and his own philosophy of integrity and alignment shape the way he coaches entrepreneurs. From saving a client $30,000+ in taxes with a few structural moves, to spotting patterns in thousands of tax returns, Peyton reveals how the real unlock isn’t a secret loophole—it’s the willingness to face your numbers, do the work, and change who you are as a business owner.
If your finances feel overwhelming, confusing, or “not your thing,” this conversation will show you where to start, what to focus on, and why tiny daily decisions with money are the real superpower.
5 Key Takeaways
- Radical transparency beats guesswork – borrowing from Ray Dalio, open dialogue and honest feedback lead to better financial decisions.
- Identity comes before strategy – real financial growth starts when founders decide to change who they are, not just what they do.
- Emotion drives most money decisions – childhood money stories often control your financial behavior more than spreadsheets do.
- Small daily wins compound into wealth – tiny, consistent actions with your finances matter more than big, one-off moves.
- Avoiding your numbers is the real risk – sticking your head in the sand with money only delays the pain; transparency and feedback are the way out.
Timestamps
- 00:00 The boring secret behind business success: why principles matter more than tactics
- 01:06 Ray Dalio, radical transparency, and how hedge fund thinking applies to small business
- 03:31 Peyton’s core principle: integrity, alignment, and being the same person in every room
- 04:23 Why smart people make “illogical” money decisions (and how childhood shapes your finances)
- 06:02 The $30,000 tax win: a simple structural shift that most accountants never look for
- 08:21 The identity shift of a founder: from chain-smoking construction worker to ultra-runner and 4x revenue
- 10:52 Small daily financial habits, using AI on your statements, and where to start when you feel overwhelmed
Guest Links Website: https://www.squirestaxplanning.com Personal Site: https://www.padensquires.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/padensquires Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089855132002 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paden-squires-cpa-cfp-19681a1a YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PadenSquires Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/behind-their-success-advice-for-entrepreneurs/id1723352366 Spotify Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/2sXtqL6QHmDykXRJRFX71W?si=1760bcbc08dc4130&nd=1&dlsi=a1622ac901c2497a
Junaid Ahmed is a multi-passionate creator, storyteller, and home studio architect who believes your voice can change your world. As the host of Hacks and Hobbies, he dives deep into the journeys of people turning passion into purpose — from garage inventors to global entrepreneurs.
The podcast began as a simple idea: record honest conversations about side projects, creativity, and the hustle behind the scenes. Years later, it’s become a movement — showcasing the real, raw, and inspiring stories of everyday innovators.
Whether he’s building pro-level studios or geeking out over podcast gear, Junaid’s mission is clear: help people show up with confidence, clarity, and character.
🎧 New episodes weekdays. New perspectives in every story.
