I've been working as a freelance graphic designer for 4 years now and my income varies quite a bit from month to month. I don't have an employer deducting pension contributions like you'd get with a regular job, so I want to start setting something aside for when I'm older. What options do I have in my country without relying on an employer?
The first thing is that you need to find out what options exist in your specific country, because they vary a lot depending on where you live. In most places, freelancers can open voluntary savings accounts or private pension funds without needing an employer. Some countries also have programs for self-employed workers where you contribute regularly yourself (as if you were both employer and employee at the same time). Look into your country's pension superintendent or financial authority to find out what those funds are and how they work, because commissions and returns vary quite a bit.
The most important thing is that you set aside a fixed percentage of your income to save, even if it's something small at first. If your earnings vary, you can average what you made over the last few months and save a percentage of that each month, or always keep a minimum amount set aside and put more in during the good months. A lot of freelancers also open investment funds or traditional savings accounts on the side, precisely because income is unpredictable.
Also, make sure you're contributing to social security as a self-employed worker if it's mandatory in your country, because that also counts toward retirement. And if you have an accountant or manager who helps you with taxes, ask them directly what they'd recommend, because they know exactly how things work where you are and what tax benefits you can take advantage of 💚
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