Welcome to a high-energy, no-holds-barred showdown between two of the most popular wealth-building strategies: real estate and investing in an S&P 500 index fund. Ever wondered if your money is better off in bricks and mortar or riding the stock market wave? In this episode, I break down the pros, cons, and real-life examples of each approach to help you decide which path is best for you. In this episode, we cover: Real Estate 101: The highs (cash flow, appreciation, leverage) and lows (tenants, maintenance, and late-night repair calls). S&P 500 Basics: Why this “set it and forget it” strategy is loved by millions, how dividends can supercharge growth, and the power of compounding over time. Real-Life Case Studies: Meet Sarah, who turned her rental property headaches into a real estate portfolio, and Jason, who chose the S&P 500 and let compounding take the reins. Who Wins the Wealth Showdown? How to decide which investment fits your lifestyle, risk tolerance, and financial goals. Whether you’re a hands-on investor with dreams of owning properties or a laid-back stock market enthusiast who wants to let time work its magic, this episode has something for everyone. CONNECT WITH SHANNAH FREEBIE: Show Me the Money Workshop  FREEBIE: She’s Got Wealth Workshop Follow me on Instagram SPONSORS Thanks to Jenny Kayne for sponsoring the show. Get 15% off by going to http://www.jennykayne.com/etm15.  Thanks to Money Picked for sponsoring the show. To schedule a FREE meeting to figure out your next financial steps, go to http://www.moneypickle.com/etm.  Thanks to Wildgrain for sponsoring the show. Wildgrain is offering our listeners $30 off the first box - PLUS free Croissants in every box - when you go to http://www.wildgrain.com/etm to start your subscription. Thanks to Mint Mobile for sponsoring the show. To get your new 3-month premium wireless plan for just 15 bucks a month, go to http://www.mintmobile.com/ETM . Thanks to OneSkin for sponsoring the show. Get 15% off OneSkin with the code ETM at https://www.oneskin.co/  Thanks to Quince for sponsoring the show. Go to http://www.quince.com/etm for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns.  Thanks to NerdWallet for sponsoring the show. Don’t wait to make smart financial decisions. Compare and find smarter credit cards, savings accounts, and more today at www.nerdwallet.com. Thanks to Monarch for sponsoring the show. ​​After trying out Monarch for myself, I understand why it’s the top-rated personal finance app. Listeners of this show will get an extended thirty-day free trial when you go to www.monarchmoney.com/ETM.  Thanks to ButcherBox for sponsoring the show. Sign up today at www.butcherbox.com/etm and use code ETM to get $20 off your first order. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices