Somebody Just Bought a Watermelon for $4,700

Some people can’t resist the temptation to splurge on a fancy dinner. Then there are others who can’t resist the temptation to splurge ¥500,000, or about $4,700, on a rare black watermelon.

According to Mental Floss, that’s exactly what happened Tuesday, when a lucky bidder took home a rare melon after an auction in Asahikawa, Japan, at a fresh produce market.

Densuke watermelons are known for their “black and shiny skin as well as their crunchy texture,” according to The Japan Times. They’re also considered a primo gift in Japan that’s notorious for fetching high prices, especially when they’re part of the country’s first harvest of the season. Peak season is usually in July, so this Densuke was prime for the picking.

Most consumers couldn’t afford this extravagance. The average American, at least, doesn’t have thousands gathering dust in their savings account and can hardly afford to cover an unexpected expense or emergency. In fact, a survey conducted by the Federal Reserve in 2014 found 47% of Americans said they wouldn’t be able to cover a $400 emergency expense. (You can learn how to retrain your brain to cut debt and build savings here.)

Even those with some savings should consider their splurges, especially if they plan to put the purchase on a credit card. High levels of debt, due to pricey watermelons or otherwise, could wind up hurting your wallet and credit score.

Before you run up any bills, make sure you know where your credit stands, as it’s a huge indicator of your financial standing that can affect your ability to secure a home loan, rental agreement and so much more. You can view two of your credit scores, updated every 14 days, for free on Credit.com. If your credit is in lackluster shape, you may be able to improve your score by paying down high credit card balances, disputing any errors with the credit reporting agencies and limiting new credit inquiries.

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Image: YouTube screenshot

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