Homie tries to sell you a widget for $2. You say, nah, fam. $1.99. He say, word.

You've saved a penny, which is the same as having earned a penny in that instant because you have the same amount of money as if someone had given you a penny and you bought the widget for $2.

Saving in the context of the quote doesn't mean storing.... although if we're being pedantic, any money not spent is affected by inflation unless you then immediately spend it again and so your point still stands.