Some great advice already. I would also add that you can do "1 free complimentary session" and then charge for rest. That way, you can always help someone the 1

Some great advice already. I would also add that you can do "1 free complimentary session" and then charge for rest. That way, you can always help someone the 1st time with a time limit and then if they come to you again, you can let them know that it will be billable. This takes care of the freeloaders while you still get to help someone occasionally for free which you like. Win win. You could start with "Hey I would love to help you and just for full transparency, I am happy to offer this 1st session complimentary but I do charge for subsequent sessions if you will need my help. Does that work for you ?". Then Pause and let them respond. You have made your process clear. Now it is upto them to accept or reject. If they say Yes sure, then next time you know that you are not doing work for them without a proposal/invoice upfront.