I have to use "sudo" for almost every git / rails command or I get permission denied. How can I fix that?

I have to use "sudo" for almost every git / rails command or I get
permission denied. How can I fix that?

I'm learning rails and as I go through the process of creating the default
app and connecting to github etc. I am forced to use sudo otherwise I get
permission denied errors. I am the admin, I am the only user account on my
computer.
Did I set something up incorrectly?
I even had this problem way back when trying to create/edit .bash_profile
Thanks for your help!