Personal Management Merit Badge

Personal Management and the Trail to Eagle

Personal Management is one of the 13 Eagle-required merit badges. There is no substitute for it. Every scout who earns Eagle must complete Personal Management, along with the other 12 required badges and 8 electives, for 21 merit badges in total. See the full breakdown in our Eagle Scout requirements guide.

Long-lead badge: start early

Personal Management includes a tracking period of at least 91 days. Scouts who leave it until their Life-to-Eagle push often run out of time before their 18th birthday. Start the tracking requirement as soon as you have a counselor.

Personal Management Merit Badge Requirements

Summary of the 8 main requirements for Personal Management. Always confirm the exact wording with your counselor or the current official BSA requirements.

1
Do the following:
1. a.Choose an item you would like to purchase that costs at least $25. Make a plan to earn the money.
2. b.Discuss with your counselor the importance of saving and investing.
2
Do the following:
1. a.Keep a detailed log of how you spend money for 13 consecutive weeks.
2. b.Discuss your spending habits with your counselor.
3
Discuss with your counselor the following: income, taxes, budgeting, saving, and investing.
4
Explain what insurance is and why it is important.
5
Explain what interest is and how it works.
6
Develop a written project plan. Carry out the plan.
7
Do ONE of the following:
1. a.Prepare a budget for a trip or event.
2. b.Prepare a budget for a service project.
8
Discuss with your counselor what you have learned about personal management.

Merit badge names and emblems are trademarks of Scouting America (Boy Scouts of America). Eagle Compass is an independent tool and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Scouting America. Requirements are summarized for planning purposes; the official requirements are authoritative.

How to Earn the Personal Management Merit Badge

1. Get a blue card and a counselor

Ask your Scoutmaster for approval to start Personal Management, then find a registered merit badge counselor for it through your troop or council.

2. Plan around the setting

Personal Management is usually earned on your own with a counselor. Schedule regular check-ins with your counselor so partial progress does not stall.

3. Budget the time

Expect about 3 months for a demanding badge like this one. The 91-day tracking period is the floor, not the average.

4. Track every requirement

Keep notes as you complete each item so your counselor can sign off without re-doing work. Eagle Compass tracks all 14 Personal Management requirements for you.

Personal Management Merit Badge FAQ

Is the Personal Management merit badge required for Eagle Scout?

Yes. Personal Management is one of the 13 Eagle-required merit badges every Eagle Scout must earn.

How long does the Personal Management merit badge take?

Plan on about 3 months. Personal Management has a built-in tracking period of at least 91 days, so it cannot be finished in a single weekend or camp session.

Where do scouts usually earn the Personal Management merit badge?

Personal Management is most often earned on your own with a counselor. Any registered merit badge counselor for Personal Management can sign off requirements.