cabowabo - 5:43 am on Oct 1, 2005 (gmt 0)

Unfortunately, you have trained him that your time is not valuable. Untraining him is difficult, but possible. Obviously, he is intelligent, or you wouldn't be working with him. He knows that you get paid for your expertise, and you should be paid. So, my advice here is to meet with him (hopefully face-to-face) and tell him that you have spent time with him to get him up to speed on projects and have comp'd him your fees. However, the time has come where the "foundation" has already been completed and additional consulting will be on a paid basis. Either charge him your normal rate or negociate terms that are acceptable for both of you.

You mention that he doesn't have the budget to pay you. I have been in this business for a long time, and unless you have access to his bank account, I am fairly certain he has the funds to pay you. Those who complain the most, often, have the most money to spend, they just don't want to.

Cheers,

CaboWabo