My husband died years ago and I want to sell my $15K wedding ring but my daughter wants to keep it. Is it wrong to sell it anyway?

Let’s say, for example, that Nancy’s husband died years ago. Nancy isn’t very sentimental, and she could use some extra cash to finish home projects. She’s considering selling her expensive wedding ring, worth around $15,000.

The only problem is, Nancy’s daughter Casey is not onboard at all with the plan. She wants her mom to keep the ring, and perhaps someday hand it down to the next generation. Now, Nancy’s not sure how to proceed or if she’d be in the wrong by following through with her initial plan.

Experts say Nancy can do what she wants, but she shouldn’t ignore her daughter’s concerns

First things first. Nancy doesn’t need anyone’s permission to sell the ring, but she shouldn’t rush into doing so without first finding out why Casey is so upset about the prospect.

“I would not dismiss her daughter’s objection,” Stephanie Lewis, a master of social work and vice president of clinical operations at Epiphany Wellness, said. “She should listen carefully. But if the ring belongs to her, she doesn’t need her daughter’s permission, and can decide based on her own financial needs, values, and readiness.”

Nancy’s circumstances may also matter.

“Does she actually need the money? Is it to keep up a lifestyle that isn’t sustainable, or is this a real hardship?” Mx. Love C. Dialogos, a clinical psychotherapist and Buddhist chaplain, told Moneywise.

If Nancy truly needs the money, this may trump Casey’s feelings about the situation. Or can Nancy possibly find another way to fund her home projects that she wants to complete.

Open communication is key — but it may not fix the problem

As Nancy makes her choice, it will be important for her to communicate openly with Casey so both parties can understand where the other is coming from.

“Ask your daughter, and be curious,” Dialogos said. “What comes up for her emotionally? Where is the resistance? Ask open-ended questions, not yes-or-no ones. That will tell you a lot about what the ring means to her, or whether it matters to her at all. Is it sentimental for her? Or is she objecting to how Mom handles money?”