As an aside, I am curious about something. I've recently been working with a contractor and I've had to make payments at various stages along the way (10% up f

As an aside, I am curious about something. I've recently been working with a contractor and I've had to make payments at various stages along the way (10% up front, 20% after framing, 20% after drywall, etc...). Do software freelancers do the same? That way, if nothing else you get _some_ money?