I was where you were just two years ago. Those techniques have saved my modeling life. Start experimenting with them and then go back and look at your early kits and you will definately see a difference.
Resin and aftermarket parts add much more detail than what comes with most kits, particularly WWII and armor kits. Resin can be a bit tricky to work with at first, as can photoetched parts, but the level of detail they bring when finished is amazing.
Anything from masking tape to sillyputty can be used as a mask. (I like sillyputty when using the above technique as it doesn't pull off the acrylic paint.)
As for Future, just get yourself a bottle and play with it. It makes an excellent gloss coat, sealant, makes clear pieces look crystal clear, and a drop on an insturment face gives the appearance of glass. It's uses are limitless.
For wheathering I use a couple of techniques. On WWII aircraft, particulary Navy, after priming I spray the whole plane with Testors Alluminum metalizer and spray the subsequent coats using acryllics. The acryl paints don't adhere to well to the metalizer and can be chipped off around panel lines or high wear areas for a great look. Washes and drybrushing finish the job. Pastel chalk and Tamiya smoke also help wear things down.