Wow!!! you must have an amazing job to kick out cash like that. Just a suggestion, go to http://www.heartfelt.com and check out the beads. I had a heck of a time with the humidity in my humidors. I switched to those beads, and I've not had any problems keeping my humidity stable at 65%.
I'd almost be a bit leary with that cigar shop, he seemed to be selling you things, just to sell them to you, and it doesn't sound like he was much help to you. Try http://www.jrcigar.com and go to the JRUniversity section. It will teach you all the basics, on cigars, humidors, storage, etc. Hope this helps.
Thanks again! Yeah whenever any of us goes in there he always pushes really expensive stuff on us. He's a nice guy but it gets excessive after a while. I noticed it more when I went in there by myself twice. When I went in with my boyfriend he was giving us all kinds of discounts and free stuff and everything. I think I will visit those sites.