Potential Ignition Problems - starting and not being able to turn the key.

What is your question?

I have had intermittent problems with attempting to start the car where the dashboards lights, radio, etc will come on, but the car will not turn over. It might take several attempts to get it started or be fine on the first attempt. The latest issue has been trying to turn the key beyond the "on" position and it wouldn't turn. It felt locked. I tried putting it in neutral, moving the steering wheel, pulling the key out and in again and then jimmying the key and finally it released and was able to start. At this point I don't know if I should replace the entire ignition switch or could it be something else? I don't want to be put into an unsafe situation, but I dont want to pay huge $$ to replace something that is unnecessary.