This idiom or expression like sentence means:

The answer is ...
... is the important thing.
It’s the ... that makes a difference. Etc.

If you say “It’s the winning that counts,” you mean something like:

The answer is winning.
Winning is the important thing.
It’s the winning that makes a difference. Etc.

Examples:
It’s the spirit that counts.
It’s the money that counts.
It’s the end result that counts. Etc.

This idiom or expression abbreviation stands for:

Other People’s Money.

The key to real estate investment is using OPM!!

This idiom or expression means:

Stingy.
One who doesn’t spend money easily.

A. Should we ask your brother to help us?
B. No, he’s such a penny pincher.

Also:
Tight pocket.
Tight with money.