Bank Statements and Security Clearance

Please forgive me for my scattered posts. I am trying to gather as much information as I can to calm my mind before I apply for a marriage visa as I want to make sure I do not forget anything. I am already feeling a bit out of sorts gathering information. How far back do I need to print my bank statements? During the background check what do they exactly look for? I am in the process of paying off debt. Do they look at your debt? Also my lease is up and the rent has skyrocketed where I am and I will be living with a friend (here in the US) as I finish up grad school. Will this have any effect on my application? I will be graduating in May of this year and will be submitting my application in the next few months. I am terrified of being denied and I am sure others who have or going thru the process has felt the same way.

Thank you for all your help.

They don't care about any of your financial information.  You submit no bank statements (unless using savings to qualify).

Background check only looks at criminal/civil convictions and judgements.

Good to know and thank you for your help. I have been told to give more than what is asked just in case they want to see more. If they did and I didn't submit more chances are I would be denied.

Unless you are using your savings or non-employment income which it doesn't sound like you are doing, it will be your fiance who has to meet the income requirement.

Have a good read here.

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/525708/Appendix_FM_1_7_Financial_Requirement.pdf

@larrabee Thanks I will read

Good to know and thank you for your help. I have been told to give more than what is asked just in case they want to see more. If they did and I didn't submit more chances are I would be denied.

It is best to provide just what is required. More is not better in this case.

Many of the folks here post a list of what they are intending to include with their application and we make sure that all the correct items are included but not those that are unnecessary.
You should do that when you get to that stage. 

@larrabee Thanks I will read

And when you get done with that, there's more!

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/immigration-rules/immigration-rules-appendix-fm-se-family-members-specified-evidence

   @larrabee lol thank you for all the reading material.
I guess I am confused because according to the www.gov.uk site for marriage visas it doesn't appear I will have to submit alot yet I keep reading on here and thru friends be prepared to send alot. I apply online first I thought? Again my apologies as I am just starting out and confused beyond belief.

Are you applying for a Marriage Settlement visa, what we all call a fiance visa, or a Marriage Visitor visa?

The settlement option has a long list of requirements and is expensive. You are allowed to marry in the UK and stay in the country to apply for your Further Leave to Remain visa which starts your 5 year path to settlement.

The Marriage Visitor visa is also for 6 months but after you get married or the 6 months ends you are required to go back to the US to apply for a Spousal visa to be able to settle in the UK. It's less paperwork and MUCH easier to get and it's cheaper.

   @larrabee lol thank you for all the reading material.
I guess I am confused because according to the www.gov.uk site for marriage visas it doesn't appear I will have to submit alot yet I keep reading on here and thru friends be prepared to send alot. I apply online first I thought? Again my apologies as I am just starting out and confused beyond belief.

Actually, applying online is pretty much the last thing you should be doing.
First do your research. You need to make sure you meet all the requirements (financial, accommodation and relationship) and have the required evidence, in the required format in your hands before you submit the online application.
Once you have done that, you will attend your biometrics appointment (fingerprints and photo). Then you will send your application to Sheffield.

   @larrabee That is what I am trying to do. I have been researching all day and trying to get what I need based on what I am finding out. From what I can gather I do meet all the requirements.

 @lyonaria In order to marry in the UK don't I need a a separate visa for that and stay for 6months then return to the US and apply for the Spouse visa? A friends who did this about 10 years ago said thats what her and her husband had to do.

   @larrabee That is what I am trying to do. I have been researching all day and trying to get what I need based on what I am finding out. From what I can gather I do meet all the requirements.

Sorry, I realize that's what you're doing. I probably should have said finish your research! 
I wanted to make the point that you should not submit the online application until you are 100% ready with all your evidence in your hands.

@lyonaria In order to marry in the UK don't I need a a separate visa for that and stay for 6months then return to the US and apply for the Spouse visa? A friends who did this about 10 years ago said thats what her and her husband had to do.

It would be much easier for you to marry in the US if you can and then apply directly for the spouse visa from there.

   @larrabee lol its ok