Answer

The principle of performing commandments promptly is indeed a valid halakhic principle, but if you want to do something, there is no need to pay a price in order to fulfill it. As I understand it, this principle means that if there are no constraints, then do it earlier and do not delay. But you still have to live your life. In addition, regardless of that principle, throughout Jewish law concerning the Hanukkah candle there is an optimal time for lighting in the first instance, but regarding that one should remember that nowadays "until the marketplace empties out" is later.