uk man with american fiancee - desperate help needed please!

[jim uk]

Hi,

ANY advice on getting the love of my life here into the UK so we can live together and be married would be so appreciated...I really do not know where to start...

I have been working as a carer for my family and will be starting work as a self employed landscape artist inthe new year...will this harm any application?

Will savings be enough for proof of being able to financially care for my fiancee once she is here?

Roughly how long do applications take?

Is a fiance visa the best route to take?

To anyone that responds...THANK YOU

Jim