You can rely on real estate if you know the government will continue to subsidize its appreciation. But if you expect that it will eventually prove to be unsus

You can rely on real estate if you know the government will continue to subsidize its appreciation. But if you expect that it will eventually prove to be unsustainable and must be ended, the returns might not be so rosy. And defined benefit pensions are only as secure as whatever is trapping those who must pay for it. If your company manages to free itself from the union or the taxpayers refuse to pay you, it could be painful. Oh, yes, things never change, I know. Its never happened before in the history of mankind. But there's always a first time.