This study examines how financial literacy and risk tolerance jointly influence personal financial planning effectiveness among adults in India. Data were collected from 100 respondents using a structured 20-item questionnaire. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) was employed to test direct, indirect, and moderating relationships. Results indicate that both financial literacy and risk tolerance have significant positive effects on financial planning effectiveness, and financial self-efficacy partially mediates the relationship between literacy and planning. The findings offer insights for designing targeted financial education interventions.