This is a difficult question. I think I would keep a certain amount of money probably 500,000 or so to keep playing, while with the other money I would use or save.
Agreed on principle. I don't know about the number 500,000 (sounds arbitrary to me), but what you are basically saying is that some form of bankroll management would be in place. Like you, I would have "poker money" and then a separate stash for myself and life. If my poker does well, then I might transfer some of those winnings into the money for myself, but I wouldn't go the other way; I'd only play with what I am comfortable losing. Naturally, I'd want to win: but people play differently when that money is for where they sleep tonight. Some might be okay with this, but I wouldn't. With money I can "afford" to lose, then I can have more confidence in going All-In or making Hero calls.
Also, it should be noted that I am not in poker for the money. I play it because it is a fun game (usually
)and because I want to improve at it. Of course, if I make some good money along the way, then great! Who wouldn't enjoy making more money? Especially true if you love playing poker because then you are making money by doing something you love.