Starting Issues

I have a 1998 Ford Escort LX. It has 86,000 miles on it. It is a 2WD stick shift. It has 4 cylinders. A few months ago, the problem started. Every time I try to start my car, it will crank but it will not start until I have turned it over 2 or 3 times. After it starts, the idle is very rough and will sometimes die, and I'll have to start it again. After I start driving it is fine, and the idle is even fine at stop lights. I don't know what I should do? Also, I have noticed a sputtering sound when I accelerate. What could this be? Are these things that I could fix, or will I need to take it in? We just moved to a new city, and we're short on money. I'd like to do as much as I can on my own. Any help would be greatly appreciated!