el ahorro
El ahorro means the money you set aside and also the habit of saving. It often connects to long-term goals and financial calm.
Common Phrases
- el ahorro mensual — monthly savings
- plan de ahorro — savings plan
- cuenta de ahorro — savings account
Example
El ahorro constante ayuda en emergencias.
Consistent saving helps in emergencies.
Common Mistake
Confusing it with the verb: el ahorro (the savings) vs yo ahorro (I save).
la tasa
La tasa is a rate or a fee depending on context. In everyday finance talk, it can point to a charge added to a transaction or a stated rate.
Common Phrases
- la tasa de interes — interest rate
- una tasa fija — a fixed rate
- pagar una tasa — to pay a fee
Example
La tasa puede cambiar segun el banco.
The rate can change depending on the bank.
Common Mistake
Mixing it with a similar-looking word: la tasa (rate/fee) vs la taza (cup).
la cuenta
La cuenta is an account (bank or app) and also a bill or check (like at a restaurant). In personal finance basics, it most often means your account balance and activity.
Common Phrases
- la cuenta bancaria — bank account
- abrir una cuenta — to open an account
- revisar la cuenta — to check the account
Example
Tengo dos cuentas: una para gastos y otra para ahorro.
I have two accounts: one for expenses and another for savings.
Common Mistake
Forgetting the article in natural speech: la cuenta sounds more complete than cuenta when you mean a specific one.
la oferta
La oferta is a deal, offer, or promotion. It is useful for shopping decisions and comparing prices.
Common Phrases
- aprovechar la oferta — to take advantage of the deal
- una oferta limitada — a limited-time offer
- oferta y demanda — supply and demand
Example
La oferta parece buena, pero leo la letra pequena.
The deal looks good, but I read the fine print.
Common Mistake
Using the wrong verb with it: say aprovechar la oferta, not usar la oferta in most shopping contexts.
el pago
El pago is a payment, meaning the act or the amount paid. It shows up in bills, subscriptions, and online checkout.
Common Phrases
- hacer el pago — to make the payment
- confirmar el pago — to confirm the payment
- pago en linea — online payment
Example
El pago aparece como pendiente en la aplicacion.
The payment shows as pending in the app.
Common Mistake
Mixing noun and verb: el pago (the payment) vs pagar (to pay).
el salario
El salario is salary or wages, especially in job and contract discussions. It often connects to negotiation and monthly budgeting.
Common Phrases
- negociar el salario — to negotiate the salary
- salario mensual — monthly salary
- aumento de salario — salary raise
Example
El salario neto no es igual al salario bruto.
Net salary is not the same as gross salary.
Common Mistake
Using a false friend: el salario is salary, not la salaria.
la deuda
La deuda means debt: money you owe on a card, loan, or bill. It is often used with strategies for paying down balances.
Common Phrases
- reducir la deuda — to reduce debt
- pagar la deuda — to pay off the debt
- deuda de tarjeta — credit card debt
Example
La deuda alta crea estres financiero.
High debt creates financial stress.
Common Mistake
Using a plural when you mean the concept: la deuda (debt in general) vs las deudas (specific debts).
la tarjeta
La tarjeta is a card, usually a bank or credit card in finance contexts. It also appears in phrases about payment methods and spending control.
Common Phrases
- pagar con tarjeta — to pay by card
- tarjeta de credito — credit card
- tarjeta de debito — debit card
Example
Uso la tarjeta con cuidado para no gastar de mas.
I use the card carefully so I do not overspend.
Common Mistake
Dropping the preposition: say pagar con tarjeta, not pagar tarjeta.