Electrician, Handyman, Contractor; What's the difference?

I have some issues with 2 wall sockets and was referred to an electrician. He said he worked for himself.

He came to check the outlets and we discussed the fact that my home is wired with aluminum wiring. He said that I should update all of the sockets and switches. I explained that I really couldn't afford to do that unless he would be willing to take payments. He said he would.

His price looked fair and I agreed to do the work but never signed anything. He gave me an invoice with the parts and labor price. He let me charge the parts and wanted to start the next day and bring a helper.

Day 1- several hours. That night the outlet for the TV didn't work. The next day I told him about the outlets and he said he'd check them. At the end of the day he said he needed money and all I had was $200.

The next day he asked when I could make the next payment and I said I would try to figure out my cash flow. That night he started sending texts that he needed half down as that was what I had agreed to. I never said anything like that because he couldn't have started if that is what he wanted. His next text blew me away because he starts saying that he is not a financial institution and he has bills to pay and he needed to know when I could pay more.

My friend says he not licensed or a contractor; a self-employed electrician. The word contractor seems to be used loosely. I thought all electricians were licensed as skilled in their job.

The lights and garbage disposal are not working but he says nothing wrong with the disposal because it worked when he left. I paid another $200 and said I'd have another $200 in 3 days. He said he would fix the lights and disposal when I let him come back. So far I have paid him $600.00 in the first week. The supplies total $650.00.

I've been on the internet trying to figure what to do. I am scared of his hostility and I don't want him back. I just loaded the dishwasher and it doesn't work either. Internet says the work should be done by a licensed electrician and I need a permit.

I am so afraid I don't know what to do; will he retaliate if I don't find more money and tell him I don't want him to finish the job. Also, I am not sure his helper has any certification.