Self-employed people in Germany must provide for their own retirement or economically difficult times (Coronavirus, ...).
Equity funds are considered a safe and lucrative investment for long-term investing (at least 5 years).
On the German stock index (DAX) 6-8% on average per year have been achieved in recent decades.
What does 50,- Euro become with a monthly investment at different average annual returns (%)?

Is 16% per year as an average return possible?
It is possible. Which stock index achieved in the last 5 years 165% and in 10 years 446% in value growth?
You should not need the invested amount in the short term (a minimum investment period of 5 years), because anyone who "has to" sell during a recession will incur a loss or a smaller profit.
Your own average return (in percent per year) depends, among other things, on the timing of purchase and sale.
What does 1000,- Euro of starting capital become at different average annual returns?

Voluntary contributions to the statutory pension may be an alternative or form part of future retirement income.
Your eAssistentin can help with current research on this topic.
For self-employed people, the asset protection (business, pension, home, ...) is also a very important point.
How do you protect your assets from insolvency, ...?
What can be seized when and what cannot?
Your eAssistentin can also help you with this issue.
Important: Past increases in value are no guarantee of future performance.