I wouldn't spend the money on them. Essentially, you're asking a third party that both of you trust to hold the money for a sizable fee.
For previous clients, you've built a relationship with them. Build on that. Stay in good contact. This eliminates the need to proxy money.
For new clients, or folks you don't get a great feel from, just do the 33/33/33 path. 1/3 (33%) due on signing the contract (usually when you agree to the specs / sign the statement of work). 1/3 when you've reached an agreed upon milestone. And 1/3 upon completion. This limits your exposure, limits their exposure, and encourages good communication (which boosts trust, moving the new/untrusted clients into the trusted clients pile).
Really, why would you give someone a cut of your money just to hold it, when you can use other (pretty standard in the industry, btw) methods?
For previous clients, you've built a relationship with them. Build on that. Stay in good contact. This eliminates the need to proxy money.
For new clients, or folks you don't get a great feel from, just do the 33/33/33 path. 1/3 (33%) due on signing the contract (usually when you agree to the specs / sign the statement of work). 1/3 when you've reached an agreed upon milestone. And 1/3 upon completion. This limits your exposure, limits their exposure, and encourages good communication (which boosts trust, moving the new/untrusted clients into the trusted clients pile).
Really, why would you give someone a cut of your money just to hold it, when you can use other (pretty standard in the industry, btw) methods?