Explorer XLT 4.0L V6

• Automatic transmission
• 100,000 miles

Well, my car first started having electrical problems like ALL of the fords i've been cursed with(3). The tail lights went out first, but not the rear blinkers. Then the seat belt warning noise stopped working all of a sudden. I did notice that when i first got the car(before the electrical issues) when i'd back up it the battery meter on the dash would go lower, and when i'd roll the electric windows down or up it did the same thing. I got the oil changed in june, and 2 weeks after that it started to take 2 tries to start the car. It'd start, but not turn over, and then the second try it'd turn over right away. About 8 or 9 days ago I got into my car and noticed the dome light was on, even though I did not have it on the night before when getting home. Then several days later the car just wouldn't turn over until i had tried 4 times or so. It sounds like it wants to, but is very sluggish when trying to start. Today when I tries starting it all of a sudden the battery meter went all the way down, but finally started after 6 tries. When it starts it runs just as good as it always has, and doesn't chug or anything, but the battery looks like sh*t. Could it be an old battery causing all the problems since once it starts it is fine? I am going to get a battery ASAP,but need to wait 3 days for my payday...if anyone can help shed some light I'd appreciate it(my boyfriend is no help in the car department, hehe) Thank you very very much!!