So I am now a level 9 spellsword, and and running around doing somethings in Whiterun. I tried exploring on my own, and when I woke up pushing daisies, I decided it was time I better apply the perks I have. I just started learning enchantments and smithing, so I would probably want to focus there, and I wear light armor, and use a weapon, which so far has been a sword. For magic, I seem to focus on destruction and restoration. Should I apply perks here? My fear is once they are applied, there is no turning back, so I want to spend them wisely. Thanks for any (non-spoiler please) suggestions you may have. After I just got buried, I think I need to step it up a bit.

Put perks in what you think will benefit your character most.

Look through your skills and find what you've been using most. You say spellsword so are you doing destruction/one-handed or restoration/one-handed or something?

At low levels I must implore you to stay focused on using perks towards your primary combat skills. Don't put them in places otherwise until level 20 or so.

I place my perks with what I'm using the most, which right now is one-handed because I'm smithing myself some armor and a mace. I do use spells but more as a supplement than a primary tree right now.

Once you have filled your primary combat skills and have perks left over, save them for something you'll really use. There is no shame in saving perks to max out your combat skills above all others.

I don't spend perks unless my character actually needs them. I have always banked perks out the wazoo. Even finished characters with 10 or more perk points left over.

If I need more damage, I spend one and play until my damage needs increased. Or if I'm getting hammered too easily, I spend in something to improve my defense.

Hey that's not a bad strategy. I'm going to give that a shot.

If I'm a spells word I'd probably be using:
#1 one-handed
#2 heavy armor
#3 destruction and /or restoration
#4 smithing
#5 enchanting

#1 and 2 would be my primary skills so I would map outnthemperks I intend to use and focus on those. If I level up and those perks aren't available then I'd put perks in destruction. Smithing and enchanting to me are secondary and lowest priority.