I've tracked my spending for two years, and investing in index funds has been far less stressful than trying to pick winners. But my colleague swears by rental properties, even after dealing with a tenant who skipped rent for three months. I used to think passive income was a myth, yet my dividends now cover about 15% of my monthly expenses, which feels real enough. Is index fund investing actually the most reliable path to financial freedom, or are we ignoring the leverage and tax benefits that make real estate superior for wealth building over a decade?