Hi all!

So I need help from you banking and money wizards out there.
Even if you're not a finance wizard, please feel free to weigh in
on this one.

Finances are by no means one of my strengths,  so I would ask
that you please use as much plain English as possible when
replying.  The issue I need help with is totally foreign to me,
so if there are times when it sounds as if I have know clue as to
what I'm talking about, I ask your indulgence.

1.
I'm looking for a one time only loan of $3000 for purposes  of
debt consolidation.  preferably within the next two weeks or so.

   I've been a customer of Washington Mutual Bank for over 10
years.  They are telling me in order to qualify for even the
small amount I'm asking for (Their words not mine)  I need at
least four lines of credit.  Currently I only have won.  My
Washington Mutual credit card.  I was hoping because I've been
with them for so long,  and have  my won and only credit card
through them, and having been a member of the work force a little
over five years now  would count in my favor.  but no such luck.

   I have my own van.  It was bought for me by the state of
California because I have a job.  I now own it outright.  I
thought about putting it up for collateral, but that's something
I reeeeally know nothing about, so I decided to forget that
option altogether.  I also requested a raze on  my credit limit
($500) but no luck there either.  The person I spoke with said
she couldn't tell me why I was denied, but she guessed it was
because there was not enough credit in my credit report.  With
only won exception I recall I always put at least twice the
amount do on the card each month.

2.
There are tons  of these E-loan sites on line.  Are there any
good ones out there?  Should I stay away from all of them?
Please give me the good, bad, and the ugly here.

3.
Are there organizations out there that loan money specifically
to disabled folks who are working?

4.
If I were to get a loan, of $3000, do you think there would be a
problem if I were to pay it back in amounts of $200 per month?
Would that work with the current percentage rate or whatever they
call it?  (Please speak in whole numbers not percentages.)

5.
If anyone feels they could better assist me by knowing more
specifics  about my total income, please email me off list.


6.
We have a local credit union in our area.  Is there any
difference between a local credit union versus a big corporate
bank like Washington Mutual? If I understand correctly, a credit
union does all its business and keeps all its money within the
local community?  If so, would it be worth approaching  them with
my situation?  If I can clearly show I've been part of the local
community here for years  and don't have any plans to leave,
might I have a better chance at the $3000?  Would I have to move
all my banking to the credit union before they would even talk
with me?

7.
I'm a member of my local union at work.  Someone told me most
unions have their own credit union.  Is this true and if so would
this be an option I should look into?

If anyone knows of other possibilities for me, please let me
know.  Also after reading this if there's anyone who feels that
there's no way a bank or anyone else will loan me the money,
please tell me that too.  It will be the last thing I want to
hear, but I'd rather know now that I'm out of luck rather then go
off half cocked and do something I might really regret later.

Thanks much in advance gang!!-Gary