Let's say you normally earn 120 k a year, or 10k a month. You and your cofounder share a studio in SF for 5k, then you need 10 + 10 + 5 = 25 k a month, meaning

Let's say you normally earn 120 k a year, or 10k a month. You and your cofounder share a studio in SF for 5k, then you need 10 + 10 + 5 = 25 k a month, meaning the YC money lasts you 4 months if you both had a good salary and don't want to compromise at all. If you are lucky enough to be earning more than 120 k now, then I'm sure you have 100+ stashed away by now, so it really should be a no-brainer for almost anyone. In reality most people earn much less, and are willing to dial down their spending a bit for a few months, so I really don't think money is an issue for the vast majority of YC applicants.