Aspire 5552-5495 problems?

I've had this awful Acer 5552-5495 since 2011 and it's had problems (that I've sort of ignored) since the day I got it.

The main problem I've had is with the charger. The problem has gotten worse in the last week or so, that's why I'm just now getting around to asking.

- The charger will just randomly cut off regardless of how much power the battery has. The blue power light starts flashing when the charger cuts off. Sometimes if I unplug the charger (from the laptop, not the wall) and plug it back in, it will work again but usually the power light will just start flashing and the battery will not charge.

I used to have to close the lid (which puts the computer to sleep) for the battery to charge. About a week ago it started letting me plug in the charger with the computer on BUT the charger cuts off after about 10 minutes and the power light starts flashing.

I don't know if this matters, but the battery used to hold a charge for a hour and forty five minutes (lousy) and now it only lasts for about an hour (even lousier)...

I've tried looking on google for help about this issue, but was unsuccessful. I'd love to buy a new laptop, but can't afford to do so. Will buying a new charger and/or new battery help or should I just suck it up and buy a better laptop?