Unfortunately[...]I have relied greatly on the LFS, and it seems the more I learn the more they have let me down tremendously.
Henry, try not to be so amped up...this is supposed to be relaxing and educational!
Part of what's going on is that you are rushing things.
It's hard to be patient when the tank is so new, but try to space out your livestock additions a lot more.
Give yourself more time to get used to the critters you have and especially give yourself more time to get better at taking care of the tank.
This means giving yourself time to make some mistakes and learn BEFORE you have the tank full.
I would not buy any more fish at this point. Not for a good while.
As far as the LFS, you have to cut them more slack....any decent human being with you and your family standing in front of them talking about being on a budget is going to tell you a skimmer isn't required.
I'd say that's a credit to your store and that they
showed you respect that you won't find lots of places. Most places – especially online – are oriented only toward taking your money. You will never stand in front of anyone online and have a similar conversation, so it really can't be another way.
To make matters even less favorable, most online advice is oriented toward you spending more money or contradictory with some other online advice. Or both.
I'm going to be contradictory, but I will try to at least be clear.
Skimmers are not required.
You can find lots of people here that will confirm it. I am one of those people.
A skimmer can always be added at a later time if you decide you want one. From a budget perspective, this is smart. At the beginning your bioload SHOULD BE small, so there's arguably little reason to have a skimmer.
If you haven't read a good book or three on reefing, skip your next three livestock purchases and buy books instead. Spend your time reading.
@Paul B has an excellent book called "
The Avant Guard Marine Aquarist" that is great....more good insights on fish care than you can shake a stick at, and filled with excellent how-to's. I'm almost done with it....great book.
More good books:
The Conscientious Marine Aquarist
Aquarium Corals
...and all the rest you can find. But start with the ones I named. I love aquarium books
Also check out my post:
mcarroll's Favorite Fish Links
As well as all of the stickies in the
Fish Discussion forum.
Remember that your tank will likely be up and running for longer than your last pet – there's no need to rush anything. In fact, rushing will always lead to problems and potentially disaster.
2¢
While I may not entirely agree with some posts, it is all food for thought, and a feather in my hat for future endeavors. The reason I enjoy these forums is the multitude of opinions and the wealth of experience/knowledge. 
