I am saving money so that I can buy a new car or I am saving money in order to buy a new car?! Which one? Apparently so (that) and (in order) to is the same, but when do I have to use one or the other? This is crazy confusing. 12 years learning this language. 2021 is around the corner and I am still giving circles.

Question

I am saving money so that I can buy a new car or I am saving money in order to buy a new car?! Which one? Apparently so (that) and (in order) to is the same,  but when do I have to use one or the other? This is crazy confusing. 12 years learning  this language. 2021 is around the corner and I am still giving circles.

Answer

Both are correct and you could say either one. “So that” is a bit more commonly used in every day speech, so that’s what you would hear more often.

Answer

Just a point about your last sentence: you’re GOING in circles, not giving circles ;-)