Welcome!
1. Your definitly too wet IMO. I keep mine at 65% with Scott's beads and almost never have any burn issues. Any sticks I pick up at the B&M go into storage to dry out a bit.
2. As for you budget, to stretch it out, try
www.cigarbid.com - Some sharp bidding will get you some good fivers for way much less than shopping at the B&M. It's known as the devil site for a reason

Also, as noted above, many a good deal can be found by the BOTLs here clearing out space in their humis.