Constant former tough cheer-leader remains in the money (4,4,4)

'the money' is the definition.
I don't know anything about this answer so I can't judge whether it can be defined by this definition.

'constant former tough cheer-leader remains' is the wordplay.
'constant' becomes 'c' (mathematical abbreviation).
'former' becomes 'old' (both can mean previous).
'tough' becomes 'hard' (associated in meaning).
'leader' suggests taking the first letters.
'remains' becomes 'ash' (remains of a fire).
The initial letter of 'cheer' is 'c'.
'c'+'old'+'hard'+'c'+'ash'='COLD HARD CASH'

'in' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?