...The way they word the message makes it sound like I will lose my money.

Yes, the message can be confusing. My first time, I called reservation desk to clarify:

You MUST cancel before the flight departs or else the ticket is worthless. I don't think you will get a travel certificate, rather, it will be in your account for future use. You will have to pay a change fee of $150 plus the fare difference at the time of the booking. Make sure you keep your confirmation #. Hope this helps.