More than 500 people gathered to listen to seven expert opinions on our financial crisis.

Hosted by the MU Trulaske College of Business, one official says this forum serves to inform.

"We really wanted to give some reassurance to everyone in the audience," said moderator Bruce Walker. "If they're sitting there saying, 'I can't figure this out,' I think it's pretty evident from the panel that no one's figured it out yet."

But MU business student Joe Boyer got answers about his chief concern.

"As a student I'm worried most about not being able to get student loans in the future and also the inflation factor and the lack of jobs that are going to be in the market if it really does come down," said Boyer.

The panel eased some concerns about finding jobs after graduation.

"I think if you're going to live in maybe the Midwest, that I don't think there will be that many difficulties finding a job," panel member Judy Starr said.

But it may not be the job students envision.

"I think when most students come out of school, a lot of times they like to think that they are going to find their dream job and I think with the level of unemployment that we have right now, I think that's probably going to be a little bit more difficult for students."

As Boyer moves towards his future, he and others hope the economy re-establishes itself.

A few years ago almost 3,000 houses sold in the Columbia area. This year experts expect a little more than half that number to sell.