Check, Optimize and Secure a Nginx Web Server

I bought a VPS server from Media Temple. Im a Linux beginner and I did what I can to the server. Installed PHP, Nginx, MySQL and some other basic stuff. The server is running but I need an expert to check this setup. I have only a basic firewall setup... Even UFW have problems starting up! So, I need an expert to check the whole server and make sure its properly configured... I need it optimized for speed, less resource usage and to work well with Wordpress! I also need you to do everything you know to harden and secure the server! I also need you to explain everything you did so that I can learn. I need to learn everything you did... (Don't worry, I don't need lengthy explanations...) I already have the server setup so I don't think it will take much time. I really need to do this quick! Thanks in advance!