so / therefore
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therefore
Introduces a logical conclusion or consequence. Synonyms are 'deshalb' (therefore) or 'folglich' (consequently).
Der Zug hatte Verspätung, also kam ich zu spät zur Arbeit.
The train was delayed, therefore I arrived late to work.
Careful, 'also' does not mean the English 'also'! The German 'also' means 'so' or 'therefore'. The English 'also' in the sense of 'too' is translated into German as 'auch'.
Ich bin müde, also gehe ich jetzt ins Bett.
I'm tired, so I'm going to bed now.
When 'also' introduces a logical consequence, it often stands in position 1 in the sentence. The verb then moves directly after it into position 2. This word order is called inversion.
Es regnet, also nehmen wir einen Schirm mit.
It's raining, so we're taking an umbrella with us.
When 'also' is used as a filler word or to introduce a thought, it stands outside the sentence structure. The sentence after it keeps its normal word order; no inversion takes place.
Also, ich schlage vor, wir fangen jetzt an.
So, I suggest we start now.
and
'und' and 'also' can both express a consequence. With 'und', you often connect two statements only loosely: something happens, and after that or because of that, something else happens. 'also' more clearly shows a logical conclusion: the second sentence follows from the first. Learners may confuse them because both can come before a consequence. If you are only connecting two actions, 'und' is natural. If you mean 'deshalb' (therefore) or 'folglich' (consequently), 'also' fits better.
Erik hat heute wenig Zeit, also verschiebt er den Termin.
Erik has little time today, so he postpones the appointment.
Ich rufe meine Eltern an und frage sie nach dem Termin.
I call my parents and ask them about the appointment.