I’m hoping someone out there has done the math or spoken to an advisor that can pass some knowledge onto me.

Divorce should be final in July. I stayed in the house and the stbxw wants her name taken off the lease. I bought the house 2 years ago knowing we would have both of our incomes to afford it. The mortgage is roughly 30% of my net monthly income. After utilities, pest control, mortgage, and a $115/mo HOA, the monthly cost for the house is roughly 40-45% of my net income. With a 6.125% interest rate, is it better to sell the house and move into a cheaper apartment? Maybe rent a cheaper house?

I will be here for about 4 more years until I can retire from the military. I have no idea what happens after that. We have young kids and I have sole custody atm, but will either go to 50/50 or primary for me this summer/fall. I don’t really understand equity in homes, but with how much of my payments go toward interest, I don’t know if it’s better to stay here for 4 years to build equity or get out now and put the extra $ I can into a mutual fund.