After manually formatting a bunch of bullet, numbered, and lettered lists, I
save the file. However, when I hit save, I lose most of my formatting.
Also, when I reopen the file at a later point, the formatting is gone. I've
tried over and over again, with the same problem.

What is causing this? Should I turn off all the autoformatting options? If
so, will this cause any autoformatting already done to disappear? I would
assume no.