Ignition locking up in my 1996 nissan maxima?

i've had issues with my car's ignition locking up, before, but it was only when my wheels were turned...now it does it every time!!..it takes 10-15 minutes of jiggling,cursing ,and punching my steering wheel before it finally "un-jams" itself and promptly starts...any suggestions would be greatly appreciated...how much do you think this will set me back and can i do this with little automotive repair experience...thanks