Fame & Fortune interview: Country singer Aaron Tippin Retirement set, his charity shows he 'stands for something'
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Bankrate: You own an outdoor-hunting supply store. How did you decide to go into retail? With a retail store, you have to stay right by to keep on top of things.

Aaron Tippin: I did it for fun, then it became a chore. I just recently shut it down. I helped people pick out their shotguns and thought, "What am I doing this for?"

Bankrate: You were the first singer to contact the Bush-Clinton Katrina Fund. Now, you have people donating at concerts. Do you think the momentum and energy of the live shows make people donate more than if they were watching TV?

Aaron Tippin: It probably does. The other night in Pennsylvania, I took those two buckets out. I said, "We have other Americans who need our help." In less than six minutes, we raised almost $2,000! They wanted to give, I saw 50s, 100s being put in. I like the Bush-Clinton Katrina Fund, because it goes straight to the states.

Bankrate: Are you involved with any other charities?

Aaron Tippin: I am an outdoor spokesperson for the Paralyzed Veterans of America. Then, of course, every country singer gets involved with St. Jude's. I also travel with the Armed Forces' YMCA. I also work with the Boy Scouts.

Bankrate: You are involved in many U.S.O. shows. Does the format of your shows change for that?

Aaron Tippin: It had in the past. I used to do special Thanksgiving and Christmas shows for them. I think I'll do a show that's like my regular shows, so they can feel closer to home. Usually, in the States, I'm off at Christmas. I'll do a regular show, so we can act like we're not in a strange land.

Bankrate: Do you manage your own money?

Aaron Tippin: Usually, I don't have money in the stock market. I have financial advisers through my bank. In my business, yes, I sign the checks. I have an accountant.

Bankrate: Do you have investments?

Aaron Tippin: My portfolio is pretty widespread. We're not high-risk investors. We're pretty conservative. We don't own any rental property, the job keeps me plenty full. I'm just trying to work on my career, give it one more trip up the road. I've got my retirement, and I collect antique airplanes. I'm a certified airplane mechanic.