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Of the oddest items to actually help consumers this year, the mild winter may be the biggest boon. Severe weather patterns have caused insurance losses and financial disaster as freak snowstorms, hurricanes, and tornados have hit unexpectedly. For once, Mother Nature’s whims are causing a financial windfall for many households that do not have to pay high heating costs this winter.

More Disposable Income

Every winter households, especially low income ones, have to struggle to find extra cash to pay the winter’s heating costs. This can eat into the monthly budget and affect consumer spending, particularly if the winter is severe. However, now with temperatures remaining high and winter off to slow start, these same families are finding a spare bit of cash in their pocketbooks. This can be used to pay off overdue energy bills or add a spur to the economy by increasing consumer spending.

Government Assistance Cut

The federal government has gotten stingier with heating subsidies for those that are low-income. They used to put aside $4.7 billion, but the new budget only allows for $3.5 billion. Fears of a lack of funding for people in need of heating assistance have not materialized with the above average temperatures. Instead, agencies say they have enough money to give despite the slash in funding. Even so, the winter I not over and Mother Nature has been known to be fickle time and again.

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Businesses Enjoy Warm Season, Too

Unless your business is a ski resort, it’s likely you are also enjoying the warm winter season. Businesses pay less in energy costs, too, but can also expect to have a bit more money floating around to buy their products and services. They don’t have to pay additional costs for snow removal and there are fewer missed days of work due to weather-related problems. Other companies that may not be as happy about the weather are home heating oil and propane gas companies. Even in Maine, one of the coldest areas of the country, home heating oil companies are reporting a drop in demand of 25 percent.

Demand for Assistance High

All weather factors seem to be smiling for a large portion of the United States. Regardless, the country is still suffering record unemployment and job instability. Those that are working may have had their hours cut or are working lower-paying jobs. Home heating costs may have dropped, but the need for heating assistance programs and funding remain as long as the economy is slow to start up again. Agencies expect that if the weather turns cold, they will still end up flooded with calls looking for home heating assistance. Some households in Minnesota have seen their energy grants drop from a high of $600 to $400, leaving some wondering how they will make up the difference if it starts to get cold again. The state of Minnesota saw an increase in demand along with a decrease of 23 percent in federal payments. However, it appears that this year at least, the weather fairies are going to help by doing their part and providing Americans with a needed break in their energy costs.