Shatanand clearly stipulates that it is not one’s Dharma to put themselves into difficulty like this. They should donate their wealth only if they have surplus wealth with sufficient savings. Thus to act contrary to this is breaking one’s duty which is sinful.
Manu explains that a woman’s wealth (Stri-dhana) consists of six types - Katyayan explains these in more detail: ‘(1) Adhyagni - money or gifts (jewellery etc.) given to her during the wedding ceremony. (2) Adhyavanik - money or gifts given to a woman at the time of leaving one’s parental home and going to her in-law’s/husband’s home (Sasare). (3) Prittidatta - money given affectionately to a woman when she greets her in-laws by touching their feet. (4) Bhratrudhan - money or gifts given to the woman by her brothers (Rakshabandan etc.), (5) Matrudhan - by her mother and (6) Pitrudhan - given by her father.’
These things are what a woman’s (wife’s) wealth consists of. The only right a husband has to such wealth is the right to protect it. Thus he should never take her money but should strive to protect it. Therefore, such Stri-dhana should never be used by the husband for purposes of donation.
Yagnavalkya explains that such wealth is her’s and should not be taken away by her husband’s family members. Those men who do are thieves and so should be punished by Kings accordingly. Similarly, after the death of her husband, the men of the family should not take the woman’s gifts and jewellery.